Trainer Kevin Smith puts first Flat winner on the board

Kevin Smith trained his first Flat winner when second reserve Jackmel got in to take the Michael Cooney Memorial Handicap (Div II) under Billy Lee at Dundalk.

A brother of established handler Matt, and son of owner Kevin senior, Smith was off the mark as a handler when It Takes Time triumphed at Downpatrick in August.

A nicely supported 11/2 second favourite (from 8s, and bigger earlier), Jackmel made all, and he was ridden a furlong out.

Edging right in the final hundred yards, the Bushranger gelding kept on best under pressure to defeat Overtake and New York Ballet by three parts of a length and half a length.

Jackmel had an absence from the track of 621 days before returning this summer, and tonight he was building on three efforts in July, August and September.

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Royal Scholar ridden by C.D. Hayes, Gormanston ridden by R.C. Colgan, Wisaka ridden by J.M. Sheridan, Rotokura (GB), ridden by James J. Doyle and New York Ballet, ridden by D. McMonagle, where it appeared that Wisaka ran short of room and checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that any interference appeared to be accidental in nature and they therefore took no further action.

J.M. Sheridan, rider of Wisaka trained by Adrian Murray, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly right in the straight.

James J. Doyle, rider of Rotokura (GB) trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung both ways up the straight.

D. McMonagle, rider of New York Ballet trained by Edward Lynam, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount reared up leaving the stalls.

W.J. Lee, rider of Jackmel trained by Kevin Michael Smith, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount drifted right in the last furlong.

(GC & EM)