Weld & Smullen win Leopardstown's opener

Champion Jockey-elect Pat Smullen registered his 116th winner of the season on the final day of term at Leopardstown today, winning the opening Tote EBF (Fillies) Maiden on the Dermot Weld trained Tempera (2/1f).

Smullen moved the daughter of Dansili to the front with a furlong to race and in the end the pair maintained their gallop to hold the challenge of Asking by half a length.

Weld later stated “she did what we expected and she’s a nice filly for next year.

“The second is a nice filly and this is always a good race - it generally takes a stakes filly to win a maiden this.

“She ran very well at the Curragh when fourth and I see her as a stakes filly for next year and seven or mile looks her trip. She’s not short of pace, always travelled easily and will come back for one of the Guineas trials. She’s a gorgeous big filly and she’s all class.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson