In-form McNamara guides Smithscorner in Conor McNamara continued his good form by booting Smithscorner home in Killarney’s two mile one handicap chase. The 5/1 chance travelled strongly into contention at the third last and soon led on the bridle under top weight of 11st 12lbs. Ballyegan Hero tried to hunt him down coming to the last but, once the leader cleared it he was driven out to prevail by three lengths for trainer Michael Kennedy. The runner-up went off at 7/2 and finished nine lengths clear of Veneziano Springs (12/1). Conor McNamara said: “He’s a great horse. Michael (Kennedy) has done a fantastic job with him and he has improved from run to run. “He won in Wexford off 100 nearly this time last year and he has done nothing but improve. Hopefully he can keep improving. “I jumped off towards the back and he fell asleep and I was half inclined not to let the others get first run on me halfway down the back so I was sitting as much as I could and I went to half mooch up down to the third last and he took off. To be honest I hit the front miles too soon. It wasn’t the plan but he was good and tough in the end.” This was McNamara’s sixth winner since August 10th.
