Innamorare (nearest) gets the better of the grey Avalanche © Photo Healy Racing
Innamorare followed-up on her course and distance win from a fortnight ago, as she took the SMOKIE Handicap under Chris Hayes for Clare Cannon and her father Geoffrey (owner).
Also successful at Roscommon in June, the daughter of Intense Focus was sent off at 12/1 this evening, with Perfect Tapatino going to post a well-backed 9/2 favourite (from 8s).
Settled in mid-division, the bay victor was ridden from two furlongs out, and had a good battle with Avalanche inside the final furlong, with just a neck separating them at the line.
The runner-up was returned at 16/1, while the aforementiond favourite was another three parts of a length back in third.
Cannon also saddled the fourth horse home, and that was Coreczka with Oisin Orr aboard this 14/1 chance.
Hayes said afterwards: "She's a nice filly and travelled real strong. I won a couple of starts back on her in Roscommon, and I thought she was going to win snug this evening but I probably got there a fraction too soon.
"She pricked her ears and gave Wayne (Lordan, on Avalanche) a second chance but she was genuine and stuck her head out where it matters.
"I asked Oisin (Orr) why he picked Clare's other horse (Coreczka) and he thought she had potential to improve. This one is obviously on the up."
STEWARDS REPORT
Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Tiny Tempest trained by Gavin Cromwell, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91.
Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Zalzar trained by G.M.Lyons, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
