Laviniad (centre) and Pat Smullen beats Hes Our Music (left)© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins added to his impressive record at Royal Ascot during the week with Clondaw Warrior, and Laviniad further emphasised the Closutton maestro's ability on the flat when taking the featured www.gowranpark.ie Handicap.
The Lawman mare has really blossomed over the past nine months and was recording her third win in that period in this seven-furlong event.
Pat Smullen had to fight for some racing room early in the straight on the 9/4 favourite but, once getting out in the open, she responded gamely under pressure.
The Ballylinch Stud-owned five-year-old headed the front-running Hes Our Music over 100 yards out, and stayed on really well to score by two and a half lengths. Strait Of Zanzibar was a further two and a half lengths back in third.
Smullen said, "I blame myself for the last day but in fairness she was labouring on the heavy ground and she was never travelling. Ideally a mile is her trip but would get another furlong.
"In fairness to her she is very consistent and runs to her mark every day.
"The ground is beautiful and in tremendous condition."
(TW & AM)
