Pat Smullen completes a double at Down Royal on Notable Graduate© Photo Healy Racing
Notable Graduate completed a first and last race double for Pat Smullen when taking the ATTHERACES Ulster Cesarewitch at Down Royal.
Smullen is edging ever closer to his seventh flat jockey’s championship, and his first since 2010, and the 3/1 favourite struck the front here at the furlong pole.
The Dermot Weld-trained gelding needed to be driven out, and kept on well to beat Massini’s Trap by a length and a half, with the front-running Papa’s Way a further length and three quarters back in third.
Smullen was earlier on the mark when teaming up with old rival Johnny Murtagh as hot-pot Kasbah took the juvenile maiden in clear-cut fashion.
Smullen said, "It was uncomplicated, and he had a lovely run round. The step up in trip helped.
“He travelled better than his last two starts though to be fair he probably ran into a good one in Dundalk. He probably outstayed the second horse tonight. He's been running consistently. The visor and trip helped."
On the horses he is most looking forward to riding over Irish Champions Weekend he nominated Free Eagle, Mustajeeb and Tarfasha.
(MG & AM)
