Smullen scores despite slipped saddle

The Malton Handicap at Killarney won’t feature on the list of Pat Smullen’s big race wins but it did provide a winner to remember for this year’s Epsom Derby hero who managed to steer Xsquared (7/4f) to win despite being out of control with a slipped saddle for most of the 2m1f contest.

Smullen held up Xsquared in mid-division on the inside in the early part of the race but the keen-running gelding soon pulled his way into a prominent position. Passing the post with a circuit to race, Xsquared pulled his way to the front with Smullen’s saddle slipping alarmingly forward.

Smullen safely negotiated the next bend but was soon out of control as his mount continued to race freely, now on the outside. Entering the home straight the pair were still in front and while the chasing pace attempted to close, Xsquared continued on his merry way. Passing the furlong pole Smullen was able to ask for some effort and to Xsquared’s credit he held the challenge of Black Label close home, for a length and a half success.

Smullen later stated “it was very eventful and never as long as I can remember have I had a saddle slip as bad.”

He added “he was just very strong for the first two furlongs and was too keen. He’s got no wither and the saddle slipped up his neck and I was out of control turning into the straight the first time. Luckily my colleagues left me out and let me go to the front otherwise I was in danger of clipping heels.

“I was out of control the whole way to be completely honest, until we got to the two furlong marker and from there I just tried to sit still and try to keep the saddle in place. Thankfully he had the ability to hold on.

“As they turned into the straight I was very much in fear of coming off him but thankfully when he straightened up I realised they weren’t going to get to me I said we’d better make the best of a bad situation! It was just one of those things.”

Xsquared’s win was also a fourth straight success, and afterwards winning trainer Peter Fahey said “the saddle slipped properly up the horse’s neck but fair play to Pat! I’ve known him since we were pony racing together and he’s a good family friend and I think this is his best year ever.”

He added “Xsquared will go to Galway for the 2m2f novice chase on Wednesday next.”

By Tom Weekes