Pat Smullen is on the verge of his first Flat jockeys championship after partnering a 96 1/2 to 1 treble aboard Mist Of Magic, Beebeep and Hip Pocket at Thurles yesterday.
The former dual champion apprentice sent well-backed evens favourite Mist Of Magic to the front early in the straight of the Horse And Jockey Maiden, and the Dermot Weld-trained filly kept on well to beat Leopardi by a length and a half.
Tom Queally picked up a three day suspension (October 14, 15 & 18) for careless riding in this race after an enquiry into an incident on the bend past the stands involving his mount, Renata's King, and the Stephen Craine-ridden My Delilah.
Beebeep successfully reverted from hurdles to land the mile and three quarters Thurles Handicap. Frank Ennis' charge stayed on gamely to beat Shoeless Joe by three lengths, and will be switched back to hurdles for her next outing.
Smullen is now on the 72 winner mark for the season - 11 clear of nearest rival John Murtagh - after Hip Pocket gained a hard-earned three quarters of a length verdict over Rossmill Native in the concluding October Handicap.
Moscow Express benefitted from a fine positive ride by Ruby Walsh to take the featured Tipperary Chase, although the two mile and one furlong event was robbed of much of its interest when favourite Frozen Groom unseated Barry Geraghty at the first. Walsh utilised the eight-year-old gelding's proven stamina, and had plenty in reserve to beat Space Trucker by 12 lengths.
Walsh later completed a double when Kirmar led two out for a comfortable ten length success from Killaloe in the Cashel Beginners Chase.
