Jockey James Smith rode a double for his uncle and father at Downpatrick on Friday evening. © Photo Healy Racing
Having won the penultimate race of the evening for his uncle Kevin half-an-hour earlier, young James Smith partnered Another Choice to success for his father Matthew, in the concluding WKD Beginners Chase at Downpatrick.
Back in his home country after a stint in Britain where he was based with Jonjo O'Neill, the teenager had to be at his very strongest to hold off jockeys championship leader Jack Kennedy on Duffle Coat in a driving finish.
The well backed seven-year-old was held up in the early stages of the race, before moving closer to the pace after the fifth last. Travelling nicely in third approaching three out, Smith went on from leader Walk Away on the run to the second last.
For a free strides it had looked as though Duffle Coat had no more to offer back in third but the Gordon Elliott trained gelding found an extra gear to challenge Another Choice after two out.
Nothing separated the two horses on the run-in with Smith just edging ahead close home to prevail by a neck.
Matthew Smith said: "He jumped very well and I'm happy with him. I was very happy with his work recently.
"He ran in Gowran a while back and the ground was too wet and he just couldn't get through the ground.
"The one thing I was happy with that day was that he settled. He has a tendency to get very lit up and very keen and hang. He's quirky. I was happy that he settled away in Gowran and didn't hang.
"I thought on his best form he'd have a chance. He won a maiden hurdle up here and he won a bumper (in Cork), so he's not a bad horse.
"I'm delighted for James. He did seven months over with Jonjo (O'Neill) and he loved it. He said he would come back for the summer with the option of going back next winter if he wants.
"He's a good lad and he works hard, he has a good head on him.
"I'm delighted for Michael Hannon (owner), he has been very patient with the horse and a few disappointing days. The horse has ability and he showed it there today."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
