Smooth River and Declan Lavery© Photo Healy Racing
Jockey Declan Lavery rolled back the years with a win for former employer Willie Mullins at Wexford this evening as he merely kept easy winner Smooth River on an even-keel to record an all-the-way 14 lengths win in the concluding Michael Moore MercedesBenz INH Bumper.
In truth, Lavery had his hands full keeping a lid on the keen-going daughter of Desert King but in the end she maintained her gallop to beat Lucca Lady in some style.
Lavery, once an in-demand professional jockey who reverted to amateur status due to weight issues, was today bridging a five year gap between winners for Mullins and afterwards he said “that was the plan (to make all) as she is very keen and very forward going.
“I never rode her before but I talked to David Casey (Mullins’ assistant) who rides her everyday, and he just said don't fight with her. She’s not too bad and stayed going very well.
“I haven't been in Willie's in a good while, but I'd said there is plenty more to come with her."
Quotes from Donal Murphy
