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Smullen doubles up with Swamp Fox

Swamp Fox gains a deserved win under Pat Smullen at BallinrobeSwamp Fox gains a deserved win under Pat Smullen at Ballinrobe
© Photo Healy Racing

Pat Smullen completed a double on the evening at Ballinrobe as Swamp Fox took the Tote Best Value For The Galway Festival Maiden in convincing fashion.

The dual purpose gelding won over hurdles at Thurles earlier this year but put a number of placed efforts behind him on the flat with this wide-margin success.

Smullen, on the mark earlier aboard Burma Star for his boss Dermot Weld, sent the 15/8 favourite clear well over a furlong out and he galloped on strongly.

The Windsor Knot gelding was all of eight lengths clear of Princely Conn at the line, with Lilly’s Express a further head back in third.

Winning trainer Joe Murphy said, “I suppose you could say that was long overdue. He’s very genuine but is so laid-back that he needs the blinkers to sharpen him up.

“He’ll be entered for the amateur race at Galway (next Monday). I think there is a big race in him some day.”

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.