Cozone © Photo Healy Racing
On the deck when his mount Moonovercloon in a share of the lead at the time, fell at the last in the preceding contest, James Smith had a much happier time aboard 25/1 winner Cozone in the closing stages of the John F. McGuire Handicap Hurdle.
The blinkered dual Flat winner arrived on the scene full of running two out and breezed home by 11 lengths from Getaway Charlie to record a first success over jumps.
"I thought he'd hate the ground but he kept good and wide," said Smith's father, winning trainer Matt.
"He is tricky and normally when he gets his head in front he pulls up and even in Dundalk there has been races he could have won but stopped. He appears to have plenty of ability though and has had a few good runs over hurdles.
"It was brilliant and I'm delighted for the five lads (Spoonful Of Irish Syndicate, from Slane) who love their racing and a few of them are down for the week."
"James is riding well and is going to Jonjo O'Neill's full-time next week. He is a bit of a loss to me but he is riding well - he was unlucky in the last race and hopefully will get more opportunities over there."
