Smurfer seeks Kerry compensation Usuel Smurfer is to seek handsome compensation for missing out on a crack at the Galway Plate when he goes for the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel on Wednesday. The John Hanlon-trained six-year-old went close to picking up the consolation race for the summer feature at the Ballybrit track when just beaten a head by Aranhill Chief and is now being aimed at the valuable three-mile handicap chase, with owner Barry Connell hopeful of a big run. "I think we missed out by 1lb on getting into the Galway Plate, so we ran him in the consolation race, the Galway Blazers, and he ran well and finished second. He's gone up another 4lb for that, so he's up to 138," said Connell. "He'd certainly have a good chance. It's a competitive race, but he's very consistent and with a bit of luck he should be involved in the business end of the race."
