Success for Smullen Reigning Irish champion jockey Pat Smullen made a rare journey to Britain pay dividends when Oases sprung a 20-1 shock in the opener at Newbury this afternoon. Smullen, who is locked in a battle with Johnny Murtagh and Michael Kinane for this year`s title, was invited over by winning trainer Brian Meehan, who had been introduced to the rider at the recent Goffs Sales. And Oases responded well to his jockey`s urgings in the testing conditions to take the TFMCyntergy Maiden Stakes by a length and a half from Loveleaves. 'We have always thought that he was a nice two-year-old and he has handled the ground when some of the others haven`t,' said Meehan. 'There might just be enough time to run him again this season. 'Pat`s agent, Kieran O`Toole, said that he would like to come over and ride when there was no racing in Ireland so here he is!'
