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Smithers boys to the fore in handicap chase

Anodandawink Anodandawink
© Healy Racing Photos

Sent off the 4/1 joint-favourite, Anodandawink completed a hat-trick of wins over fences when taking Downpatrick's handicap chase over an extended two miles, seven furlongs.

Successful under Harry Cobden at Wexford in July and in the hands of today's rider Peter Smithers at Kilbeggan last month, the J.P. McManus-owned homebred raced close to the pace and went on before three out.

The other 4/1 joint-favourite Western Model , ridden by Conor Smithers, gave chase up the hill, but the winner wasn't hard pressed to fend off that one's challenge by two and a half lengths.

Dot Love, representing winning trainer Ciaran Murphy, reported: "He really got the hang of it at Kilbeggan, with the undulations.

"I thought he jumped awfully well and he got a lovely ride.

"I'm sorry Ciaran isn't here today, he's had an operation, but he will be delighted. This will give him a tonic.

"Peter said the horse in front made him concentrate and then when the other one ( Littlebiggie ) fell, which was unfortunate for her, he still was focused.

"I think there is more to come from him - he's a good, little horse. I think he loves it now."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.