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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

In-form McNamara guides Smithscorner in

Thu 20th Aug 2020, 19:15

Smithscorner in winning formSmithscorner in winning form
© Photo Healy Racing

Conor McNamara continued his good form by booting Smithscorner home in Killarney’s two mile one handicap chase.

The 5/1 chance travelled strongly into contention at the third last and soon led on the bridle under top weight of 11st 12lbs. Ballyegan Hero tried to hunt him down coming to the last but, once the leader cleared it he was driven out to prevail by three lengths for trainer Michael Kennedy.

The runner-up went off at 7/2 and finished nine lengths clear of Veneziano Springs (12/1).

Conor McNamara said: “He’s a great horse. Michael (Kennedy) has done a fantastic job with him and he has improved from run to run.

“He won in Wexford off 100 nearly this time last year and he has done nothing but improve. Hopefully he can keep improving.

“I jumped off towards the back and he fell asleep and I was half inclined not to let the others get first run on me halfway down the back so I was sitting as much as I could and I went to half mooch up down to the third last and he took off. To be honest I hit the front miles too soon. It wasn’t the plan but he was good and tough in the end.”

This was McNamara’s sixth winner since August 10th.

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.