The Brendan Walsh team enjoyed a great start to the Ellis Park meet, courtesy of maiden winner Smoke and a determined late scorer in Sumood.
The first leg of the double came in impressive fashion as Smoke shed her maiden tag under a polished ride from Danny Sheehy.
The daughter of Volatile broke sharply from the gates and quickly secured an ideal position in third along the rail, travelling strongly throughout the opening stages. Approaching the home turn, Smoke was perfectly poised to pounce and, when asked for her effort, she swiftly swept to the lead. From there, she proved much the best, drawing clear to score eased down at the wire.
Congratulations to her owners and breeders, Arindel, on a highly impressive maiden victory.
The opening-day double was completed in the lucky last with Sumood, who produced a similarly professional performance to strike late under Ben Curtis.
Breaking cleanly from the gates, Sumood settled beautifully in third position on the rail and enjoyed a dream trip throughout. Still tucked away in the pocket turning for home, Curtis remained patient and waited for an opening to appear. The split between horses finally came with a furlong to run, and Sumood showed an impressive turn of foot to burst through the gap and win gamely.
Congratulations to his owners and breeders, Shadwell, on another well-deserved success.
The pair of victories provided the team with a flying start to the Ellis Park summer meet and continued the stable’s strong momentum heading into the weeks ahead.
