Moonovercloon and James Smith © Photo Healy Racing
Moonoverclover stormed home on the run-in to claim the AJC Group Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick for father and son team Matthew and James Smith.
The pair had teamed up with Bigz Belief at Sligo on Tuesday and Smith junior partnered his second winner since going pro on the well backed 3/1 favourite (10/1 this morning).
His mount was held up in rear early in the two-mile-contest and was a bit sticky over the first few hurdles.
The Sea Moon gelding warmed to his task though and was driven along to take closer order going to the final flight.
He really started to motor when tackling the hill and claimed Willyouwalkwithme in the closing stages to post a five-and-a-half length win.
Smith senior said: "He ran well in a bumper here before, but he said he is a tricky horse and he didn't want to go. He just said he was never travelling for him.
"I thought looking at it that there wasn't much hope for him. A good ride I must say, he got him going anyway - perhaps the ups and downs and turns.
"He would be on and off the bridle, but has ability.
"I'm delighted to get that hurdle win for the lads.
"I thought the trip might have been a little bit sharp for him, but I didn't mind the drop of rain with the trip being a bit sharp."
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
