THERE are many out there who claim to be the first to spot the talents of Rachael Blackmore but there is one man up north who has definite claims to be among the first. The proof is in the form book.

Back in 2015, when our Cheltenham and Aintree heroine had just turned professional and was still seeking a first pro winner, she partnered with the mare Personal Shopper no less than 10 times through the summer of 2015. Together they were second four times, beaten two heads and a short-head.

Blackmore has often mentioned Personal Shopper’s trainer Harry Smyth as one of her supporters in those first months of gaining experience which were so vital.

Octogenarian Smyth has been training a few horses in Co Antrim since 1986 and, with assistant Kim Welch and one of his current charges, Zagnzig, they were among the stars of the BBC Northern Ireland documentary on a year at Down Royal racecourse two years ago.

Last weekend Harry returned to the winner’s enclosure with Willyouwalkwithme who came with a sustained run to get up by a nose to win in Downpatrick under Dubliner Dylan Johnston, a first winner for the young jockey.

He might have started 18/1 but Harry was more than hopeful and this time had a few pounds on. And a dissection of the formbook reveals the reason.

Back in November 2019, Willyouwalkwithme finished eighth in a maiden hurdle in Down Royal to no less than Envoi Allen. And behind him in 10th place was a certain multiple future winner by the name of Dreal Deal.

“My horse was beaten 50 lengths by Envoi Allen at level weights, and he was 25 lengths in front of Dreal Deal. One of them is rated a 160 and the other is 140 and mine’s rated 84 so he was entitled to win,” Harry reported.

Like many who operate at a low level for the enjoyment, Smyth has found the last year tough, trying to find races for his three-horse operation.

“Terrible, can’t get a run. To get a horse handicapped nowadays, waste of time. I work with ‘cast-offs’ all the time. I like older horses and quirky horses.

“I cut grass for them every single day. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t survive. I need something to do all the time.

“Kim has been helping me for about 15 years now. It takes someone like that who is very dedicated, very animal orientated.

“I used to race stock cars for 25 years. I represented Ireland threee times in the championships of the world. I’m a sportsman.”

While times are tough for someone training for themselves, Harry has hopes of another visit to the winner’s enclosure with Willyouwalkwithme. “He’ll win another two, no bother, keep on going!”And keep the Field of Dreams furnished for a bit longer.