EVEN by his own standards Billy Lee was utterly masterful in getting One Cool Poet home in front in the Open Gate Pure Brew Handicap. In victory Matthew Smith’s charge achieved the notable distinction of becoming the first horse to win twice at this year’s meeting and he could yet try to make it three wins in the week in a flat handicap on Saturday.

On Tuesday, One Cool Poet won over a mile but a step-up to a mile and a half was no problem for the patiently-ridden gelding. He had most of the field to pass inside the final half-mile but Lee deftly guided him through the field on the inner, and just as he did on Tuesday the rider conjured a sustained burst from his mount without ever appearing to ask him for his all.

The DRFG Partnership-owned winner prevailed by a length and a half; before this week, the son of Urban Poet had gone four and a half years without a win.

Commanding

The day’s action concluded with a commanding success for the Charles Byrnes newcomer All Those Years in the Guinness-sponsored bumper over two and a quarter miles. The well-backed J.P. McManus-owned 4/7 favourite quickened smartly from the turn-in for Derek O’Connor to take control of his race and come home almost four lengths clear of Tudors Glory.

“We were hopeful of a good run as it didn’t look the strongest of races. He’ll come on plenty from this and I’d imagine he will go jumping now,” commented Byrnes.

Highlight of the day

AT last Tudor City’s day in the sun arrived in the Galway Hurdle and he provided a timely reminder of Tony Martin’s prowess at readying his inmates for longterm targets.

McNamara ban

CONOR McNamara picked up a three-day careless riding ban on Stratum in the Galway Hurdle

Mate hampered

IN the same race Chosen Mate, who pulled up, was reported to have clipped heels at the hurdle past the stands before being badly hampered on the bend away from the stands.