We now know this year’s Grand National winner is Auroras Encore (66/1) and congratulations to trainer Sue Smith, jockey Ryan Mania and owners D Pryde, J Beaumont and D Van Der Hoeven.

There was no joy for locals at Aintree this year with Jonjo O’Neill coming closest with Holywell, finishing a great second behind Solwhit in the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle. In this week’s column, we have three local winners on the flat, all trained by David O’Meara.

O’Meara Hits The Turf Running

Fermoy trainer and Yorkshire based David O’Meara was the man to follow last week with three flat winners. His Smoothtalkinrascal (7/1), Music In The Rain (7/2) and Classic Colori (4/7f) all striking last Friday for an across the card treble. All three horses were ridden by stable jockey, Daniel Tudhope.

Smoothtalkinrascal ran in a good quality Class 3 Conditions Sprint (6f) at Leicester. With only five runners going to post, it was always going to be a tactical affair. Sent off fourth favourite of the five, Smoothtalkinrascal was coming back off a six month break and having his first run for O’Meara. Dropped out in rear, Tudhope was anxious to get a clear run in the race. Having found a little trouble two out, Tudhope came with a sustained challenge inside the final furlong once getting a clear run. Looking held all the way to the line by Zanetto (7/2) and William Buick, Smoothtalkinrascal showed a determined attitude to just get his head down where it mattered on the line. In a tight photo finish he got the verdict by a head with Jillnextdoor a further five lengths back in third.

Mike Prince representing Middleham Park Racing said, “That wasn“t a surprise as Smoothtalkinrascal had been working well. We picked him up from Brian Meehan at the sales.”

Rated 92 before this win, Smoothtalkinrascal can progress again this season having been highly tried in the Group 2 July Stakes last season. He is a horse to keep on the right side of this season.

Another O’Meara inmate, Music In The Rain (7/2) completed a double for the yard in the very next race. Having just his second start for the stable, this five year old son of Invincible Spirit was dropped two pound for his previous outing. This looked a competitive Class 4 handicap over seven furlongs. Jockey Tudhope was hoping to get an early lead.

With the favourite Haftohaf (5/2f) setting a good pace, Music In The Rain latched onto the back of him and soon both horses were clear of the field. With Tudhope coming to race under the stands rail, it soon became apparent that his mount was going by far the best. Asking for more effort at the two furlong marker, Music In The Rain responded strongly to forge clear inside the final furlong for a two and three quarter length win. President Lincoln (13/2) stayed on for second, with Haftohaf holding out for third.

Music In The Rain, formerly trained by Jim Bolger, should progress further on this evidence and O’Meara will surely be looking at better races for him in the summer. He may have little choice now but to step him up in class with his rating of 78 now looking to go beyond 85 after this impressive win.

Tudhope said, “I wanted a nice lead and Music In The Rain did it nicely inside the last furlong.”

Moving onto the all weather and Wolverhampton that same evening where O’Meara’s Classic Colori (4/7f) was sent off a short priced favourite for a Claiming event.

Dropped down two grades here, Classic Colori found life a bit tougher in class 4 handicaps on his last two starts. Ridden again by stable jockey Daniel Tudhope and with blinkers applied, he had little trouble disposing of his three rivals here. Travelling well into contention, Classic Colori quickened clear inside the final furlong for two and three quarter length win from Matraash (33/1) and Stephen Craine.

Classic Colori is now three from three with blinkers applied in this class 6 claiming grade. No doubt O’Meara will keep him to this company for the time being, as he still retains plenty of ability.

Tony Hamilton one of owners said, “Classic Colori seems to be behaving himself these days as he lost his way a bit. He likes this course so we thought he had a sound chance in this company.”

O’Meara’s team now move onto the 22 winner mark for the season.