'Knowledgeable' Richie McLernon praised as Las Tunas continues fine year

Trainer Mike Smith lauded jockey Richie McLernon for his help with the fine season of Las Tunas after the seven-year-old notched his third win of the year with a fine front-running display.

Since a heavy fall at Ayr in early January, Las Tunas has finished in the first three in each of his five starts, winning for a third time in the 1m7f handicap chase, a performance epitomised by some superb jumping under McLernon.

A delighted Smith said: "He did it as we expected. The horse is in a good place and Richie McLernon has helped. Richie has been very good giving us guidance with him and saying where we should run. He’s been helpful, hands on and people forget how knowledgeable he is – he’s got a great depth of racing knowledge.