Smart sure stewards made right call after Firebomb survives inquiry to strike

Thursday: Southwell

The Bryan Smart-trained Firebomb had to overcome a stewards' inquiry to secure victory in the 5f nursery handicap, a 27th winner of the year for the trainer and his highest for five seasons.

The 100-30 shot drifted markedly to the right, taking eventual second Angle Land across the track, but held on for a neck success.

Smart told Sky Sports Racing: “There was no interference and it would have been harsh to take it off him, their horse drifted across as well. He won by a neck not a short-head, he was still going away. He’s been unlucky, but he’s finally got his head in front.”

But Smart did have words of advice for his young apprentice, Gianluca Sanna, adding: “The lad should have pulled his stick through, he didn’t and kept riding him.”

Sanna, a 7lb claimer who has enjoyed his best season with 11 winners, said: “He’s a two-year-old and was still green, he was hanging, but I didn’t touch anyone, he didn't interfere. But I know I should have pulled the stick through.”

Thompson a true Tapeta fan

Trainer David Thompson is reaping the rewards of the newly laid Tapeta surface after landing the second division of the 5f handicap with Khulu under 5lb apprentice Aled Beech.

The Durham based-trainer has recorded seven winners this year, three of which have come on the new surface.

Results, replays and analysis

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