Beaming daughter of late Irish jockey ‘was dreaming of this’ after first win

HANNAH SMULLEN – daughter of iconic former Irish jockey Pat – was in celebratory mood after her first win, in Tramore.

The 21-year-old rode the Gordon Elliott-trained Fillusion to victory in the female riders’ bumper on Friday evening.

The Trinity law student celebrated the achievement beside her mother and former jockey Frances Crowley, and wore her overjoyed emotions on her sleeve.

It was her sixth ride under rules, with Smullen telling RacingTV: “This means everything.

“I’ve been dreaming of doing this since I was a kid. The support mam has given me has just been unreal.

“And Gordon too. None of this would have been possible without them. 

“I had a couple of rides around Tramore last year. It’s a tricky track but I got a grasp of it and it’s my favourite now!

“I just tried to hold my position on her and roll along without getting her going.

“She had a great turn of foot going down into the straight and she really battled. She just had another surge of energy coming up the hill. 

“I ride out weekends and holidays for Gordon, and if I have a day off college I tip in there. I love riding out for him and owe him a massive thanks.”

Smullen beat out odds-on favourite Si Se Puede, ridding by Jody Townend and trained by Willie Mullins.

It came almost eight years to the day since her dad Pat Smullen – who died in September 2020 – won the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

And her mother Frances Crowley added: “This was great.

“I couldn’t believe it, I thought Jody had gone past her but Hannah got after her and gave Fillusin a great, strong ride.”