“Smadynium” recorded a first win for his new Roscommon owners and trainer John Joe “Shark” Hanlon at Fairyhouse yesterday, winning the Today FM Ladies Handicap Chase.
Picture Credit: Fairyhouse Racecourse
Smadynium was ridden by Rachel Blackmore and won by 12 lengths at a price of 10/1, much to the delight owners The Chancers Syndicate which includes Cathal McHugh, Niall Daly and David Murray – all members of the 2016 Roscommon Senior Football Team. They recently bought the French Bred horse in Doncaster two weeks ago and yesterday’s prize money recouped what they paid.
The Chancers Syndicate “silks” – the colours of the Cap and Jacket worn by the Jockey also reflect the owner’s GAA connections. The Jacket is mainly yellow with blue markings and the Cap is red – a colour shared by the St Brigids and Padraig Pearses GAA Clubs.
They also own “Summer Storm”, a 6 year old bay gelding bred by in England by Queen Elizabeth. Summer Storm finished 3rd and 4th in his last two races.