Famous Seamus returns to winner’s circle

Famous Seamus legs might be getting older, but he proved they can still carry him to victory as he won the Listed Ladies’ Day Cup at Hawkesbury.

Thursday was just the second time the Noel Mayfield-Smith-trained veteran had raced on his home track and he kicked clear to record his first win for almost a year.

Famous Seamus defied a betting drift from $6.50 to $9 while stablemate Unequivocal ($12) finished second.

Malice ($8) filled the minor placing.

It was Famous Seamus’ first start in Listed grade since his Lightning Handicap win at Randwick in October 2013.

While the eight-year-old’s last eight starts yielded one placing, Mayfield-Smith never lost faith in his stable star.

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“He’s always been good, I keep telling you that,” Mayfield-Smith said.

“He got the conditions he wants today – a firm track – and that’s what he needed.”

Jockey Jay Ford admitted he didn’t follow Mayfield-Smith’s instructions after jumping well and taking the horse to the front.

But It proved crucial to his success in a race devoid of speed and he kicked clear to win by 1-3/4 lengths.

Ford said the 1400m trip was ideal for Group One-winning sprinter as his career entered its twilight.

“He might be getting on a little bit but he’s still got plenty of ticker left,” Ford said.

Mayfield-Smith said Famous Seamus would get a chance to go back to back in the Group Three Kevin Heffernan Stakes at Sandown on November 12, provided he pulled up well.