18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Ashdale Bob off the mark over fences

Mon 17th Jun 2024, 20:19

Ashdale Bob (green) Ashdale Bob (green)
© Photo Healy Racing

The Belvedere House & Gardens Opportunity Beginners Steeplechase was a cracking contest for a Monday night in June and there was no hanging about up front which suited smart staying hurdler Ashdale Bob (9/2) who came from off the pace to lead at the last. 

The Jessica Harrington-trained dual Grade 2 winner, running over fences for the first time since late 2021, stayed on well to beat Thecompanysergeant by three and a quarter lengths. 

Jockey Conor Smithers, whose brother Peter had landed the previous contest on Happy Jacky said of Diarmuid Horgan's nine-year-old: “The last two or three years he’s been running great races but just hitting the crossbar and it’s great that he’s won again.

“He was a bit brave over the first few and came out of my hands but got into a rhythm after a while. 

“He schooled super before he was a non-runner in Clonmel (change in going ten days ago) and had a pop this morning. He’s one of the best jumpers that I’ve sat on, he’s brilliant. 

“Early on I was pretty much flat to the boards, and it was just his class that kept him going. I think a step up in distance will suit him and hopefully he’ll have a good career chasing.” 

Quotes from Alan Magee

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.