Alton impresses at Ballinrobe again

We had a second impressive winner in as many races at Ballinrobe when Alton Bay came home at his leisure under Jonathan Burke in the Mayo News Maiden Hurdle.

Burke only had the pace-setting favourite, Little Rocky and the last two hurdles to worry about from before the penultimate flight.

The 5Ib claimer soon let the course bumper winner stride on and the well-backed second favourite (11/4 into 9/4) had no less than fourteen lengths in hand over the 'jolly' at the line.

"We'll see what sort of mark he gets. He won't go to Galway – we'll look for something just after then," said successful handler Peter Fahey.

He then reflected: "It's great for Anthony (Coyne) who owns him. He does all the acupuncture and bits and pieces on the horses in the yard.

"He's a big help to me at home and he gives a good hand with all the horses.

"He's from Kilbeggan and he bred the horse too. He's just back from holidays this morning so he made it in time.

"The ground was a bit slow for him but he got away with it. The fact that they went quick helped us as we didn't have to force him.

"It worked out well. He has loads of pace – he'll be a real fun horse – we'll knock good auld craic out of him." (DM & EM)