Ballinaboola gives rivals a wide berth

Ballinaboola Lass opened her account in some style when taking the Micro Dog ID Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel for the father and son team of Tony and Danny Mullins.

A change of tactics proved successful as the daughter of Brian Boru was sent to the front from an early stage, although she kept a wide path throughout.

The 10/1 chance, available at 16/1 last night, quickened clear at the penultimate flight, and stayed on really well to beat Rathnaleen Girl by an impressive 16 lengths. Freedom Square was a further three and a quarter lengths back in third.

Tony Mullins said, "Danny said she panicked on the inside in Tramore. He said she didn't like being tightening up, and that he wanted to do that today, and I said do whatever you like. It worked anyway, and I think we will run her again next Wednesday at Wexford.

"It's great for her owner Seamus Tobin. He is a great supporter of the yard and is a great friend of mine for many, many years. He had a nice winner last year (Balinaboola Prince) and then he got killed on way to the start at Punchestown. It's great for him to have one again."

Following a false start prior to this race, Mark Bolger and Brian Hayes were both given two-day suspensions for failing to comply with the starters instructions, while Philip Enright, Ambrose McCurtin and Martin Burke all picked up a one day ban.

(DM & AM)