Ballinahow battles to Grade 3 glory

Ballinahow Lady battled back to grab Grade 3 glory in the TA Morris Memorial Mares Chase at Clonmel. Dazzling Susie blazed the trail in the two-and-a-half mile contest but was claimed before the straight by the eventual winner.

John Cullen’s mount surrendered her lead briefly when hitting the second last as the pushed along Avondhu Lady came through to grab the initiative.

Ballinahow Lady responded well to reclaim the advantage at the final fence and the David O’Brien-trained mare stayed on stoutly on the run-in for a two-and-a-quarter length success. Backinthere got up close home to pip Avondhu Lady for the runner-up spot.

The 16/1 winner had run a cracker to finish second in a Listed chase at Wexford last time and was going one better to land a valuable pot here.

“I’m delighted she’s won a Grade 3. I thought she wanted further but she seems to be stronger this year,” said O’Brien.

“The owners will probably want to send her to the paddocks for breeding now but hopefully she has a good campaign until the spring.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)