Ballycasey grinds out Red Mills success

Ballycasey ground out success in the Red Mills Chase to claim his second Grade 2 this season at the Kilkenny track.

The four runner event turned into quite a tactical affair and a trio soon disputed for the lead. Montys Meadow stayed towards the inner as Clarcam and Ballycasey kept wide.

4/7 favourite Ballycasey dropped to third up the back straight but gave chase when Clarcam hit the front four from home.

Ruby Walsh had to get to work on Ballycasey over the third last with Clarcam looking in command but the grey worked his way back into contention at the last and a better jump there gave him the advantage.

He stayed on stoutly on the run-in to record a four-and-a-quarter length success.

 "I thought he was going nowhere going past the stands, and he seemed to get his second wind going up the back.His jumping kept him in the race, and to win on that ground was good,” said Mullins.

"Once he found the other horses were not getting away from him then he started to enjoy it again. I wouldn't have thought we will travel with him. I'd say he'll stay at home and find similar races to this."

It was a quick double on the card for Mullins and Walsh after the opening race victory of Bachasson

(Quotes by Alan Magee)