Ballymadun lands a gamble

The Dermot McLoughlin trained Ballymadun landed a gamble in the Buy Tickets Online Handicap Hurdle.

Available at 33/1 in early shows, the son of Scorpion opened on-course at 14s, before going off a 9/1 chance under Conor Maxwell.

Well-beaten on his first three racecourse starts, the six-year-old put in a much improved performance to finish eighth on twenty-four behind Snugsborough Hall on his handicap debut at Punchestown in May.

He disappointed on his most recent start at Down Royal in June, and was dropped two pounds to a mark of 84 after that effort.

Settled behind the leaders on the inner today, he took closer order in third from the fourth last flight. He was left in front at the next, with the leader Fly Round The Bend unseating at the obstacle.

The task was made that bit easier for the successful bay when Palmabad who was disputing second at the time, crashed out at the last, and he went on from there to see off Ash Rowe by three parts of a length.

The runner-up was returned at 16/1 under JJ Slevin for his father Shay, while Sparky Stowaway (14/1) was another four and a quarter lengths back in third for David and Tom Mullins. Pinotage was returned the 7/2 favourite, and he faded tamely from before the straight, and eventually pulled up.

"We were a bit concerned about the ground but he (Conor Maxwell) said he handled it well," said McLoughlin.

"We gave him a break during the summer and he came back a bit stronger. He said he stayed at it well.

"He took a bit of time to come and we've been stop go, stop go, with him. We seem to have him now after he strengthened up over the summer. The break has done him well."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Ash Rowe, ridden by J.J. Slevin, placed second and Ballymadun (GB), ridden by C.D. Maxwell, placed first, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings, however found C.D. Maxwell in breach of rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended C.D. Maxwell for 1 raceday.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Pinotage (GB), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be have sustained a wound to his left fore fetlock and had pulled his left fore shoe.

D.N. Russell, rider of Pinotage (GB) trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount struck into himself, lost his action thereafter and was pulled up.

The Stewards requested a report from Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Ballymadun (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. D.A. McLoughlin stated that Ballymadun is a big weak horse that was given a good break over the summer and has come back stronger. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the contents of the report.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson