Ballywooden King impresses at Punchestown

The K.S.P.C.A Maiden Hurdle saw a convincing winner in the Colin McBratney trained Ballywooden King after he ran out an eleven length winner.

Andrew McNamara produced the six year old to lead before the last and the pair soon forged clear to record an easy success.

Winning trainer McBratney stated: “He did that nicely. He was second in some bumpers on good ground.”

“He ran in a couple of hurdle races during the Winter but he just couldn’t handle the heavy ground so we decided to wait for the better ground.”

“We stepped him up to three miles as we knew he’d stay. He’ll either go to Perth in July for a three mile novice race or the two mile six furlong race at Galway.”

“I’m delighted for Francis Mahon the owner as it’s his first winner.”