Bamako makes all in Bellewstown opener

The Willie Mullins trained Bamako Moriviere made all to take the opener at Bellewstown, the Bellewstown Golf Course Hurdle.

An 11/8 second favourite in early shows, the son of Califet was well-backed throughout the day, and went off the market leader at 9/10.

Sent straight to the front by Ruby Walsh, his only ride on the card and his first in Ireland since June 3rd, he went a few lengths clear from three out, and increased his advantage before the next, going on to score easily by seven lengths. Clarcam who was the 11/10 favourite in early shows before drifting out to a starting price of 11/8, had to settle for second under Bryan Cooper for Gordon Elliott, while Waaheb was forty-four lengths back in third.

Ruby Walsh said of the successful Rich Ricci owned five-year-old: "He's improved a good bit. He was obviously disappointing in his early couple of runs.

"The ground is a good bit better now. He surprised me a bit in Punchestown by winning over two miles as I thought he wanted further.

"He did it well today. He was probably entitled to on ratings and he was maybe the fresher horse.

"He likes jumping and should make a nice chaser."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson