Bog War conquers all in Ballinrobe

Bog War put his rivals firmly in their place in the extended mile and five handicap that opened Ballinrobe’s evening card.

Leigh Roche took 3lbs off the 9-10 that the four-year-old gelding was due to carry. The 6/1 shot raced close to the pace set by Ainm Spartacus but approaching the home turn was unleashed by Roche to blitz his way to the front. He won eased down by five and a half lengths. House Limit who was always prominent, maintained his good form shown over jumps recently as he kept on for second at 8/1. Head Waiter (16/1) was just behind in third. General Bunching raced in rear, but made good headway down the outside to be nearest at the finish in fourth.

Trainer Liam Cusack said: “He was declared to run at Cork, but it went soft and we thought there was no point in wasting a run with him. It worked out well and it is brilliant for the owners, the No Nama Drama Syndicate. There are 11 in it and they are all from Mount Rath.

“This horse is named after the local bog that was closed!”

R.P. Whelan, rider of Quench The Flame trained by T.Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount finished lame.

S. Foley, rider of Rising Euro trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount clipped a heel and stumbled about three furlongs from the finish.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes