Gamble landed as winning trainer 'isn't surprised'

Trainer Davy Fitzgerald hit the bull's eye at Tramore as his Ballon Onabudget landed a gamble to win the concluding Waterford & Tramore Ladies Bumper under jockey Laura Hourigan.

The son of Arcadio was well held on two previous maiden hurdle outings but today showed improvement to score a comfortable two and a quarter lengths win over Owenacurra Lass

The five year old gelding carries Fitzgerald's own colours and having been backed from 16/1 generally this morning, opened an 8/1 chance on track before returning a strong 6/1 shot.

Co Limerick based Fitzgerald has enjoyed Grade 1 success in the past with Mister Top Notch and after the race wasn't shying away, saying "it wasn't a surprise to me as he was very free the first day in Navan.

"He always had loads of boot but he was so free it took us a while to settle him over hurdles. He is an Arcadio, is from the family of Rathvinden and is a good little horse and we like him.

“He is not over big, but he'll jump a fence and while I do hope he will go on winter ground, I don't think he will. He'll go for a maiden hurdle next.

"Laura rides a good bit of work for me and thanks to her father (trainer Michael Hourigan) for letting me use his gallop.

“I don't know anymore, it's so long since I had a winner!

Fitzgerald's previous winner was with Stonehall Jack at the Co Waterford venue in April 2017.

Quotes from Donal Murphy