Lee strikes at Ballinrobe again

Supreme Vic got trainer Norman Lee off the mark under Rules at Ballinrobe back in April and the County Galway-based handler had reason to be cheerful in the neighbouring County of Mayo again tonight. His Survival followed up a victory at Clonmel back in June when landing the Ballinrobe On Course Vets Handicap Chase under Adrian Heskin.

It was a well-deserved win for Lee too, if only for his efforts of willing home the Moscow Society gelding from his vantage point on the grassy area near the winning post.

His celebration with Survival's lass threatened to be slightly premature as Kanesh finished off his race well, but in truth the winner was always holding on and he did so in the end by half a length.

"He is a great auld campaigner and that is his fourth win for us, he won two point-to-points and now two on the track," enthused Lee.

The Clare-native then added: "Ballybrit is next up for him. He put out a splint after his last run, that day at Clonmel, when the ground was very firm, and that's why we didn't run him back.

"We weren't going to put him on firm again. We lost a month with him and then we said we would give him a break but he will go to Ballybrit now in two weeks time for a 0-109 over two miles six and it will suit him.

"He was very fresh today and he was keen early and the next day he will relax a bit more. My horses are in great form thank God.

"We have them in serious order and we have a great bunch of owners that we can go forward with, we are going places and we are trying to improve every day.

"He was our first winner ever and we are very proud of him. He is quirky but there is plenty more to be had with him. He is a nine-year-old and the handicapper will hardly be too hard on him as he only won by half a length. Four or five pounds won't kill him as he is a big horse." (DM & EM)