Donal Murphy
Siblings combine to take the last at Dundalk
Buccaneer Bob is driven out by Billy Lee
© Photo Healy Racing
Buccaneer Bob kept on strongly under Billy Lee to take the last at Dundalk tonight, the Irish News Club Call Handicap, for trainer Susan Finn.
The 5yo son of Big Bad Bob was placed on his last three visits to Dundalk and after opening at 5/1 this morning with Paddy Powers he went off the 2/1 favourite.
Having chased the leaders for much of the contest he improved to challenge two furlongs out. He was ridden in second a furlong from home and he kept on well in the final furlong to just get up by a short head.
The Eddie Lynam trained Armed Guard (10/1) hit the front a furlong and a half out but he couldn’t hold off the challenge of the winner and he had to settle second under Ian Brennan.
Jackie Tyrell finished a further three parts of a length back in third at 16/1 under Conor Hoban for Myles Sunderland.
Billy Lee said afterwards: "He is partially blind in his left eye so he always hangs away from that side. I’m delight to get the win and it’s a great family success.”
Trainer Susan Finn, who trains near Mallow and is a sister of Billy Lee, last tasted success on the racecourse on the 5th of October 2008 when Baltiman scored at Tipperary.
The winner is a full-brother to Beat The Ballot, who is trained by Tracey Collins and has won twice over the course.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee