Trainer Cusack completes first double

Trainer Liam Cusack completed his first double today as the Bennetts Bar Syndicate's Ballyglass Beauty landed Sligo's RSS Record Storage Service (QR) Handicap Hurdle under jockey Ross Berry.

Berry held the son of Westerner in mid-field before progressing in the final half-mile of the 3m1f contest to lead on the run-in and beat Champagne Auction by two lengths.

Irish Champion Hurdle-winning ex-jockey Cusack, earlier successful with Pearlofflorida commented “it's my first double, it's hard enough to get one winner, so I'm delighted. It's great to see the horses running consistently and to have three winners in a few days is brilliant."

He added “Ballyglass Beauty won over 2m7f in Kilbeggan last year and had some good placed runs as well. He was a bit unlucky to unseat at the first in a chase last time. He ran well here last year and when I saw this race, I said we'd give it a go.

"Ross (second winner under Rules) rang me for the ride and I know his father John well, he was one of the best amateurs of his time. I told Ross to take his time, that he can be a bit keen and it's great to give him a winner.”

Quotes from Mark Nunan