Vicalus and Cooper team up well

Vicalus took full advantage of Clonleney #8217;s hesitant jump at the last to readily score in Division 2 of the two and a half mile handicap hurdle in Ballinrobe.

Bryan Cooper was on board and drove her out for a length verdict. She didn’t go unbacked having been 16/1 this morning before returning at 12/1 for trainer Susan Finn. She paid €23.40 on the Tote.

Clonleney with Shane Shortall in the plate couldn’t regain enough momentum on the run-in and settled for second at 11/1. Sir Loujay was another horse to attract morning money as he took third at 13/2, but was 12s earlier. He was beaten five and three parts by the winner, but was seven and a half lengths in front of 25/1 shot Supreme Vic who nabbed the last place dividend in this 16-runner contest. Asithappens the 4/1 favourite, disappointed in 11th.

Jocky Billy Lee’s father Mick Lee owns the Old Vic mare and he commented: “She’s no star, but she’ll do. She’s not very big, but is honest and jumps brilliantly. She’s already won a point-to-point and might go for a mares’ beginners chase.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes