BALLINROBE REPORT
Heavy Showers before racing failed to dampen the enthusiasm of Tote punters at Ballinrobe on Monday when the Jackpot Rollover (23,362) swelled to a massive figure of 49,183
What's New (10/1-7/1) ridden by Mark Walsh ran out an easy winner of the concluding leg, producing 28 winners of the Jackpot and a healthy dividend of 1,317.40.
Caravel, backed from evens to 4/7fav, provided Mark Prescott with his first winner from his first runner at the Co. Mayo venue when coming out on top of a protracted duel with main market rival Princely Hero.
The pair battled for the lead inside the final quarter mile with Caravel getting the verdict by a head despite wandering off a straight line close home. The stewards held an enquiry, but any interference was minimal and the result was left unaltered.
Ri Na Deise (11/8fav), ridden by Ruby Walsh, appeared held in second when the leader Seigemaster fell at the last, leaving the Brian Gleeson owned gelding to score by 5 1/2 lengths.
Favourite backers were again on good terms with themselves when Arklow Ger was a very fortunate winner of the handicap hurdle. The Paul Nolan trained charge was three lengths down in second place and making no progress when the leader Mingus Madness lost his hind legs after jumping the final flight and unseated his rider Emmet Butterly.
The owners of Arklow Ger had a day to remember as their colours were also carried to success by Otavi in the Corranna Restaurant handicap. The Pat Flynn trained mare has had problems with starting stalls in the past and benefitted from the tape start to win easily by three lengths.
Willie Supple was given all the credit by trainer Michael McElhone for the positive ride he gave Camolin to win the opening division of the Tote sponsored handicap.
'She was badly drawn, so I left it upto Willie and he produced the goods. She has a good pedigree and this winning bracket is very important,' the handler commented afterwards.
The second division provided a first training success for Co. Meath based trainer Finbar Hand when Tornfield Clo came from off the pace to win going away under James Sullivan. Sullivan will now have his claim reduced to seven pounds as this was his third winner under rules.
