Ballinrobe brace for Russell Political Theatre and Dawn Raider dominated the betting as the 7/4 joint favourites for the Spa At Breaffy Maiden Hurdle. The former duly prevailed to give Davy Russell a Ballinrobe double. Russell, earlier successful for Ellmarie Holden on Coolmeen Hill, here donned the Chris Jones colours on Political Theatre for Arthur Moore. As the market suggested the Ruby Walsh ridden Dawn Raider was the one to give Political Theatre most to do. A length and a half split them at the line. "I've had as many winners as Gordon (Elliott) this season anyway!" quipped Moore in the aftermath. "It's great to have a winner in those colours (the Klairon Davis silks) again," then reflected the County Kildare handler. "He is a grand horse, and I don't think I will run him over hurdles again in a hurry anyway, he will probably get a break now and go chasing next season. He will make a nice handicap chaser. "He is probably one of the last horses Terry Ryan sold. He didn't get to the point-to-points but I knew he was a nice sort, so Chris kindly bought him, and thankfully it looks like it will work out now. "They have done a great job with the ground, I know it's quick but there is a cushion of grass." D.J.Ryan, trainer of Call Of The Loon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge did not act on the ground. (DM & EM)
