Ballycasey flies the second last as Woodlands Opera is about to fall© Photo Healy Racing
Ballycasey claimed the 11th win of his career at Killarney today, adding the Grade 3 McSweeney Arms Hotel An Riocht Chase to the list of now six Graded race wins for the Willie Mullins trained gelding.
Punchestown festival winner Woodland Opera was in pursuit of winner Ballycasey, and jockey Ruby Walsh, when falling at the second last fence and in the process Ballycasey’s task was simplified as he coasted home to a 14 length win over Rock The World
Ballycasey, who runs in the Ricci silks, began his winning ways in a Leopardstown bumper in 2011 and following today’s race jockey Walsh was again strong in his praise of the grey, later saying “he’s a dinger but he’s just not a Grade 1 horse and you saw that at Punchestown (previously) - he’s a Grade 2 horse though and you saw that today.
“He likes a bit of good ground and is a great jumper and is a pleasure to ride. I wonder has he a nice mark over hurdles - I’ll have to have a look at that!”
“There aren’t many conditions chases for him during the summer but where ever they are, I’m sure he’ll turn up.”
Ballycasey’s previous hurdles outing was back in April 2013 as a novice hurdler.
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
