Ballyglass Beauty (far side) jumps the last alongside Menindee© Photo Healy Racing
Adam Ellis registered his first career success, as he guided Ballyglass Beauty to victory in the Celebrating The Life Of Sean Daly Memorial Handicap Hurdle.
A never nearer sixth on his most recent start over two, the Liam Cusack trained six-year-old stepped markedly up in trip this evening, trying three miles for the first time.
Sent off an-easy-to-back 12/1 chance, the son of Westerner was settled behind the leaders on the inner, taking closer order from three out.
He was ridden in pursuit of the front-running Menindee (11/4f) on the approach to the final flight and soon got on terms with that rival.
Soon ridden to the front, the Bennetts Bar Syndicate owned victor came home a length-and-a-quarter to the good, from the aforementioned Menindee in second.
Point-to-point winner Camilla's Choice (16/1) was seven-and-a-half lengths back in third, while Lonesome Day (12/1) completed the placings another two-and-a-half lengths away in fourth.
"He had a lovely run here the last day when he was only beaten about seven lengths. The extra distance helped him today," said Cusack.
"I'm delighted for young Adam Ellis, it's his first winner. He's a very good young lad, he's with me since he was in school and he came to me on holidays and on Saturdays.
"He's with me full-time now and he's a lovely rider at home so it's great that he got his first winner and got a bit of confidence.
"It's a local syndicate from Mountrath, they would be regulars in the Fountain House Pub, owned by the Bennetts.
"I'm delighted with the horse, he was quite keen when he came and was a bit of a runaway. We took our time and he was in good nick.
"We'll keep at this level and he might go to Listowel."
STEWARDS REPORTS
P.J. O'Hanlon, rider of Kayla's Delight trained by David Kenneth Budds, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly after the third last and pulled up.
The Stewards reviewed an incident on the bend turning into the back straight where it appeared several horses ran off the bend. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Stewards took no further action due to the inconclusive video footage.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
