Balofilo and John Fitzpatrick begin to assert from Shek O Lad and Ben Dalton© Photo Healy Racing
Balofilo followed-up on her win at Listowel on Sunday as she took the Killeen Sports Grounds Handicap Hurdle under John Fitzpatrick for owner/trainer Martin Cullinane.
The five-year-old daughter of Teofilo was available at 3/1 last night with Powers, opening on-course at 2's before going off the clear 15/8 favourite.
Settled in mid-division she took closer order in sixth after three out and travelled strongly on the outer after the next.
She eased to the front before the last and kept on well when ridden on the run-in, going on to score by two and a half lengths. Kentucky Lass (20/1) stayed on well to take second under Shane Crimin for Barry Murphy while Shek O Lad (20/1) was a short head back in third under Ben Dalton for Des McDonogh.
The Shane Crawley trained Indian Road Runner (20/1) completed the placings a further four lengths away in fourth under Keith Donoghue.
John Fitzpatrick, who recorded his first winner since turning professional on Balofilo at Listowel, said afterwards: "She is a good filly, she is on the up, she is starting to do things right and Martin (Cullinane) has done a great job with her.
"She is excelling on that ground and Martin is in Fairyhouse today at the sales.
"I went to Alan Fleming's (where he is based) last November and got my amateurs licence. I rode seven winners in point-to-point's and rode a hunters chase winner at Downpatrick.
"I had a think about it and decided to turn conditional.
"I started out with Paul Deegan. I got sent there from RACE and then I did a spell with Evan Williams and got plenty of experience there."
STEWARDS REPORT
P. Townend, rider of Konig Hall (GB) trained by Mervyn Torrens, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran very keen before being pulled up.
