Ballinaboola leads at the last to supply Barry John Foley with a first double © Photo Healy Racing
Barry John Foley rode his first double — at odds of 47/1 — when Balinaboola (16s into 11s) scored on his second start for Garrett Power in division one of the Slaney Estuary Handicap Hurdle at Wexford.
Foley had earlier come home in front in the two and a half mile maiden hurdle on Miss Eyecatcher for Roger McGrath.
Here Foley's mount, the twenty times previously tried maiden, Balinaboola, proved strongest up along the rail in the straight to beat Robyns Approach (33s into 16s) by two and a half lengths.
Power commented afterwards: "I gave him a run around Punchestown on ground that he wouldn't like just to familiarise myself with him.
"He is a horse for the likes of here and Tramore. He is in again on Monday at Tramore so we will see how he is. It's nice to get a winner for my brother-in-law (Barry John Foley)."
The Stewards requested a report from Garrett James Power, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Balinaboola, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge disappointed on his last start at Punchestown over 2m4f on heavy ground. He added that today's drop in trip on better ground helped his charge return to form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
B. Hayes, rider of Silent Sun (GB), trained by James Daniel Dullea, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made a bad mistake and lost his action behind.
Rachael Blackmore, rider of Rock On Lilly trained by T. Donohue, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount stopped quickly.
(DM & EM)
