Bel makes it three for Meade & Gigginstown

Bel Ami De Sivola made it treble on the day for Noel Meade and owners Gigginstown House Stud, as he ran out a good winner of the bumper, the Cash Out With BETDAQ INH Flat Race.

Meade was earlier successful with Stretchingthetruth and Disko while Gigginstown were on the mark with Identity Thief and Disko.

Bel Ami De Sivola was sixth on his debut in the valuable Tattersalls Ireland Sales Bumper at Fairyhouse in April of 2015, and was third and second on his two starts since which came over flights.

Having his first start since last December, the bay son of Network was sent off the 6/5 favourite (from an opening show of 13/8) with Patrick Mullins in the saddle.

After racing mainly in second he was sent to the front with under two furlongs to race, and he kept on well under pressure from there, going on to score by eight and a half lengths. Agent Boru who opened the 5/4 favourite on-course before drifting to 13/8 at the off, had to settle for second under Declan Queally for Tom Gibney, while Eagle Ridge (5/1) was six lengths back in third, with Jamie Codd in the saddle for Shay Barry.

Noel Meade said afterwards: "That was a good day and that's a good horse. He was as weak as a kitten last year, and fell apart when we started to work him. We left him off after Christmas as he needed time.

"Patrick said he liked that good ground which may not be a help over the winter. He will make a nice chaser, and will go back over hurdles now.

"Patrick has a 100% record for me. That's two rides and two winners now."

Of course Nina Carberry would normally be aboard a Noel Meade trained bumper horse, but she is away at a wedding in France.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee