Bell Of The Ball and Wayne Lordan race to victory from Easter Spirit and Seamie Heffernan© Photo Healy Racing
The Martin Carvill owned and bred Bell Of The Ball justified the confidence of those that backed her in from a morning price of 25/1 as she landed the Follow Us On Facebook Handicap at Ballinrobe at odds of 7/1 under Wayne Lordan.
Bell Of The Ball's dam, Grangehill Dancer, failed to win in a couple of visits to Ballinrobe but that Danehill Dancer mare did win five races between 2004 and 2007.
Her mating with Bachelor Duke produced Bell Of The Ball in 2010 and this one showed race winning potential as early on as her debut, when second in a mares bumper at Wexford back in April.
Six outings since hadn't yielded much for Bell Of The Ball but here she travelled with a purpose in behind horses.
Once getting the required space Willie McCreery's charge went on to beat Grandma Dotty (won the last race that Bell Of The Ball had contested) by two lengths.
"The plan came together. She had a terrible draw the last day at Roscommon, she was drawn fourteen of fourteen," explained McCreery.
"She ran here before and I was just a bit annoyed that I hadn't won a bumper with her to be honest. If I had got a maiden like the last fillies maiden up here I would have said grand but I thought it was important to get her handicapped first.
"She's experienced from the bumper runs even though it was only her second handicap.
"It's great for her owner and breeder, Martin Carvill, who lost his wife six months ago and the man who owned a half share in this horse died of malaria only three months ago.
"Martin had 200 Euros on her this morning at 25s. The dam won on the flat and over hurdles for him as well and I'm just delighted for him."
The Stewards enquired into an incident on leaving the back straight involving Shamiran ridden by J.J. Burke, placed fifth, Easter Spirit ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed third and General Bunching (USA), ridden by R.P. Cleary, unplaced, where it appeared that General Bunching (USA) ran short of room and was checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were unable to apportion any blame to any rider and took no further action.
(DM & EM)
