Mark McNiff celebrates his first double with Balboni© Photo Healy Racing
Balboni was given a patient ride by Robbie McNamara who delivered him inside the final furlong to win snugly by half a length in the bumper at Kilbeggan. Broadway Symphony at 22/1 had set sail for home but Balboni (6/1) moved strongly from rear and had his rival cooked as the post loomed. At Reception (33/1) ran a good race to get within half a length of the winner at the line.
This winner gave Mark McNiff his first double on the track after Seskinane #8217;s success in the opener, and it paid 20/1.
“I’m training in Strandhill, Sligo out of Michael McElhone’s old yard. Apart from point-to-points I haven’t had a winner since a Uttoxeter bumper before Christmas,” Mark McNiff said.
“I fancied both of them as they were both going well.
“We probably rode him wrong last year. I told Robbie to drop him out. They went a strong gallop and it worked out well.
“He’ll probably go for a winners’ bumper and should come on a nice bit for that.”
Robbie McNamara added: “Mark told me to take my time. Often here they go a little too fast. I didn’t want to get there too soon.”
Unraced Grangeclare Pearl for Willie and Patrick Mullins was uneasy in the market, drifting from 6/4 this morning. She went off at 2/1 and finished fourth.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
