King of the Claimers Bal De Rio strikes again Bal De Rio won for the fourth time in the grade when easily landing the opening Knockcroghery Claiming Hurdle at Roscommon. First successful in a Claimer at Limerick back in 2021, the now 10-year-old added further wins at Clonmel and Punchestown earlier this year. In between those runs, he showed that he was no back number when landing a tidy gamble back in handicap company at Ballinrobe in April. Sent off a well supported 7-2jf here, the Denis Hogan trained veteran travelled well throughout the race before taking over from Barbury Master between the final two flights. A good jump at the final hurdle sealed a 10th career victory for the admirable son of Vertigineux. Winning rider Philip Donovan, “He travelled, jumped well and won snug enough in the end. “He was entitled to do it. Denis said to keep things simple and it worked. He’s an easy horse to ride and seems to do well in these races. “I was there way too soon and ideally would have loved a lead for another half-a-furlong. “I don’t know why he hasn’t won more handicaps and he just seems to excel in those races. Where they go quick early on and then steady it up, he seems to enjoy that. “Denis has his horses in good form and long may it continue.” The following horses were claimed: Coventry 13,000 to be trained by Peter Fahey Barbary Master 10,000 to be trained by Philip Byrne Eagle Terrace 8,000 to be trained by Noel Kelly Benz 5,000 to be trained by Keith Watson There were friendly claims for Bal De Rio (12,000) & Repeat That (4,000) Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
