Bay Hill jumps the last in front© Photo Healy Racing
The money was certainly down on Bay Hill at Gowran Park and his backers were suitably rewarded as the grey gelding delivered in the three-year-old hurdle.
From 7/2 on opening show, Christy Roche’s charge was hammered down to 15/8 second favourite on the off. He had been as big as 9/2 this morning.
Jody McGarvey, in the JP McManus colours, hunted him round in third and fourth throughout. Approaching the home bend, three furlongs and two hurdles out, fully seven horses were closely bunched. Glance Of Doon narrowly led jumping the second last, however, McGarvey unleashed Bay Hill after this flight and the pair came through to lead at the last from Batchelors Walk
The latter tried to collar his rival, but McGarvey drove Bay Hill out to score by two and a quarter lengths. The runner-up was returned at 9/1. It was another two and a quarter lengths back to Beatabout The Bush (25/1). Credulous the 6/4 favourite, finished well behind in seventh.
Jody McGarvey said: “He travelled away and he jumped great. Everything went to plan for him. If anything I was in front a bit too soon, but a gap came going to the second last and he jumped to the front. He went away and did his job.”
Racing manager Frank Berry said: “He learned a bit from his first run at Roscommon and jumped great today. Jody gave him a great ride and kept it simple. He appreciated the little dig in the ground. We'll try and find a winners' of one for him.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
