Beat The Ballot and Joseph O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O'Brien rode his first winner in Ireland since being crowned champion jockey when Beat The Ballot landed the rated race at Dundalk this evening.
Tracey Collins charge had been backed this morning for the mile contest, from 2/1 into 5/4, but was easier to back on course and was eventually returned back at 2/1 favourite (from 13/8).
He travelled well in the contest before hitting the front at the two furlong pole. O'Brien drove his mount out to go clear inside the final furlong.
The well backed Golden Shoe (11/2 to 7/2) came through to chase him home but could only get within a length-and-a-half.
The winner had just lost out on his last visit to the course and looked well treated by today's conditions as the race was for horses rated less than 75 and his mark is 74.
“He was due one here after the last day,” said Collins.
“He got a lovely ride from Joseph and will probably step up in trip now.”
(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)
