Rodriguez best after all the drama There was a dramatic conclusion to the Killeen Sports Grounds Beginners Chase at Ballinrobe where in the end the Charlie Swan-trained David Casey-ridden Rodriguez emerged victorious. Bouncing Betty was looking good in front around the top bends here. However Rodriguez was chasing her hard when Bouncing Betty got the last wrong. Martin Ferris stayed on but unbalanced and with the saddle after slipping he came off on the run-in after Rodriguez had gone past. Willow Grange had also come a cropper at the final fence when in third place leaving Green Thirty Two and Some Benefit to chase home Rodriguez at distances of four and a half lengths and a neck. Swan said: "You need a bit of luck. He's a summer horse and he likes fast ground. He's better going the other way. "Anything from two and a half to three miles is his trip but I also might try and find a flat race for him. He likes Dundalk." D.N. Russell, rider of Royal Vic, trained by C.Byrnes, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount both hung and jumped to the left throughout this race. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Royal Vic, trained by C.Byrnes, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. (DM & EM)
