Face Value and David Splaine clear the last at Ballinrobe© Photo Healy Racing
On his seventh race over hurdles Face Value shed his maiden tag under seven-pound claimer David Splaine in the opener over two miles at Ballinrobe.
The four-year-old, trained by Ado McGuinness, pounced on Westhaven round the home bend and quickened away before the last flight to win by seven lengths at 7/1.
Again Westhaven (9/2) travelled well in the race and looked to have it at his mercy, but found little in the first-time blinkers when push came to shove from Davy Condon.
Experimentalist with Ruby Walsh booked for Gordon Elliott, went off 2/1 favourite, but couldn’t go with the front two and plugged on for third.
Nine days ago Face Value finished fourth behind Westhaven in second and Experimentalist in third at Sligo over the same trip, but notably did stay on that day under pressure from the last.
“It’s genuinely heavy ground out there. I’m delighted with the win,” David Splaine said.
“I’m very grateful to Ado. He’s been very good to me since I came back from England.”
Splaine partnered 50/1 winner Gap Of Dunloe at Ffos Las in April for trainer Evan Williams. Rodeo Rocket fell three out when holding a narrow lead.
Michael Graham (on course reporting by Eamonn Murphy)
