Winning hurdle debut for Balnaslow Balnaslow, unbeknownst to himself, had the audacity to thwart Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary twice on April 9 at Fairyhouse but the gelding gave a little back at Punchestown today, easily winning the Dobbins Food Hall Maiden Hurdle, carrying O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud colours for the first time. Balnaslow previously carried winning trainer Willie Mullins' wife Jackie Mullins' colours at the Fairyhouse Festival when the gelding was subsequently promoted (due to interference) to first place at the expense of O'Leary's Rogue Angel. Balnaslow's connections then turned down O'Leary's 'Deal Or No Deal' public offer of E150,000 for the five-year-old. A private deal was subsequently struck between connections. Ridden by Davy Russell, the son of Presenting never looked in any danger when making all for a very easy length and a quarter win over Captain Lob. Afterwards trainer Mullins stated “we might keep Balnaslow going if the ground stays right. He'll go on good ground and if we could win another hurdle with him shortly I'd suggest to the owners that we go chasing next term - he's an absolute natural jumper.”
