Review ballinrobe 12th Aug

< Massini's Trap put a controversial run well behind him with a convincing victory under a determined Ruby Walsh in the Costello McDermott Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

James Nash's four-year-old finished a late-charging third over course and distance last month when sent off a 25-1 chance, after which jockey Thomas Doran was hit with a 50-day suspension.

Evens favourite this time, Massini's Trap didn't have things all his own way as Walsh had to extricate him from a tricky position going to the last, but after jumping it he scooted away to win by a length and a half.

The main event was the EPS Pumps Handicap Hurdle and it went to the Charlie Swan-trained 10-1 shot Foot Soldier in a thrilling finish.< The Ring Is King tried to make all and was still in front at the last, but he didn't jump it too well and he was attacked on both sides, David Casey forcing Foot Soldier up on his inner to beat Hurricane Jojo by half a length.< Granny On Fire went up 13lb for a four-length victory at Bellewstown last month but it failed to anchor her in the Burleigh Accountants Handicap and she demolished the opposition to win as she liked.

Michael Mulvany's 11-4 chance was travelling sweetly for Shane Gray when brought up to challenge heading for the final quarter-mile and she quickened well clear to beat Stynes by nine lengths.< Sian made a bold bid to follow up a recent course and distance success in the Ballinrobe Racecourse Of The Year Handicap, but she could not cope with Peter Fahey's top-weight Crystal Earth (7-2), who surged past to score by four and a quarter lengths under Ronan Whelan.

Gary Carroll gave Lady O Malley (7-2) a positive ride in the Follow Ballinrobe On Facebook Maiden and Joe Murphy's filly skipped clear round the final bend to beat favourite Tax Reform by five and a half lengths.