Review ballinrobe 25th Jul

< Manuka got back to winning ways with an impressive performance in the feature race at Ballinrobe, the McGrath Limestone Works Ltd. Handicap Hurdle.

Karl Thornton had opted to put cheekpieces on the 8-1 chance and they worked the oracle, as he strode into the lead at the last and never looked back.

Johnny Barry pushed him to a three and a quarter-length success over Pat's Pearl

Joseph O'Brien made it 10 wins in the last six days when Spin A Yarn struck in the Paddy Smyth Memorial Maiden Hurdle.

JJ Slevin always had the 7-4 favourite near the head of affairs and after opening up a clear lead two out, he held on well to beat Skeaping by a length and a half.

Slevin added a second victory on the day when Hello Sweetie bolted up in the Tim Kelly Group Handicap Hurdle.

Already a dual winner at this track this season, Pat Collins' 5-2 favourite shot into the lead before the last and never looked back, beating Oskar High by three and a half lengths.

Davy Russell was aboard Skeaping and was again foiled in the Mayo News Maiden Hurdle as his mount Licklighter could not quite get to Top Othe Ra

Tom Mullins' 6-4 favourite had a clear advantage on the home turn, but needed the line to come in time which it did, with Danny Mullins' mount edging the verdict by a head.

Russell managed to get into the winner's enclosure when guiding Westland Row to victory in the Investec Rated Novice Hurdle.

Gordon Elliott's 5-2 chance travelled kindly in the rear in the early stages, but his slick jumping took him to the front at the last and he galloped clear to beat Major Destination by seven and a half lengths.

Lorna Fowler's 20-1 chance Beneficial Society caused an upset in the Sweeney Oil Handicap Hurdle when sluicing up under Mark Bolger.