Review ballinrobe 25th May

< La Tizona came with a late rattle to deny Calle Aneto in the opening Connacht Telegraph Median Auction Maiden at Ballinrobe.

The runner-up tracked pacesetter Deal Clincher until the top turn when he took over and set sail for home.

The move looked to prove decisive until Colm O'Donoghue conjured another effort out of David Marnane's 5-1 chance and he stuck on gamely to get up by half a length. Jim Bolger's Pittori was sent off favourite but could only manage a one-paced third.

In an almost identical finish, Coral Creek caught Rue De Cabestan in the shadows of the post to lift the prize for the Treacys Pharmacies Handicap.

The runner-up led from the outset and Ben Curtis appeared to have dictated terms to perfection as he kicked on three furlongs from the finish.

But the effort told and with Rue De Cabestan tiring in the final 100 yards, Michael Grassick's Coral Creek swooped to score as a 9-1 shot.

The Eamon Sheridan Groundworks & Plant Hire Handicap produced yet another stirring finish as Bentesina held the late lunge of joint-favourite Hamalka by the narrowest of margins.

Sent off an unconsidered 20-1 chance due to some woeful recent form figures, Aidan Howard's top-weight was given an attacking ride by Niall McCullagh, who sent her into the lead more than three furlongs out.

She looked to have matters sewn up but Hamalka rallied, along with Quench The Flame and it was only in a head-bobbing finish that Bentesina prevailed.

Over obstacles, the Mulholland Bookmakers Handicap Chase went the way of Rossberry Lad (10-1), although his supporters were given an almighty fright.

Having raced in second for much of the contest, Mark Walsh sent his mount to the front on the run to the penultimate fence and he was clear until getting the last all wrong.

He regained his moment, though, and had enough in reserve to beat Strylea