Tomas O Maille proves popular with the locals at Ballinrobe The Michael Flannery trained Tomas O Maille received a great reception post race after the locally based gelding won the Lodge At Ashford Castle Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe. A long standing maiden who had failed to get his head in front in 26 previous starts, the eight-year-old rewarded those that kept the faith with a comfortable success under Ambrose McCurtin. Held up toward rear for much of the race, the 12/1 chance made rapid headway after two out, coming through to lead on the approach to the last. Sent for home off the final bend, the Arakan gelding was kept up to his work to run out a comfortable one-and-a-half length winner over Love Like This. "We’re a long time trying to do it,” said Flannery. “We tried a few times last year, and it’s like the Mayo team — don’t give up! “He called after the best footballer in the 70s, Tom O’Malley. It’s great to be able to do that here at Ballinrobe and Tom is here today. “He’s a fun horse and he’s been knocking on the door and being placed. It’s getting everything right.” On future plans he added:- “We’ll take today anyway and then see whatever we get.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
