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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Back Bar justifies favouritism under Russell

Tue 20th Mar 2018, 15:42

Back Bar clears the last under Davy RussellBack Bar clears the last under Davy Russell
© Photo Healy Racing

Back Bar recorded his first career success on his eleventh start, as he justified favouritism in the Comeragh Handicap Hurdle.

The Gordon Elliott trained gelding was available at 5/1 in early shows (before the defection of Fruits Of Glory), touching 2s on-course before going off a well backed 13/8 chance.

Having raced mainly in third under Davy Russell, the son of Brian Boru eased to the front before two out and kept on well under pressure from before the last, going on to score comfortably by six lengths. Timmie Roe (7/1) kept on to take second under Phillip Enright for Eoghan O'Grady, while Jefferson Davis was another six and a half lengths back in third.

Russell said afterwards: "He's a consistent sort and plugged away well. He is what he is and has scope enough that he might jump a fence.

"He's no world beater, not one of the leading lights, but he'll fill a gap all the same."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.