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Tom Weekes

Tom Weekes

Winning pointer enters Cheltenham Bumper picture

Sun 19th Feb 2023, 17:19

Ballyburn (right) with Quantum StormBallyburn (right) with Quantum Storm
© Photo Healy Racing

Willie Mullins completed a Punchestown double today with keen-going point to point winner Ballyburn landing the Hospitality At Festival 2023 Bumper, thus entering the champion trainer's Cheltenham festival plans.

A Loughanmore points winner for Colin McKeever last October, Ballyburn today pulled hard almost throughout the two-miles race, coming off-the-bridle two furlongs out before battling to eventually beat Quantum Storm

Trainer Mullins, earlier successful with Hauturiere said “it was a very good performance from the horse and jockey. He was too keen the whole way and to produce a run like that after running so keen for a mile-and-three-quarters showed that he has a lot left in the locker. It looked a fair race, in very tough ground.

“He's a horse that we're really looking forward to going over jumps. He looks a real chaser in the making, however he probably booked a ticket to Cheltenham (for the bumper) with that run.

“He looks an exciting recruit for Ronnie Bartlett and David Manasseh, who is a football agent.”

Quotes from Gary Carson

About Tom Weekes
A lifelong racing fan, Tom began writing point to point reports in 2002 and has reported for irishracing.com since 2003, when he joined Irish Racing Services - since taken over by the Press Association. Has ridden a point to point winner and won the 2018 Irish Field Naps Table.