The six-year-old is out of a close relation of Hurricane Fly
The Gordon Elliott -trained Ballybow booked his Albert Bartlett ticket after winning the Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle at Clonmel on Thursday. The six-year-old, owned by Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud, is out of a close relation of Hurricane Fly and after two second-placed point-to-point runs made his bumper debut at the start of the season.
He won that Sligo event but encountered some bad luck when making his hurdling bow next time at Fairyhouse, when he was badly hampered and lost a shoe before eventually finishing lame behind Ballygunner Castle. He looked to have bounced back from that experience when second at Down Royal on his next outing, and at Naas last month he got off the mark at the third time of asking over hurdles when strolling to a nine-length victory. Ballybow was the 5-6 favourite to add a Grade Three title to his CV at Clonmel, where he was ridden by Sam Ewing in a small field of three that included Ballygunner Castle. Sign up for our Cheltenham Festival news service on WhatsApp Click on this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest Cheltenham Festival news and top stories from the Irish Mirror direct to your phone on WhatsApp. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Ballybow made the running and while Ballygunner Castle, trained by Willie Mullins, did rally in the closing stages but could not get by the winner and went down by half a length on the line. Paddy Power cut Ballybow from 20-1 to 16-1 for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival as a result. “To be honest if I was Sam, I’d have followed Ballygunner Castle instead of him following us, and pushed him along," Elliott said afterwards. “They went no gallop. They quickened over the last two, but the one thing I do like about our horse, from the second-last to the line – even after the last – he dropped his head and showed a good attitude. “We’ll go for the Albert Bartlett now. I think the race could suit him, and he could have an each-way chance in a race like that, with a lead, coming at a few horses.”
Please follow us on Google to support usHorse Racing Michael O'leary Michael O'leary Clonmel Clonmel Gordon Elliott
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cheltenham Festival favourite's odds cut after impressive win on stable debutThere was plenty of hype around him and he did not disappoint
Read more »
Nicky Henderson sets himself up for Cheltenham festival resurgence with latest big-race successVeteran English trainer aiming to give Constitution Hill pre-festival spin at Prestbury Park this weekend
Read more »
Ruby Walsh tips 33/1 shot each-way for the Cheltenham FestivalThe legendary jockey likes the look of one at a big price each-way
Read more »
Geri Horner and Christian Horner's Horse Wins at Warwick, Eyes Set on Cheltenham FestivalFormer Spice Girl Geri Horner and her husband Christian, the boss of Red Bull Formula 1 team, are dreaming of Cheltenham Festival glory after their horse Lift Me Up won at Warwick. The victory sets the stage for a potential run in the St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase at Cheltenham in March.
Read more »
Nicky Henderson resurgence is good news for cross-channel racing and the Cheltenham Festival overallVeteran English trainer’s run of success has helped give British jump racing some much-needed pep in its step
Read more »
Willie Mullins talking horse out to enhance Cheltenham Festival claimsHe is set to go off the long odds-on favourite
Read more »