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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Bonisland has plenty of potential

Fri 2nd Nov 2012, 15:07

Bonisland in action at Down RoyalBonisland in action at Down Royal
© Photo Healy Racing

Bonisland impressed when running away with the maiden hurdle over two miles and six at Down Royal under Davy Russell.

The four-year-old looks another Gigginstown horse with plenty of potential. His form in the book was a win in a Roscommon bumper in mid October when he beat Thunder And Roses, who subsequently created quite a stir at Naas on Monday when he won a bumper by 11 lengths.

Bonisland travelled well in mid division today and Davy Russell got a lovely run up the inside rail going to two out. From there his charged forged clear and won easily by four and a half lengths at odds of 13/8. Romeo Is Bleeding (8/1) occupied second spot, a length in front of Yes Way Hosay the even money favourite.

Trainer Gordon Elliott said: “I’d say he is a nice horse. He’s still a baby and has a lot of filling out to do.

“He could be a proper horse if he stays right. He won’t run for a month to six weeks as he’s a big raw horse.”

Stan James were impressed by the performance and have installed Bonisland as 14/1 co fav, along with Champagne Fever, Don Cossack and Clondaw Kaempfer, for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.