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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Easy win for Bellshill on hurdling debut

Sun 15th Nov 2015, 13:52

Bellshill clears the last under Paul TownendBellshill clears the last under Paul Townend
© Photo Healy Racing

After winning the opener with Bleu Et Rouge Paul Townend and Willie Mullins quickly doubled-up in the second, the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle, as Bellshill ran out an easy winner on his debut over flights.

Successful on his last start in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at the Punchestown Festival, the son of King's Theatre was sent off the 2/7 favourite (from 2/9 on-course) today in the colours of Andrea and Graham Wylie.

Settled just behind the leaders on the outer he improved to dispute from the third last and went on from the next, stretching clear on the run-in to score by nine lengths. Hurry Henry (7's last night and from 5's to 7/2 on-course) finished second under Andrew Lynch for Henry De Bromhead, while Inch Rise (14/1) was a further length back in third under Robbie Power for Liam Burke.

Paul Townend said afterwards: "It was a nice start for him but he'll have to step up in time. At least it showed that he's still in one piece.

"He handled the ground but I don't think any horse would really appreciate it. He jumped deadly."

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.