The Ballyboys was the springer in the market for the Ryans Cleaning Handicap Hurdle at Limerick today and in the end rewarded his followers with a 10/1 win (from 25s this morning and 14/1 on track) for trainer Ray Hackett and jockey Adam Short.

Following the win, Co Tipperary based Hackett stated “we were hoping he’d run a big race and were hoping the blinkers would do the job on him. It has taken us a while to get him right and a huge thanks to Jim Bergin, an osteopath, who has done a huge job on him. He has turned him inside out.

“He is a fine big strong horse and finds it easier on that heavy ground than other horses - we’ll see what the handicapper does now.

“Adam has had ten rides for me but that’s his first winner and he is a very obliging fellow and I’m delighted to give him a winner.“

The Ballyboys derives his name from fictitious television comedy Killinaskully, whose members are arch rivals of the neighbouring Bally Boys.

By Tom Weekes