The Ballyboys landed the Ryans Cleaning Event Specialists Handicap Hurdle for the second successive year at Limerick.

Trained near Toomevara by Ray Hackett for his father Liam, the Westerner gelding had failed to add to last year’s win in nine subsequent outings but was well-backed on track from 6/1 into 4/1.

Johnny Burke ’s mount led approaching the straight and soon took control of this 2m3f event.

However he had to battle on the run-in as Silver Planeur closed the gap, and ultimately kept on well in the closing stages to prevail by half a length.

The pair pulled eight and a half lengths clear of Lagenod in third.

Hackett said, “I’m delighted for the boss man (father and owner Liam) as he’s had to be patient with that lad. He’s disappointed a few times and I thought this race might suit him.

“He loves those conditions as they are not able to quicken away from him and he’ll just stay galloping.

“Johnny said he probably got there a bit soon but the horse took off and when he done that he had to keep the revs up to keep going. When the other horse came back he put his head down.

“He’s not ungenuine but the blinkers just get him to focus that bit more.

“He’ll probably run over fences now around the middle of January, and we’ll keep him going in that ground. We kept him ticking over during the summer because he’s so gross but we’ll give him a small break next summer.”

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards requested a report from Ray Hackett, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of The Ballyboys, placed first, as compared with its most recent run. The trainer reported that this horse made a mistake four out at Down Royal where he dragged his hind legs through the hurdle, losing significant ground and was a little stiff when returning home. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the contents of the report.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Royal Roslea (GB) trained by Matthew J. Smith was found to have lost a right fore shoe post race