3 in 3 days for Hanlon and McGarvey

‘Shark’ Hanlon and Jody McGarvey combined for success for the third time in three days when course winner Balinaboola Steel (6/1) bolted up in the first split of the Morriscastle Handicap Hurdle at Wexford.

Whatsinthecorner won for the trainer and jockey at Clonmel on Thursday, Hewick did likewise at Kilbeggan yesterday and the County Carlow-based handler’s horses are clearly in ratting good order.

Top-weight Balinaboola Steel tracked the leaders, and he was a close fourth three out. Improving to lead two out, the successful Craigsteel gelding was soon pushed clear, staying on well on the run-in and eased close home to comfortably defeat Aunty Audrey by two and a quarter lengths.

A gamble on the Da Baba Elephant went astray as the 4/1 favourite faded into sixth place after making the running.

"That's three winners in three days, the horses are flying. This horse seems to be improving with me but he has to have a bit of nice ground,” said Hanlon.

“Over the last couple of days we are getting better weather and my horses are running well again.

“When the ground went soft I didn't even enter horses.

“It's great for his owner Seamus Tobin, he is a good owner of mine for the last few years.

"He is not entered up anywhere, so we'll see. He seems to love Wexford and we might bring him back again next month.

"We've had twenty-four horses that have ran since racing resumed. Eleven of them have won and we've had fourteen seconds.”

(DM & EM)