Ball bounces back in race marred by casualties

The Niall Madden-trained Pass The Ball bounced back to form to run out a convincing winner of the Urban Life Handicap at Bellewstown.

Tom Madden tracked the leader A Place Apart throughout the mile-six contest before hitting the front over two furlongs from home.

The JP McManus-owned gelding kept on well in the closing stages to post a three-and-a-half length victory at odds of 14/1.

“I'm delighted. He lost his spark and we don't know why but he came back to himself there,” said Madden senior afterwards.

“He was so disappointing the last day in Ballinrobe and we just don't know why, it was deplorable.

“He loved that ground but the ground was quick in Ballinrobe as well so there was no excuses that way.

“He's in here on Saturday night and I might run him. I'll have to chat to the bossman first.”

Unfortunately the race was marred by the fatal fall of 5/2 favourite Turasoir passing the two furlong marker. Verse Of Love was brought down by the faller and also suffered fatal injuries.

Conor Hoban, rider of Turasoir was stood down for the rest of the meeting, reported to be shook and sore.