Ballea Fox lands Limerick gamble

Ballea Fox was the springer in the market for the Hospitality Packages At Limerick Handicap Hurdle at Limerick today and the Seamus trained gelding duly justified some big-priced support to win on his first attempt at three miles.

Ballea Fox was tailed off when unseating rider on his previous run at Gowran in January and had form figures of '7-00U' coming into today's race.

However the five year old today was upped in trip today under jockey Barry John Foley, and having been backed at 66/1 generally this morning, was a steady 16/1 chance on track. In the end the extra distance worked a treat and the gelding routed his rivals and scored a nine lengths win over Goodthynemilan

Afterwards Dinny Spillane, son of the trainer, reported “the step up to three miles helped him and the tongue-tie was also a big help.

“I didn't think he'd go as well as that but was hoping he'd be in the first four anyway and run well. He surprised me a bit there.

“He's flat bred by Multiplex but I think he wants a cut in the ground and I don't think he'd go on very good ground. I'll try and find another similar race next.”