Ballyegan defies drift to score

Ballyegan Hero proved easy to back in the concluding lady riders bumper at Tramore but stormed home on the run-in to score under Katie O'Farrell. Bridge Native had battled back to repel 5/6 favourite Broke Soul turning for home in the two-miler but couldn't hold the charge of Ballyegan Hero.

John Joe Walsh's charge came up the stand's rail, under O'Farrell, and got on top inside the final furlong for a length-and-three-quarters success.

The 5/2 winner, who had finished runner-up in two bumpers previously, had been as short as 4/5 in the morning.

"I thought he had the form to win but I was afraid of the track. I was right as he didn't come down the hill but then flew home. He wants a good galloping track,” said Walsh.

"That ground was fine but I'd say he wouldn't go on heavy ground. He'll go back over hurdles.

"The owner Tom O'Brien is a doctor from Tralee."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)