Ballysteen makes his experience count

Ballysteen had plenty of experience under his belt coming into the concluding paddypower.com Cork Grand National November 6th (Pro/Am) Flat Race and he put it to good use under Robbie McNamara in the two miler.

Sporting the Gigginstown House Stud silks, McNamara arrived cantering with over a quarter of a mile left to race on the winning point-to-pointer, and once asked for his effort the son of Elnadim found plenty. He led and asserted from over a furlong out, going on to dispose of Shuruwaat by five and a half lengths.

Michael Hourigan trains Ballysteen, a grand-son of his eleven time winner Winning Nora and he said: "He won a point-to-point and he likes a bit of nice ground. He'll probably go hurdling now. He's been working well and my horses have turned a corner."

Well-touted favourite Jayeffkay disappointed here on his debut. He was struggling from before the straight and he eventually had to settle for sixth place.