Bell Weir takes Clonmel opener

Bumper and hurdle winner Bell Weir made a winning Flat debut in the opening West Gate Maiden at Clonmel today, scoring readily for Champion Jockey Joseph O'Brien.

The son of Tobougg was pushed along to lead entering the straight and eventually maintained a strong gallop to defeat Another Charm by four lengths.

Afterwards winning trainer Eoin Doyle stated “he did it well and he seems to be a bit better on the Flat compared to hurdles. Over hurdles his jumping is a bit sloppy and he tends to back-off them a bit. He could be worth a go down the line aiming at a staying handicap around this trip.”

Bell Weir, which began his racing life when third in a 'Junior' three year old bumper at Fontwell in 2011, was the well-backed 2/1f winner today having opened at 4/1 in the morning.

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee