Bell takes Listowel festival curtain raiser

Bell Ex One got off the mark on his second outing over hurdles when running out a convincing winner of the opening Kerry Group 3-Y-O Hurdle at Listowel this afternoon.

The Ray Cody-trained gelding was a well backed favourite on his hurdling debut at Down Royal last month but had to settle for second behind Realist that day.

He turned the tables on that rival this afternoon when beating him by three lengths in the Festival opener.

Jack Foley produced his mount to lead going to the second last and despite a untidy leap there he was soon in control.

A fine leap at the last sealed matters as he galloped on strongly to get the job done.

"His jumping was better today, he was in front way too soon but I told Jack to be good and positive on him,” said Cody.

“When he got to the front he was wicked green but he has an engine and I think this lad will go a good bit.

"He'll run in all those three year old hurdles - I don't think he's too bad. It was a good performance today and when his jumping becomes slicker, there is plenty to come.

"The trip is never a problem and the better the race, the better he'll be. He's not short of pace and goes on any ground, from good to heavy. He is a nice horse to look forward to."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)