Benny scores on first start for new connections

On his first start for his new connections of owner Barry Connell and trainer Shane Broderick, Black Benny took the www.galwayraces.com Flat Race, in good style under Pat Murphy.

The son of Close Conflict already had a bumper win to his name before today, that coming in January of this year at Thurles when trained by Joe Fogarty.

He was last seen finishing a good third at 25/1 to Burn And Turn at the Punchestown Festival in May, which proved to be his last start for Fogarty.

With the defection of both Saint Gervais and Karuska just five went to post for the two mile, two furlong contest.

The winner tracked the leaders in third early on before making progress when going best to lead under two furlongs out. He stayed on well up the home straight to score comfortably by two and a half lengths. Golden Desert stayed on well to take second at 4/1 for his trainer David O'Brien and jockey Barry O'Neill, while the 5/4 favourite Capisci could only manage third three and a half lengths back for Patrick and Willie Mullins.

Winning owner Barry Connell said afterwards: "He did a bit of work recently and we couldn't see him being beaten. It was a savage bit of work with Luska Lad, who he finished in front of. He is a really nice horse and he will go to Listowel next for a maiden hurdle if the ground is good."

Donal Murphy