Bridge wins another big Ballinrobe prize

"His dam is a full-sister to Hear The Echo who won the Irish National," said John Ryan after his Kilcarry Bridge (8/1) won a Mayo version of same in the McHale backed near three miler at Ballinrobe.

This McHale Mayo National Handicap Chase was upped in prize-money this year to 40,000 Euros and Kilcarry Bridge made all under Donagh Meyler.

He was pushed along approaching two out, and ridden before the last, the Darraugh's Choice Syndicate owned Balakheri gelding kept on well under pressure on the run-in to beat Aranhill Chief by a length. There was a length and three parts back to Definite Ruby in third.

"He won the McHale Hurdle here two years ago and now he has come back to win the chase," further reflected Ryan.

"He got an injury and missed a year, he is a lightly raced horse. He is a gorgeous horse and I couldn't believe he was 8/1, I thought he was the pick of the ring.

"He was unfortunate in the Aon Chase at Punchestown, he was carried out to the left, if he wasn't carried out he would have went very close.

"He is a cracking good horse. We will have Kylecrue and himself now for the Kerry National. I will mind him now, I won't run him too often.

"I wouldn't rule out the Galway Plate if he gets into it. The Galway Plate and the Kerry National will be his two main races."

S.W. Flanagan, rider of Bashful Beauty trained by John James Feane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having never travelled throughout this race.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Champagne Harmony trained by S.J.Mahon, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

R. Walsh, rider of Retour En France trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having failed to stride out from flag fall.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Retour En France, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race.

(DM & EM)