Bruff gets off the mark at Ballinrobe

Bruff in the JP McManus colours proved much too good for his rivals in the two mile six handicap chase at Ballinrobe.

Jockey Jody McGarvey could afford a peek across at his rivals before two out as he was going so well. He rode the winner clear from the last for an 11-length decision for trainer Mouse Morris.

Frank Berry, racing manager for JP McManus, said: “It’s great to win a race with him. He’d been promising and he’s consistent.”

The winner was returned at 4/1, having been 5/1 in the morning. Runner-up Western Star was the 11/4 market leader and third-placed Bishop’s Lane was 6/1.

There was a plunge on Pauline Gavin’s Optime from 33/1 in the morning to an opening show at the track of 25/1 down to an SP of 12/1, but the money was left in the bookmakers’ satchels as this one finished fifth.

Bruff is a five-year-old and was winning for the first time on his 14th outing.

(On course reporting by Eamonn Murphy)