Bunyan has a smart one in Bank

Darren Bunyan can certainly get one ready to go at the first time of asking and he sent out a smart looking sort when Beat The Bank helped Pat Smullen to a Dundalk double by landing the Elusive Pimpernel Median Auction Maiden (Plus 10 Race).

Bunyan has enjoyed many good nights on the polytrack with his eight time course victor, Grey Danube, and this win for Beat The Bank certainly didn't come out of the blue as the 4/1 shot was supported at bigger prices earlier.

Smullen, earlier dictated for most on the Michael Halford winner, Zinat and he was to the fore throughout here too as Beat The Bank ultimately comfortably accounted for Vincy

Vincy was trying to make it four from four on the card for Michael Halford, and he ran a lovely race on debut.

"Last year he showed us more than enough ability win a maiden. I'd have been hugely disappointed if he didn't win tonight, and he looks a smart sort," said Bunyan.

"The lads (the Straight To Victory Syndicate) are a dream to train for, and have seven other horses with me. I bought five two-year-olds for them and normally I sell the two-year-olds for them, but this lad showed so much last year that I wanted to wait and win with him first. He started growing and we left him alone until this year.

"If he's not sold then I don't see why he couldn't run in the seven-furlong Fast Track Qualifier in March. He's not an out-an-out all-weather horse either, and in our opinion, he was good enough to win a Curragh maiden. He came to hand so quick, this race was there for him and he was fit and well so we decided to go for it. I couldn't be more happier with him tonight. He was impressive."

C.P. Hoban, rider of Vincy trained by M.Halford, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount checked off heels leaving the back straight.

(AM & EM)