Camp takes the Mullacurry Cup on handicap debut

Boot Camp bounced back to form in the feature at Bellewstown this evening, the Bar One Racing Mullacurry Cup Handicap Hurdle.

Successful on his debut over flights at Down Royal in June, the Gordon Elliott trained victor disappointed on his last two outings at Galway and Killarney respectively.

Making his debut in handicap company this evening, the son of Milan was sent off an 8/1 chance with Davy Russell in the saddle.

Settled behind the leaders, he was ridden in second from three out, and kept on best from the last, hitting the front on the run-in, before going on to score by five and a half lengths.

Last year's winner Runyon Rattler (8s to 7s) finished second under James O'Sullivan for Philip Rothwell, while Stormey (8/1) was another three parts of a length back in third. Gold Seal was sent off the 9/2 favourite, and he finished a disappointing sixth.

Russell said afterwards: "He stuck at it well. His jumping wasn't great late on in Roscommon (when second) but it was good today and all that experience stood to him."

The winner, who was previously trained by Jessica Harrington, is a full-brother to nine time winner Duke Of Lucca.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards received a report from W. Fleming, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that L.P. Gilligan , rider of Glan Y Gors was presenting to weigh out at more than 3lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that he had accepted the ride believing that he could do the weight but had been unable to do so. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards found L.P. Gilligan in breach of Rule 198 (vii) and imposed a fine of E150 on the rider.

The Stewards allowed the substitution of the L.P. Gilligan with Miss A.B. O'Connor.

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Graineyhill trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and pulled up.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson