Cast-off Back To Bracka one to watch

Back To Bracka #8217;s success in the bumper at Galway came as no surprise whatsoever to his trainer Noel Kelly who was effusive in his praise of the six-year-old.

“He was a bit keen and free the first day at Sligo and he got blocked in badly. He’s probably one of the best I’ve ever had and he’s a great horse to jump,” Noel Kelly said.

“He only cost 340 quid. Nobody could break him in and he was going to go to the abattoir. He’ll probably go for a maiden hurdle more towards Christmas time.”

Back To Bracka had run fourth in Sligo at the start of the month. He was 9/1 this morning before winning at 5/1. Noel Kelly’s mother Christina owns the gelding.

Noel McParlan was in the plate today and he sent his charge to the head of affairs with two furlongs to race. He got first run on 7/4 favourite Couleur France in the home straight, but stayed on well. The runner-up, representing Noel Meade and Nina Carberry, had a troubled passage and was beaten a length and a half. Patsio completed the placings at 7/2.

Couleur France has now been a beaten favourite on all four outings.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee