Hero to the fore at Tramore

Course bumper scorer Ballyegan Hero landed another victory at Tramore when becoming a second winning favourite in as many races at the seaside venue in the Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Annual Members Maiden Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh looked like he might have timed things to a nicety when delivering the patiently ridden Torrent Des Mottes to challenge away from the second last.

Willie Mullins' easy to back 3/1 shot couldn't live with the Ambrose McCurtin-ridden Ballyegan Hero (11/4) from before the last though, and two and a quarter lengths separated them at the finish.

They left Black Franks Angel eight lengths back in third.

Winning trainer John Joe Walsh said: "The horses weren't right all winter, they are just starting to come right now.

"He is not a bad horse and he wanted the better ground. He won easy and he will be kept on the go, he is a summer horse. He will go handicapping now."

(DM & EM)