Limerick gamble landed by The Ballyboys

The Ballyboys was the springer in the market for the Ryans Cleaning Handicap Hurdle at Limerick today and in the end rewarded his followers with a 10/1 win (from 25s this morning and 14/1 on track) for trainer Ray Hackett and jockey Adam Short.

Following the win, Co Tipperary based Hackett stated “we were hoping he’d run a big race and were hoping the blinkers would do the job on him. It has taken us a while to get him right and a huge thanks to Jim Bergin, an osteopath, who has done a huge job on him. He has turned him inside out.

“He is a fine big strong horse and finds it easier on that heavy ground than other horses - we’ll see what the handicapper does now.

“Adam has had ten rides for me but that’s his first winner and he is a very obliging fellow and I’m delighted to give him a winner.“

The Ballyboys derives his name from fictitious television comedy Killinaskully, whose members are arch rivals of the neighbouring Bally Boys.

By Tom Weekes