McCourt's Bog Banks another Bellewstown win under Clarke

A standing dish at her local track, The Bog Bank led close home under Alyse Clarke to record a fourth course victory when landing Division l of the Gibneys Malahide Handicap at Bellewstown.

Trained in Stamullen by Tom McCourt, the seven-year-old had given her young jockey a day to remember when providing Clarke with a first career win at this venue in July.

Following two respectable efforts on the all-weather at Dundalk, the Epaulette mare was sent off a well backed 4/1f to add to her impressive course record here.

Mid division in the initial stages, The Bog Bank looked to have plenty to do when only fifth early in the straight, as Selective Power kicked clear from the front.

Moving second over a furlong from the finish, Clarke delivered her mount with a well judged ride to lead close home for what was to prove a popular local success.

Tom McCourt said: "She (The Bog Bank) knows where the line is!

"I thought she had a bit much to do maybe for the first half of the race. I suppose they went hard.

"She (Clarke) was good in the finish, she is coming on very well. She is improving with every ride. She'll definitely get more opportunities at Dundalk in the winter.

"I think she is trying to decide whether to take a year out of college, she has just finished school. I'm hoping she takes a year out, she would be good to have for the winter in Dundalk.

"The Bog Bank will go to Dundalk, she has good form up there."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.