Balme digs deep to open 'track' account Gracchus De Balme pulled out a bit more close home to land the spoils in the Derrygrath Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel. The Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding went to post a 11/8 favourite in the two-miler having been placed on his previous two outings. JJ Slevin produced his mount to tackle front-runner Whowonthetoss turning for home and they took a narrow lead at the second last. He was soon joined by Plains Indian, however, and there was nothing between the pair down to the final flight. Gracchus De Balme flattened the last but dug deep on the run-in to get the better of his rival and record a half length success. The winning jockey said afterwards:- "Coming back in trip on today's ground was definitely a help and in fairness to him, his form had been consistent. "It was a good bit of placing by Joseph as it was for horses which had never won a race and it was nice to get his head in front. "I hadn't really dipped him going to the last and he didn't get a good jump at it but he stuck out his head well and ran on well to the line. A better race with a stronger gallop would suit him. I think he'll be a three-miler and a chaser in time." The winner had won a point-to-point at Lisronagh on his debut back in November 2020. (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
