Banbridge continues Bartlett's good run The opening Dunmoe Rated Novice Hurdle at Navan saw owner Ronnie Bartlett continue a good run with a win for his Banbridge. However the two miler was marred by a horrible fall two out for Easca Peasca. Thankfully Shane Fitzgerald was reported okay after the fall for Easca Peasca. Unfortunately for Brian Hamilton’s Born To Sea gelding, who was right in the mix, it proved to be a fatal tumble. Meanwhile inside the final furlong the Joseph O’Brien-trained and J J Slevin-ridden Banbridge got on top to beat Au Fleron, and front-runner Ardla, by two and a quarter lengths and a neck. O’Brien stable representative Brendan Powell said afterwards: “It was a nice performance for a horse that really wants further, he will be a three-miler. “I just thought that they might do him for a bit of toe but he's very tough and he jumped well up the straight. “JJ said early on he got knocked around a little bit on the inside so he pulled him wide, which was the best thing for him. “He wouldn't want it any softer than that. Next year he could be an exciting chaser, especially at two-and-a-half plus as he'll stay three miles. “He stays, he's honest and he gallops. He's done nothing wrong, last time at Leopardstown he had a lot of weight for a novice in a handicap and he's actually run a nice race. “He's a nice horse going forward.” The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ebasari, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. (GC & EM)
