Bellgrove goes one better 12 months on under Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
Bellgrove beaten a neck by Line View in the Heinz Pollmeier Memorial Handicap Chase last year, went one better 12 months later at Tramore.
Davy Russell was again in the saddle and he oozed confidence on the Pat Cloke-trained gelding who travelled well to lead before three out.
The 10/1 chance (from 14’s) just needed to be pushed out on the run-in to beat the 7/2 favourite Native Lass by two and three quarter lengths. Just A Normal Day was prominent throughout but could find no extra from the second last to finish another two and a quarter lengths away in third.
Russell said, "Credit has to go to Pat who has done a marvellous job, persistence paid off.
"I give out about the handicapper enough but I feel on this occasion he deserves praise that he gave him a chance to win a race. It's very important because he is an old horse and he has been running consistently well. It was getting frustrating, but the handicapper gave him a chance and that helped him get across the line.
"I'm delighted for Pat and the owners."
(DM & AM)
