Hale Bopp is ridden out by Sam Ewing© Photo Healy Racing
Hale Bopp made it two wins from four starts, as he ran out a comfortable winner of the Racing Again Tomorrow Apprentice Handicap.
Successful on his second start at Dundalk in October, the Ger Lyons trained colt finished second on his most recent start at the all-weather venue.
Making his handicap debut this evening, the son of Belardo was settled in mid-division by Sam Ewing, taking closer order from early in the straight.
Ridden from the two furlong pole, the 9/2 chance swept through to lead inside the final 200 yards and he soon had matters under control, coming home two lengths to the good. Overheer (3/1f), who got in as third reserve, finished a never nearer second under ten pound claimer Tom Kiely Marshall, while Jungle Cove (10/1) was half a length back in third.
Shane Lyons, assistant trainer, said afterwards: "He was having his first run in a handicap. He has done well from the winter into the spring and now into the summer he has really filled out well.
"We were a little worried about the ground drying out - he wants good ground but being a big horse, didn't want it good to firm. Sam said he hit the ridges through inexperience but won going away and we'll see what the handicapper does.
"He'll learn a lot form that, we'll take baby steps and it's a good start."
STEWARDS REPORT
A.J. Farragher, rider of Leabaland trained by M.Halford, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped a little right when the stalls opened.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
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