Paddy Mathers (19) recorded his first win at Ballinrobe yesterday evening when partnered the David Hanley-trained Lorli to take the Stauntons Bar Ballinrobe Claiming Race.
The daughter of Mukaddamah was never far off the pace, and rallied in the straight to beat Croga Croi by two and a half lengths. Mathers joined Hanley a year ago after a stint in the apprentice centre (RACE) in Kildare.
The winner will soon be trained by Sean Treacy having beeen claimed afterwards for #7,000, although she may have a final outing for Hanley in a 0-70 handicap on the opening session of the Galway Festival next Monday.
Paul Nolan recorded a 90/1 double on the evening with Eagles Valley and Coastal Fan. Eagles Valley just held the late surge of Pas Possible in the McHale Engineering Rated Race, and will head to Galway next week for another handicap either on the Flat or over hurdles.
The John Cullen-ridden Coastal Fan came late to just deny Green magical in the J J Burke Peugeot & Izuzu Ballinrobe Handicap Hurdle (Division 1). Cullen, the champion claiming rider last season, rode out his claim here on Monday evening when successful aboard Shes Sharp.
Paul Carberry was seen at his cheekiest aboard Great Days in division two, sitting motionless as the Dessie Hughes-trained topweight cruised past Commanche Pride on the run-in.
Ross Geraghty was also seen to good effect when making all on Pick Of The Stall in the John McMahon Handicap Chase, finding a bit extra under pressure after the last to hold Magical Fun by a length.
Soaring Eagle justified favouritism in the opening Finches Cranberry Median Auction Maiden, leading at halfway for Wayne Lordan before holding on by a neck from Landofheartsdesire.
'He ran freely today after two runs in 5f races, and would be better coming off a fast pace', said trainer Thomond O'Mara.
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