Review CLONMEL 20TH MAY

There was no shortage of drama in the featured Jimmy Hayes Bookmakers Handicap Chase at Clonmel yesterday where Ballyvalogue benefitted from the disqualification of Nippy Cherry to complete a hat-trick.

Nippy Cherry, ridden by Kieran Gaule, lost a pad and cloth (weighing 13lb) between the final two fences before going on to 'beat' the fast-finishing Ballyvalogue by two and a half lengths.

'He stays well, and we will keep him on the go as long as he is in this form. He's entered again at Tipperary on Thursday', said winning trainer Bill Flavin.

Eamonn Sheehy saddled a double, the second of his five year training career, when successful with Cronin's Boy and Earlshill Song.

The GPT Handicap at the Galway Festival is the main aim for Cronin's Boy after this grand money-spinner recorded his seventh win (2 Flat/5 Hurdles) in the McCarthys Hotel Tipperary Perpetual Cup Handicap.

The dual purpose gelding led well over a furlong out under Tadhg O'Shea to beat Dr Torus by a length and a half. 'They always go a good gallop in the GPT, and that will suit him well', said Sheehy afterwards.

Neil Mulholland partnered his twentieth winner of the season when Earlshill Song jumped to the front at the last to beat Act Of Defiance by a length and a half in the Tynan Construction Handicap Hurdle. 'He handled the ground alright but is probably better with some cut', said Sheehy.