Well-backed Ball proves too good for Berry The well-backed Ball D'arc led home a Gigginstown one, two the opener at Limerick, the Racing Post Maiden Hurdle. Having won a point-to-point and bumper, the Gordon Elliott trained son of Network was disappointingly beaten into second on his debut over flights at Navan earlier this month. He unseated at the first at Leopardstown on St Stephens Day and turned out again quickly he was sent off the well-backed 5/4 second favourite (5/2 last night and from 7/4 on-course) under Kevin Sexton. Sent straight to the front he made all and was ridden out on the run-in to see off the challenge of Berry Des Aulmes by a length and a quarter. The runner-up was returned the even money favourite under David Mullins for his uncle Willie. Conna Cross (66/1) completed the placings a further thirteen lengths back in third under Paddy Mangan for his father Jimmy. Kevin Sexton said afterwards: "He did it very well and settled away great in front. "He travelled brilliantly and I always had loads of horse and he also jumped brilliantly. I knew nothing would catch him and he'll go further too as he stays well. He is a nice horse who is going the right way." STEWARDS REPORTS * D.J. Mullins, rider of Berry Des Aulmes (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount tripped up and he was unseated after the winning post. * A.E. Lynch, rider of Moyhree, trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount got stuck in the ground and he was unseated after the winning line. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
