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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Ballydesmond wins hunter chase on Rules debut

Tue 2nd May 2023, 05:23

Ballydesmsond  Ballydesmsond
© Photo Healy Racing

The C&C White Maiden Hunters Chase was won by Ballydesmond (10/1) who was partnered by Oran McGill.

Runner-up in three of his last four point-to-points, the Presenting gelding tracked front-running 9/4 favourite Focus Point before jumping past that rival at the second-last. From that point he stayed on well to beat the market leader by nine lengths.

Winning trainer Caroline McCaldin also saddled Faith Loving who departed at the third-last.

Oran McGill said: "He's only a six-year-old, he is probably still improving away there. He won well and he is a nice horse.

"I just wanted to hold him together as long as I could, he wouldn't do a whole pile in front. Once he quickened up, he did it well. He sprung off that ground.

"I think that is six winners on the track now. Hopefully I'll have a good summer, stay sound and keep at it."

Quotes from Michael Graham

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.