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Punchestown 2024
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Gary Carson
Ballyegan defies drift to score
Ballyegan Hero and Katie O'Farrell
© Photo Healy Racing
Ballyegan Hero proved easy to back in the concluding lady riders bumper at Tramore but stormed home on the run-in to score under Katie O'Farrell. Bridge Native had battled back to repel 5/6 favourite Broke Soul turning for home in the two-miler but couldn't hold the charge of Ballyegan Hero.
John Joe Walsh's charge came up the stand's rail, under O'Farrell, and got on top inside the final furlong for a length-and-three-quarters success.
The 5/2 winner, who had finished runner-up in two bumpers previously, had been as short as 4/5 in the morning.
"I thought he had the form to win but I was afraid of the track. I was right as he didn't come down the hill but then flew home. He wants a good galloping track,” said Walsh.
"That ground was fine but I'd say he wouldn't go on heavy ground. He'll go back over hurdles.
"The owner Tom O'Brien is a doctor from Tralee."
(Quotes by Alan Magee)