Jump Allen © Photo Healy Racing
It didn't look likely early in the straight but 11/10 favourite Jump Allen eventually found his stride inside the final quarter mile to win the Beaufort Golf Club Ladies (Pro/Am) Flat Race.
Jody Townend was rowing away on the Manduro gelding once they turned for home and he was making little impression in third with three furlongs to travel. The picture changed when a big gap opened on the rail entering the final quarter-mile and the five-year-old was soon in front and had matters under control. Major Barry stayed on late in the day but was a length and a three quarters adrift of the market leader at the line.
Townend said of Willie Mullins' debutant who carries the colours of McSweeney Bros Quarries Limited: "I thought we went just a fair gallop but they went racing very early - nearly four furlongs out. He was green and it took a while for the penny to drop but once I got after him and gathered him up, he almost got there too soon.
"He'll improve a lot from that and is bred for a trip.
"That's my first winner of the season and I had finished second at Downpatrick the other evening so this will make the drive home a bit shorter."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
