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Ballyadam Approach too strong

Ballyadam Approach in front as Dysios falls at the lastBallyadam Approach in front as Dysios falls at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Ballyadam Approach relished his spin round Fairyhouse as he did it from the front in the Grade B BoyleSports Novice Handicap Chase.

David Splaine disputed the lead on the 10-year-old with Black Zero and Johnny Burke throughout. On the homeward bend Dysios travelled strongly on their outer and appeared poised to deliver a knockout blow.

However, Ballyadam Approach climbed for home with gusto and was several lengths up on a toiling Dysios at the last where the latter fell when booked for second.

This left 9/2 favourite Mr Fiftyone to come through for second, albeit three and three quarter lengths in arrears. Black Zero kept on at one pace for third at 16/1. He was beaten 11 and a quarter lengths by the winner.

Handler Terence O'Brien said: "I quietly fancied him today. He's broken down three times and had a full wind operation twice but his owner has been very patient.

"He was off a handy weight, and is only coming to himself. He's a ten-year-old but has never had a run of more than four or five races together. I think he'll even improve from that.

"I hope he'll get into the big novice handicap now at Punchestown."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.