Bentelimar and Brian O'Connell negotiate the last© Photo Healy Racing
The ex-Philip Fenton trained Bentelimar credited his new and rookie trainer Shay Barry with a big race winner, landing the Listed I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Novice Hurdle at Punchestown today under jockey Brian O'Connell
The winner was sent to the front by O'Connell but, with the horses racing on the tighter inside track, ran slightly wide off the home turn. The son of Beneficial was also untidy jumping the final flight but to his credit stayed on strongly on the run-in to beat All Hell Let Loose by three and a half lengths.
Barry, based in Kilmeaden, Co Waterford and formerly a very successful jump jockey, was registering his third career winner in what effectively his first season as a trainer, having had just two runners in 2013/14
He later stated "he was getting under them a bit today but I think he's a fairly nice horse.
"He was dropping back to two miles today but Brian (O'Connell) said he's not slow and he came on a good bit from Leopardstown.
"He's got a few entries at Cheltenham in the novices and we'll see; I think the handicaps close next week and we might put him in a couple of them.
"He's a lad to look forward to but wouldn't want it too deep and likes a bit of nice ground.
"Fair play to Philip (Fenton) for sending him my way."
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
