Balbriggan© Photo Healy Racing
Balbriggan (4/1f) landed a monster gamble to win the featured Ladbrokes Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan today, further showing off Gordon Elliott's training abilities and also providing a career highlight for claiming jockey Kevin Sexton.
The son of King's Theatre had been installed a 20/1 outsider yesterday and while tipped initially at that price by Attheraces' presenter and tipster Gary O'Brien, the gelding also opened this morning at 14/1.
A sustained gamble developed quite late however, with Balbriggan opening at 11/1 on track. Within minutes the price collapsed and in the end provided the bookmakers with a pre-Christmas roasting, returning clear 4/1 favourite.
The winner was untidy at the second last but stayed on well for his length and three parts win over Owega Star with 2011 winner Groody Hill a gallant third.
Balbriggan had his first start for Elliott when falling at Galway on August 1, but since then has now won four of his five starts for the Grand National winning trainer.
Elliott later stated “he's owned by two soccer agents (Lee Power and Willie McKay) and we gave a good few quid for him but he's paid his way now.
“He ran at Sedgefield (previously) because the lads were going to be there and we'd a great day out!
Regarding the gamble he added “I couldn't believe the price he was as he's in all the staying chases like the Beecher and the Paddy Power Chases and had a nice light weight on his back.
“Kevin jumped him out and made use of it and gave him a fine ride.”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
