James Jenkins© Photo Healy Racing
Rushvale's success in the bumper at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day, made the headlines for a couple of reasons, and his former handler James Jenkins is now hopeful that the Moss Vale gelding can continue to keep his name up in lights.
The win was a first on the track for Jenkins, but more significantly it brought up a double for his rider, Anthony Fox, on the day. Amazingly Fox's twin brother Ger also rode two winners on that programme.
Rushvale may have been a 20/1 chance then, but his all the way victory didn't surprise Jenkins, who has always held the now six-year-old in some regard, having picked him up as a yearling for 3,800 Euros.
His sale to Kevin Ross Bloodstock for £75,000 at Brightwells Cheltenham Sale last Saturday, pleased the Ballyclare, County Antrim operator.
Jenkins, a former amateur rider explained: "He was bought to go to Ben Case. I always thought a lot of him. He couldn't have been any more impressive than he was when winning his bumper - he gallops and he stays.
"I've schooled him too and he certainly jumps. He can definitely progress as there should be improvement in him from that last run. I think he'll make a real smart novice hurdler.
"I bought him with the intention of selling him on and that's my business now."
