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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Hourigan eyes Grade 3 for Ballywilliam Boy

Sun 24th Oct 2021, 16:45

Ballywilliam Boy dominates from the frontBallywilliam Boy dominates from the front
© Photo Healy Racing

Ballywilliam Boy made every yard in the hands of Darragh O'Keeffe in Galway's novice hurdle.

The 9/4 shot had his three rivals on his heels two out but once that flight was negotiated O'Keeffe pressed go and the response was immediate.

The six-year-old gelding readily asserted and has the field cooked by the last. He popped it well and kept on to win by five lengths from Perfect Attitude

Michael Hourigan said: "I had disease in my hay and couldn't understand how he got beaten at Limerick. He was cruising turning-in at Limerick, like today, but didn't get home.

"He'll probably go to Mallow for a Grade 3 novice hurdle at the weekend. Today's race was like a piece of work and he'll go on any ground.

"My owner is anxious to go chasing but I don't know if that'll happen because he is a novice hurdler until the end of November. We could go chasing in December, or later, maybe next season. I should probably keep his for chasing next season."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

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.