Ballyearl off the mark for de Bromhead in Tipperary The market had Ballyearl as Henry de Bromhead's second string in the Tipperary Town Maiden Hurdle, but it didn't prevent him staying on best to beat Portetta. The Buck's Boum gelding, in the first-time hood, improved into second in his pursuit of Portetta over two out. The pair soon separated themselves from the field and Portetta held a narrow advantage jumping the last. A good jump from Ballyearl saw him land into the lead on the run-in, thouhg, and he was driven out by Darragh O'Keeffe to score. The 11/2 shot asserted in the closing stages to win by two and a-half lengths from the 7/1 runner-up. Watching The Clock (28/1) was almost four lengths away in third. Doctor Confusion, the 7/4 favourite who represented de Bromhead, dropped to third two out and weakened between the last two fences. O'Keeffe said: “He was a bit keen on his first two runs but, after a break and with a hood applied today and nicer ground, he switched off and jumped well. “He showed a good attitude up the straight and when I got stuck into him, he found plenty. I’d say nice ground is key to him.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee
