Ballystone delights Williamson in Killarney John McConnell's Ballystone (4/1) proved best of the six runners in the Thorn Plant Hire Beginners Chase at Killarney. He closed upon Affinity Rock at the third-last fence and Josh Williamson pushed him into a narrow advantage two out. There was a lengthy run to the final fence which gave Affinity Rock the chance to rally, however, it was Ballystone who increased his lead there and he was driven out on the run-in to account for a keeping-on Fort Dino (11/4) by three lengths. This was Ballystone's second go over fences having finished a fair fourth on debut at Galway. He also has two hurdle victories in the book. Williamson said: "Galway was his first run over fences and no matter how good they are at home they’re bound to improve for a run and he was brilliant there today, never missed a beat, and jumped brilliant. "His jumping got me into the race really, I never had to use any petrol to get there. Hopefully, there’s more to come. "I think he was in the 130s over hurdles, he was probably the highest of those today, but chasing appears to be his game and he’s a very measured jumper." Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
