Bubbly Bellini with his proud trainer Adrian McGuinness© Photo Healy Racing
The admirable Bubbly Bellini recorded his nineteenth career win, as he took the Your Clubs Fundraiser Enquiry Today Apprentice Handicap.
Already successful this season at the Galway Festival, the Adrian McGuinness trained ten-year-old was last seen finishing fourth to Youceeyouceecee at Listowel just over a week ago.
Available at 9/1 this morning, the son of Mull Of Kintyre opened on-course at 8s before going off a 13/2 chance under Ross Coakley for owners Gary Devlin and Hazel McGuinness.
Settled in mid-division on the outer, he took closer order from the two furlong pole and was soon ridden. He burst through to lead a furlong out, and kept on well from there to score by a length and three parts. Prove The Point (16s this morning and from 9s to 7s on-course) ran on well from the rear to take second under Killian Hennessy for Michael Mulvany, while Focus Of Attention (10/1) was three parts of a length back in third for Oisin Orr and Eddie Lynam. Shore Step was sent off the 11/2 favourite (from 8s on-course), and he finished another half a length back in fourth with Denis Linehan in the plate for Johnny Murtagh.
"He's a legend of a horse and a brilliant horse to have," said McGuinness.
"I didn't really fancy him today as he was drawn 18 of 18 and I thought he might struggle but he's a real warrior.
"We haven't had the saddle on him much since he ran in Listowel and we've had him out in the paddock to keep him happy.
"He's in again at Roscommon on Monday and will probably go there if the ground is okay."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards interviewed J.T. Gorman, trainer of Caitie who was the subject of a second vaccination check today. The vaccinations were in order on this occasion, however there appeared to be an issue arising from a previous inspection of the passport when the horse was in the care of a different trainer. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards allowed Caitie to run on this occassion and referred the matter to the Chief Executive of the Turf Club for further investigation.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
