El Bello breaks new ground in landing Tipperary nightcap Having never won a race on turf, or over a trip beyond 7f, the Raymond Hurley trained El Bello broke new ground when staying on strongly under Nicola Burns to win the concluding Home & Agri Energy Handicap at Tipperary. A five-time all weather winner, the grey had shown promise on grass on a few occasions, including when staying on late over a mile last time having met trouble in running. However, faced with an additional half-mile here, the six-year-old was sent off 33/1 to prove he had the stamina for such a test. Held up towards rear of mid division, Burns coaxed El Bello into fifth entering the straight. Ridden to go third over two furlongs out, the grey came through to head favourite Glady Eagle at the furlong pole. Finding plenty when challenged by Lady Kai close home, El Bello held on to win by a neck. Raymond Hurley, training his first winner since 2013 said: "It has been a long time since my last win and I didn't have my license for a good few years but always had the odd point-to-pointer. I got Tom (Foley, part-owner), who worked for me when I was in Lisselan Farms, and Don Kingston together so decided to renew my Flat license recently and they gave me a couple of horses. "El Bello had been unlucky in-running in Sligo and, to be honest, I was hoping he'd be bang there as he was up in distance today. Nicola gave him a super ride and I went looking for her two days, as she is some rider. "I farm as well, so I'm not short of work but would like to build up a few horses to run, preferably over jumps. I'm enjoying being back in it and there were great days with Imperial Call and Whysomayo." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
