Leanna Ban makes it third time lucky The opening division of the Connolly’s Red Mills Maiden for 6yo geldings saw the betting ring at Bennettsbridge come to life as the Pat Hughes trained Bend The Rules proved to be the medium of a substantial gamble. The money stayed in the layers’ satchels as the Colman Sweeney ridden Bend The Rules could manage no better than fourth. The bookmakers didn’t get away unscathed though as Eoin Doyle’s favourite Leanna Ban (Pat Collins in the plate) narrowly prevailed. An error at the last threatened to scupper the victorious Alfora gelding’s bid but runner-up Dream Flyer seemed to falter on the run-in and there was an neck between the pair at the line. Mizen Mix was still in front when making a bad mistake at the second last and he eventually finished third. Eoin Doyle said afterwards: "That was grand. He’s been unlucky. He was travelling well when he fell in Boulta (two out when with every chance on his debut). "Then he made a bad mistake the last day (when fourth at Nenagh). We were hopeful today and he could go for a two and a half mile maiden hurdle now." Quotes from Eamonn Murphy
