Batcio evokes memories of Seabass Batcio was the first part of a cross-card double for Ted Walsh on Sunday, as the French-bred grey took the Casey Enterprises 5yo Geldings Maiden at Ballinaboola. Walsh, who later doubled his tally with Oscars Den at Navan, previously tasted success at the Co Wexford venue with subsequent Grade Two winner and Grand National third Seabass (who died earlier this year) back in 2011. This son of Montmartre is owned by his son-in-law Killian McCarthy, and he was sent off a general 4/1 chance with Michael Stenson aboard. In front throughout, he was joined by the Andrew Latta-trained newcomer Thunderosa from three out. There was nothing between the pair as they raced toward the next but Thunderosa crashed out there, leaving Batcio to come home a distance clear of the favourite Ballinasilla. Walsh commented: "I was expecting a good run but I didn't know whether he'd stay or not. He was travelling like a winner in Lisronagh when he genuflected and got rid of Michael. "He is a free-going horse who bowls along and is hard on himself, the way he gallops and jumps. He is a great leaper. "It's debatable whether he would have won or not because the other horse was beside him when he fell. Anyway you have to stay up, and he was unlucky the last day and he got a bit of luck today. "He will make a nice hunter chaser, I would say. He is a lovely-actioned horse and being a Montmartre, he wouldn't want too much heavy ground, I'd say. "If he turns out to be another Seabass I'd be delighted!"
