Buckley's good servant Malbas back to winning ways On the mark for Cormac Farrell aboard Sticktotheplan at Listowel yesterday, Kieren Buckley continued a productive Bank Holiday weekend on Malbas in the West Midlands Credit Union Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan this afternoon. For Buckley's trainer father, Ned, this fellow defied top-weight, to add to the gains accrued when he landed a gamble at Fairyhouse in April. Since a beaten favourite at Down Royal in May, the victorious nine-year-old had his backers again (11/2 into 9/2) and with favourite Moulane West folding tamely approaching the straight to eventually finish last, he toughed it out best up front. At the line Malbas had a length and a neck to spare over Jerrari and Torquay Road (a big market-mover earlier in the day). “The last time we ran him in Down Royal the ground was probably quick enough, and Kieren said he was never happy on it and not jumping as well as he can," said Buckley senior. “We were delighted to see the rain over the last few days. He was in front a bit sooner than I liked but the race kind of fell apart in front of him and he had to go on. “He’ll probably go over a fence at some stage. We’ve schooled him over fences and he’s very good.” (AM & EM)
