Grove grabs Lips late to make winning handicap debut Bells Grove surged home to land the spoils in the SIS Handicap Hurdle at Navan for father and son team, Ned and Kieren Buckley. The Capri gelding won a maiden hurdle in good style at Ballinrobe in July and went to post an 11/2 shot on his handicap debut. He settled mid-division before taking closer order over the second last. Lips Freedom led travelling well going to the final flight but couldn’t hold the charge of Bells Grove, who prevailed by three-parts-of-a-length. Buckley senior said: "We thought he had improved a bit at home, he improved for the experience. "You are always a little bit worried about going against handicappers. It was only his third run over hurdles. "He's a game little fella and he takes his racing really well. He loves the game. "I’m delighted with that and nice to get a winner at Navan as well, near home. "I don't think he wants it too soft. We were talking the other day about maybe going to Cheltenham in October to see what is there for him. I think there is a race for him on the Friday. “The ground at the October meeting could suit, and we want nice ground. Might be worth a trip over. I'll see what David (L'Estrange, owner) says. "He's a cracking horse and I wish I had a few more like him." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
