Malbas lands gamble in fine style for Buckley's Father and son Edward and Kieren Buckley struck with the well supported Malbas to land a fine gamble in the BoyleSports Supporting Irish Racing Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Available at 50/1 overnight, the nine-year-old was backed down to as low as 5/1 at one point early this morning. However, with a number of rivals proving popular in the live market, he eventually drifted back out to 10/1 at the off. A three-time winner on the Flat, the gelding had failed to get his head in front in 22 starts over hurdles. Making his first start for Buckley this afternoon, he looked a well handicapped horse as he travelled with ease throughout the race. Tracking the leaders into the straight, he was switched out to challenge two out, before quickening smartly to lead at the last. Despite a less than fluent leap at the final flight, he stayed on strongly on the run-in to score decisively by two-and-a-quarter lengths. “The lads sent me this horse just after Christmas and we picked this race out a long time ago but we weren’t sure if we’d get a run with the balloting system,” said Edward Buckley. “He’s had plenty of chances to win over hurdles and never got the job done. “Myself and Kieren went through the races and had a good old chat about it and we decided to hang on to him for as long as we can. “He has a turn of foot and it’s an easy finish here from the last to the line. He got beat a couple of places where he was maybe in front too soon. “We were a little bit worried about the ground. “He’s rated 77 on the Flat so he’s no mug. We’ll see what he’s like tomorrow because he has a history of a little bit of lameness. He’s been fine up to now so fingers crossed.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
