West Of Bally justifies market confidence in Limerick opener The Eric McNamara-trained West Of Bally justified market confidence, as he easily accounted for 13 rivals in the opening Conference & Banqueting Facilities At Limerick Racecourse Maiden Hurdle. Previously in the care of Willie Murphy and bought by current connections for 26,000 pounds after finishing second in a point-to-point at Loughrea, the Westerner five-year-old was available at 10/11 in early shows for this extended two-and-a-quarter mile heat, eventually going off the clear favourite at 2/5. Tracking the leaders under Calum Hogan, the bay victor needed to be switched off the rail away from three out and travelled best to lead before the next. Quickly extending his advantage, he eventually came home 15-lengths to the good, with the well-supported Denis Leahy-trained Castle Croiuil (15/2 from 40s early) filling the runner-up spot. The only four-year-old in the line-up, Grey Gardens (14/1) was another length-and-a-half back in third. "We were delighted with his last run in Galway (when fifth) where he showed huge improvement from Listowel," McNamara reflected. "On paper today's race looked to be very poor, so I felt his Galway run might be good enough to win it. "He is a nice horse going forward, is very straightforward, jumps well and will stay further. He had been very well schooled by Willie Murphy, who had him point-to-pointing and we'll see what happens after this. "Hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on him and he could come back here at Christmas. "His four owners are divided between Patrickswell and Askeaton, they're all here today and even brought the wives!" STEWARDS REPORTS The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident approaching the last involving Castle Croiuil, ridden by P.M. O'Brien, placed second and Koolio Kate, ridden by K.C. Sexton, placed fourth, where it appeared the two came close together. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P.M. O'Brien stated that his mount responded to the stick by drifting towards the rail and that he did not want to lose his position by taking a check. K.C. Sexton stated that he felt he was clear when manoeuvering towards the rail and was unaware of a horse on the inside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
