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Ballela benefits as Turcagua crashes out

Ballela Boy and Davy RussellBallela Boy and Davy Russell
© Photo Healy Racing

Ballela Boy continued the hot streak of Gordon Elliott, Davy Russell and Gigginstown when claiming the opener at Thurles this afternoon.

The race complexion changed four from home when 1/2 favourite Turcagua crashed out. Cowboy Des Long was left in front but gave way to Ballela Boy two from home and the Golan gelding galloped on well in the closing stages to post a two-and-a-half length success.

The 11/2 winner had been well held on his last outing at Fairyhouse in January but had run well on his two previous starts to finish runner-up.

"We are a long time trying to get him to win a race but he has now won his bumper, maiden hurdle and a chase,” said Elliott.

"There's no big plan with him and he'll run wherever we can find a race for him and he could also be going to Doncaster Sales."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.