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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Ballyfinboy lands a gamble

Sun 11th Nov 2012, 14:47

Ballyfinboy pops the last under Bryan Cooper Ballyfinboy pops the last under Bryan Cooper
© Photo Healy Racing

It’s a long way to Tipperary, but the journey back is made much shorter when a major gamble is landed. Ballyfinboy trained by Jimmy Finn in Nenagh, was 33/1 this morning for the two mile seven handicap hurdle at Navan.

That was hammered down to 12/1, before he opened at 9/1 on course and contracted to 7/1 on the off.

Bryan Cooper was booked for the six-year-old. He set out to make all and held a 12-length lead over nearest pursuer Tarquinius (5/1) throughout.

Ballyfinboy gamely kept galloping up the hill after the last and although Tarquinius closed to within a neck at the finishing post, the spoils were landed.

Trainer Jimmy Finn said: “He got away well! He does stay. He’s a much better horse on better ground. Chasing is his main aim. He’ll have a few more runs over hurdles.”

The front two were well clear of Whisky And Red in third at 3/1. The 11/4 favourite Cool Oscar never got into the race in fourth.

Last Time D’Albain was the forecast favourite this morning, but was a non runner as he was found to be lame.

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.