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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Balme digs deep to open 'track' account

Thu 17th Feb 2022, 14:14

Gracchus De Balme and J J Slevin Gracchus De Balme and J J Slevin
© Photo Healy Racing

Gracchus De Balme pulled out a bit more close home to land the spoils in the Derrygrath Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding went to post a 11/8 favourite in the two-miler having been placed on his previous two outings.

JJ Slevin produced his mount to tackle front-runner Whowonthetoss turning for home and they took a narrow lead at the second last.

He was soon joined by Plains Indian however, and there was nothing between the pair down to the final flight.

Gracchus De Balme flattened the last but dug deep on the run-in to get the better of his rival and record a half length success.

The winning jockey said afterwards:- "Coming back in trip on today's ground was definitely a help and in fairness to him, his form had been consistent.

"It was a good bit of placing by Joseph as it was for horses which had never won a race and it was nice to get his head in front.

"I hadn't really dipped him going to the last and he didn't get a good jump at it but he stuck out his head well and ran on well to the line. A better race with a stronger gallop would suit him. I think he'll be a three-miler and a chaser in time."

The winner had won a point-to-point at Lisronagh on his debut back in November 2020.

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)

1st
11/8Fav
Tote €2.38 €1.20
2nd
0.5L
9/2
€1.60
3rd
10L
9/2
€1.50
4th
1.5L
11/4
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.