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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Change of tactics works with Balboni

Fri 3rd May 2013, 21:04

Mark McNiff celebrates his first double with BalboniMark McNiff celebrates his first double with Balboni
© Photo Healy Racing

Balboni was given a patient ride by Robbie McNamara who delivered him inside the final furlong to win snugly by half a length in the bumper at Kilbeggan. Broadway Symphony at 22/1 had set sail for home but Balboni (6/1) moved strongly from rear and had his rival cooked as the post loomed. At Reception (33/1) ran a good race to get within half a length of the winner at the line.

This winner gave Mark McNiff his first double on the track after Seskinane #8217;s success in the opener, and it paid 20/1.

“I’m training in Strandhill, Sligo out of Michael McElhone’s old yard. Apart from point-to-points I haven’t had a winner since a Uttoxeter bumper before Christmas,” Mark McNiff said.

“I fancied both of them as they were both going well.

“We probably rode him wrong last year. I told Robbie to drop him out. They went a strong gallop and it worked out well.

“He’ll probably go for a winners’ bumper and should come on a nice bit for that.”

Robbie McNamara added: “Mark told me to take my time. Often here they go a little too fast. I didn’t want to get there too soon.”

Unraced Grangeclare Pearl for Willie and Patrick Mullins was uneasy in the market, drifting from 6/4 this morning. She went off at 2/1 and finished fourth.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

1st
6/1
Tote €6.60 €1.50
2nd
0.5L
33/1
€19.30
3rd
2.75L
22/1
€4.30
4th
2.25L
2/1Fav
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.