Claimer O’keeffe steers Ballyoisin to glory in feature

BETTER known as a chaser, the Enda Bolgertrained Ballyoisin captured the featured Ladbrokes Ireland Handicap Hurdle in Listowel yesterday, giving 18-year-old, 7lb claimer, Darragh O’keeffe the biggest win of his career. A five-time winner over fences, running off what trainer Bolger described as a “nice mark”, the J P Mcmanus owned sevenyear-old got the better of the Willie Mullinstrained pair, favourite Shanning and frontrunner Voix Du Reve. “He’s rated 157 over fences and 131 over hurdles, and Frank picked this race for him,” said Bolger. “Darragh gave him a great ride. He’s been with us a year and is getting plenty of experience.” Owner Mcmanus registered his sixth success of the week when 25/1 shot Vent De La Cote landed the finale for Martin Brassil and Mark Walsh. Mullins, who lost out in the feature, had earlier completed a double with 1/6 shot Exchange Rate (ridden by Patrick), an effortless winner of the Failte Abhaile Amateur Race and the Paul Townendridden Orion D’aubrelle in the beginners chase. Meanwhile, Alpha Centauri and Roaring Lion will be sent off odds-on favourites for tomorrow’s Group 1 action, on Champions Weekend, in Leopardstown. Already the winner of four Group 1 contests this season, Jessica Harrington’s Alpha Centauri will face six rivals in the Coolmore fastnet Rock Matron Stakes while the John Gosden-trained Roaring Lion, already the winner of the Eclipse and Juddmonte International this season, will renew rivalry with Saxon Warrior in a field of eight for the QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT Ballyoisin won yesterday’s showpiece by a length from Shanning