BALKO DES FLOS ran to an impressive victory at the Galway Races today, as Davy Russell partnered Henry de Bromhead’s charge to scoop the Galway Plate.
It comes as the Cork jockey’s first Galway Plate, and de Bromhead’s second following Shanahan’s Turn’s victory two years ago.
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The Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old was making his first appearance since finishing third in a novice handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival, and the 6-1 shot ran well throughout to finish first.
Willie Mullins’ Shaneshill was well-backed going into the race, but a mistake at the second last proved costly, as he finished second and the eventual winner looked comfortable in the closing stages.
Balko Des Flos passed the post four and three-quarter lengths clear, while Joseph O’Brien’s Slowmotion finished third.
Davy Russell and Henry de Bromhead celebrate the win. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
“He was very good and all the credit must go to Henry and the team really,” Russell said after the race.
“He travelled and jumped and I got to the front early enough, but the last thing I asked Davy Roche [De Bromhead's assistant] going out was whether he’d stay and he said ‘absolutely, stamina is not an issue’, so I was happy enough to let him go.
“I winged the last two fences and it’s hard to give away that advantage by sitting up and pulling back. The horse was really fit and he was brave up the hill.
Russell with the Galway Plate. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
“I’ve never won this race, so it’s nice to do it.”
De Bromhead added: “It was brilliant and I’m delighted. He got super ride and I can’t believe we’ve won it again – it’s amazing.”
“He did it really well and hopefully he’s an improving horse. You were certainly starting to think you had a right chance bar a fall or something nasty happening.
“Davy was brilliant on him, but everything went our way today.”
Balko Des Flos cruises home to hand Russell and de Bromhead Galway Plate
BALKO DES FLOS ran to an impressive victory at the Galway Races today, as Davy Russell partnered Henry de Bromhead’s charge to scoop the Galway Plate.
It comes as the Cork jockey’s first Galway Plate, and de Bromhead’s second following Shanahan’s Turn’s victory two years ago.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old was making his first appearance since finishing third in a novice handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival, and the 6-1 shot ran well throughout to finish first.
Willie Mullins’ Shaneshill was well-backed going into the race, but a mistake at the second last proved costly, as he finished second and the eventual winner looked comfortable in the closing stages.
Balko Des Flos passed the post four and three-quarter lengths clear, while Joseph O’Brien’s Slowmotion finished third.
“He was very good and all the credit must go to Henry and the team really,” Russell said after the race.
“He travelled and jumped and I got to the front early enough, but the last thing I asked Davy Roche [De Bromhead's assistant] going out was whether he’d stay and he said ‘absolutely, stamina is not an issue’, so I was happy enough to let him go.
“I winged the last two fences and it’s hard to give away that advantage by sitting up and pulling back. The horse was really fit and he was brave up the hill.
De Bromhead added: “It was brilliant and I’m delighted. He got super ride and I can’t believe we’ve won it again – it’s amazing.”
“He did it really well and hopefully he’s an improving horse. You were certainly starting to think you had a right chance bar a fall or something nasty happening.
“Davy was brilliant on him, but everything went our way today.”
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Balko Des Flos Davy Russell Galway Plate Galway Races Henry de Bromhead Winning