Sparkling start from Balgarry

Winner could head to race named after trainer's father

Last updated: 3rd March 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Balgarry: Routs his rivals on his British debut at Newbury

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Balgarry entered the Cheltenham Festival picture with a sparkling British debut at Newbury.

The grey, ridden by Connor O'Farrell, had the Ladbrokes Supporting Greatwood Handicap Hurdle sewn up when kicking clear not long after halfway.

Weak in the market, the 7-1 chance finished three-and-a-half lengths clear of the Colin Tizzard-trained Nampour, with Ebanour another 14 lengths away back in third place.

Sky Bet cut the winner to 8 from 14s for the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle and 12s from 25s for the Coral Cup.

"We bought him a long time ago but he picked up an injury - only niggly - so the owners have been very patient," said Pipe.

"You've got the bounce factor but if he's OK he might well go to Cheltenham."