Ballyfinn delivered our first success of the new season with a four-length victory in the Class 5 staying handicap Chase at Fontwell on Wednesday evening in the colours of Crest Racing V.
A change of tactics paid off with Chad Bament riding a patient waiting race before bringing his mount through with a strong late run that took him to the front half-way up the run-in.
Having shown some promise over hurdles Ballyfinn then missed a year and a half with a tendon issue and found himself on quite a tough handicap mark once switched to fences.
He has always jumped well and with his official rating down to a more realistic perch he came good at Fontwell with the help of a sound ride from Chad.
I was pleased to see things finally fall nicely for Ballyfin and will probably keep him going now as he doesn’t seem to enjoy testing ground.
