News Ballinslea Bridge provides Olly Murphy with first Carlisle success

Ballinslea Bridge provides Olly Murphy with first Carlisle success

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Olly Murphy's first runner at Carlisle was a winner as Ballinslea Bridge came home clear in the Faller Refunds At 188Bet Novices' Hurdle.

Ridden confidently by 7lb conditional Fergus Gregory, the 13-8 favourite was always in the best position and readily pulled seven lengths clear of Truckers Lodge.

Murphy, based in Warwickshire, is in his first season with a licence but has already saddled over 40 winners.

"He's improving all the time. He's surprised me a little bit as I thought he was impressive again today," said Murphy.

"Fergus gets on really well with him and I'd imagine I'll probably look at running him somewhere in a nice handicap now, as long as the handicapper doesn't take that too literally.

"He was a relatively cheap buy at £25,000 and he'll make a nice staying chaser next year.

"I don't think he needs soft ground. He was unlucky not to win a bumper at Newcastle on nice ground, he's a good-moving horse and another summer out at grass won't do him any harm.

"He was my first runner at Carlisle. It's a lovely track but it's a long way from us!"

Another long-distance traveller to win was Newmarket-based Lucy Wadham's Shanroe Santos (3-1 joint-favourite), who travelled sweetly for Brian Hughes on his way to a 13-length verdict in the 188bet.co.uk Handicap Chase.

Hughes doubled up on Brian Ellison's Windsor Avenue (1-9 favourite) in the bumper.

Blottos justified 6-5 favouritism in the 188Bet Download The App Handicap Hurdle in another example of Danny Cook's never-say-die attitude.

Sue Smith's charge made all but it was hard work fending off Slanelough and Lord Ballim close home.

Granville Island (11-2) may be 11 years of age now but followed up a recent win at Uttoxeter in the Bet & Watch At 188bet.co.uk Handicap Chase for Jennie Candlish and Sean Quinlan.

Another veteran, John Dixon's Pistol (12-1), won the 188Bet Daily Racing Specials Handicap Hurdle.