BALLINABOLA ED IS BACK AND SET TO TRAVEL

Ian Fortune

One of the real stars of the Irish track Ballinabola Ed has been off the track since September when picked up late in an Open 575 on Derby final night.

It was clear that night he had picked up an injury but he has been nursed back to health and Pat Buckley confirmed this morning that he will be on the boat next Tuesday for a trial at Towcester ahead of a crack at the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby.

It was always going to be touch and go whether he would ever race again but Buckley couldn’t be happier with his star after a sprint trial at Limerick on Wednesday morning. Said Pat, “He tore a gracilis muscle and we weren’t sure he’d ever race again but we did all we could and gave him plenty of time.

“But everything he has done in the past few weeks tells us he is as good as ever. He actually stumbled at traps in a sprint trial at Limerick yesterday but absolutely flew. He came out of it in great order and he will be part of the team travelling over next Tuesday evening with James [Cordon] and Emma [Buckley].

“The dogs will trial on Wednesday. James and Emma will be looking after the English Derby team, leaving me to do all the grunt work at home but what can you do.”

Buckly also confirmed that his Boylesports Derby third Bens Teddy also trialed very well and is all set for the English Derby challenge too. Indeed, Buckley has a very strong team and has every reason to sound confident. The addition of Ballinabola Ed serves as the cherry on top.