Ryanair Chase: Balko Des Flos upsets Un De Sceaux to win the Ryanair Chase
Henry de Bromhead got in on the act of a Gigginstown Thursday as Balko Des Flos upset Un De Sceaux to win the Ryanair Chase and finally give Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary a win in his own race.
GIGGINSTOWN continued their Thursday domination at Cheltenham as Balko Des Flos (8-1) won the Ryanair Chase in fine style.
Henry de Bromhead’s seven-year-old travelled strongly throughout the race behind the defending champion Un De Sceaux (8-11).
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He cruised past last year’s winner as they approached the straight and shot clear to give Davy Russell a double on the afternoon.
Last year’s winner probably did too much, too soon in the race but still came home well enough to finish second.
Colin Tizzard’s popular veteran chaser Cue Card tried to make all but hit a flat spot in the back straight and was swiftly pulled up by Paddy Brennan when his race was over.
His retirement is expected but trainer Tizzard will not make a decision today.
Russell said: “I thought his chance had lessened with the more rain that fell, but Henry de Bromhead is a master at this.”
De Bromhead said: “Fantastic, delighted – a brilliant ride.
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“You had to give him a chance, obviously, but I got a bit worried when the ground went soft.
“I thought his run at Christmas was very good and the lads (Gigginstown House Stud) said to put him away and go for this.
“Davy gave him a brilliant ride and he was super.”