Ballymac Manix, who endured a spell of 13 races without victory last autumn, landed the 2016 William Hill Springbok with his third win in his last five outings, and the first leg of a big race double on the night for Kerry breeder Liam ‘Ballymac’ Dowling.
The Seamus Cahill trained black who went out of last year’s Derby in the first round, tracked early leader King Jack to the third bend, and barring a peck at the last, looked the best jumper on display. He crossed the winning line with two and half lengths to spare over Brinkleysdominic in 29.11, his best of the competition, and 22 spots outside Razldazl Raidio’s track record. The 10-11f was never seen with a chance and finished fifth.
