Ronald Pump proves direct boat to France can be a runner for Irish trainers
It was in this column back in January that it was outlined a new direct boat that travels from Rosslare to Cherbourg could be utilised to plunder some of the prize-money in France – and there is a lot of it on offer out there.
Matthew Smith became the first trainer to embark on such an arduous journey last week and was handsomely rewarded when Ronald Pump finished fifth in the French Champion Hurdle after making the 18-hour voyage.
Ronald Pump may have been beaten more than 50 lengths into fifth behind the brilliant winner L'Autonomie, but he more than paid for his journey by picking up almost €20,000 for his efforts.
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