'That couldn't have gone better' - Good Land slashed to 4-1 for Ballymore after convincing win

Good Land was cut to as short as 4-1 for the Ballymore Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham after a decisive victory in this Grade 1 contest, giving trainer Barry Connell and rider Michael O'Sullivan their second Grade 1 novice hurdle success of the season after the victory of Marine Nationale in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December.

O'Sullivan had his mount in a good position throughout, very much appreciating the lead he received from sole British challenger Weveallbeencaught. His jumping was much more polished than when winning his maiden hurdle at the track at Christmas, and having been left in front before the straight as the front-runner weakened, he found plenty to put some lengths between himself and his rivals. The staying-on Absolute Notions finished second, with Sandor Clegane fading late to finish third.

Michael O'Sullivan celebrates on Good LandCredit: Patrick McCann

Connell said: “That couldn't have gone better. He came here at Christmas, he won in a hack canter and he hasn't missed a beat since so we were very confident today. He's a big horse, I didn't think he would mind the ground and he has only one entry at Cheltenham.

“He was maybe a fraction keen over the first couple but then he got a lovely lead off Nigel's horse. He never missed a beat in his jumping and he was probably in front plenty early. We're still only scratching the surface with this guy. The big plus with him is that he is seven and mature, to have that age on their side in races like this can be a big advantage, he has attitude and he is confident. We're a small operation, 25 horses, we've had two entries in Grade 1 races this season and we've won them both.”

He added: “He's not a slow horse. I won the Albert Bartlett before with Martello Tower and it is quite hard on novices, so I would prefer the Ballymore. He could even drop back to the Supreme if something happened to Marine Nationale, but I would have to supplement him.

“I have to pay tribute to Michael O'Sullivan. He's a find – he's ice cool, a brilliant horseman, and I don't care if he can claim or not. He has maturity on his side too which is a big help.”

Many eyes were drawn to the performance of runner-up Absolute Notions under Denis O'Regan, and he was cut to 8-1 from 25s for the Albert Bartlett by Paddy Power. Trainer Gordon Elliott said: “He stayed going well and he'll have learned a lot from that. He looks like an Albert Bartlett horse.”

Not a lot went right for Sandor Clegane, starting with the drying ground, but trainer Paul Nolan was very encouraged. He said: “He ran a cracker. He would have been more at home with ease underfoot. He was a little bit keen and he jumped a bit big too. I think you will see a more improved horse at Cheltenham. He'll go for the Albert Bartlett.”

Read this next:

Luckless Triumph favourite Lossiemouth beaten by stablemate Gala Marceau

Make the most of the jumps with 50% off Members' Club for the rest of the season 

Sign up here.  Place a minimum £10 bet on the Sportsbook at odds of minimum 1/2 (1.5) and get £30 in free bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards or Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators that our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing.