Progressive handicap chaser Ballysax Hank has Kerry National target

Owned by Paul Byrne, the well-backed 9/4 favourite came from a long way back to win Saturday's Unibet Summer Plate Handicap Chase under a confident Harry Cobden, and Gold Cup-winning trainer Cromwell is keen to keep the horse going before the ground turns throughout the winter months.

Reflecting on the weekend success, Cromwell said on Racing TV's Luck On Sunday programme: "He was having a bit of a buck around down at the start, I'm not really sure what was going on but thankfully when he jumped off he was fine and settled well. He was a long way back but they looked to go a good gallop and it all worked out.

"He had the profile to go on nice ground and we were hoping he was going to be progressive. He jumps well and has grown up a bit over the last while, so we were hoping he was going to get the trip. He had the tactical pace to travel on summer ground."

"Looking ahead to possible future targets for the six-year-old, Cromwell said: "He's not in the Galway Plate, there's potentially the Kerry National if he'd stay that trip, which he may do on Listowel's flat track, so hopefully he'd stay.

"He certainly doesn't want heavy ground, maybe as times goes on and he matures he might cope with it a bit softer but this winter he didn't settle and was too gassy. But he's growing up."

More from Sporting Life

• Free bets
• Racecards
• Fast results
• Full results and free video replays
• Horse racing news
• Horse racing tips
• Horse racing features
• Download our free iOS and Android app
• Football and other sports tips
• Podcasts and video content

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.