KATIE AND WALT PURCHASED BY JEAL AND JOIN HUTTON

Ian Fortune

Leading stayer Ballymac Katie has been purchased by Nic Jeal from Liam Dowling in a deal that seemed to work out for both parties.

Speaking to the Racing Post, leading owner Jeal confirmed that they came to a fair price with the brilliant daughter of Ballymac Anton and Ballymac Merkle set to rejoin Dowling after her racing career has ended.

Ballymac Katie, who will have more opportunities over marathon trips in the UK, is to join Kevin Hutton and one would suspect the Dorando Marathon on Derby final night is a likely target in the short term.

Said Jeal of the deal, speaking to the Racing Post, “We’ve done a pup deal with Liam and I’m looking forward to seeing her in action over here.

“I’m hoping a change of scenery will spark her into life, she’s from a tremendous litter which includes our Haka Carlo and we’ll have some fun with them both.”

WALT ALSO CHANGES HANDS

It’s been a busy few days for Nic Jeal as he also purchased Ballymac Walt via the Greyhoundtrader.com auction.

He will be a non-runner from the Time Greyhound Nutrition Select Stakes at Waterford on Saturday night and he too is to join Kevin Hutton with the English Derby in mind.