By Andrew Atkinson
Bamboo Bay formerly trained by Joseph O’Brien has joined Phil Kirby at Green Oaks Farm Stables in Richmond, North Yorkshire.
Three-year-old Bamboo Bay is set to go juvenile hurdling under Kirby, having raced four times, including winning a 1m 4f Handicap on good going at Rosscommon in August.
Top Ville Ben
Kirby trained Top Ville Ben made a seasonal debut at Wetherby in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase won by Fusil Raffles in October over 3 miles on good to soft ground.
Nine-year-old Top Ville Ben finished fifth, it being a first run since racing in a Grade 2 at Auteil in April, under very soft going, when pulled-up before two out.
Top Ville Ben ran at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival, when finishing third in the Grade 2 Paddy Power Cotswold Chase over 3m 1 1/2 furlongs on soft ground, a race won by Nicky Henderson trained Santini.
Top Ville Ben gained a ninth career win when landing the 888sport Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby, over 3m on soft under Tommy Dowson on Boxing Day December 2019.
“It was a very tough task to ask of Ben in the Charlie Hall Chase after a long time off chasing, due to him missing last season,” said Phil’s wife Pippa.
Top Ville Ben could feature in the Becher Chase at Aintree: “Phil had him as fit as he could for his first outing of the season,” added Pippa.
