Balko Des Flos

TRAINER

Henry De Bromhead

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Balko Des Flos retired

Balko Des Flos was a top-class racehorse who ran in no less than 14 Grade 1 races over hurdles and fences. He was originally trained by Irish racing legend, Willie Mullins before moving to Henry De Bromhead in 2016.

He made his debut on 18th January 2015. He won his bumper with ease in the hands of top amateur jockey Patrick Mullins. Winning again on his next start by over 5 lengths he progressed to hurdles. From there he was soon competing in Grade 1 company.

He hit the big time in 2017 by winning the prestigious Galway Plate. RacehorseClub ambassador Davy Russell took the ride that day.

Balko Des Flos ran at the Cheltenham Festival in four consecutive years. His biggest performance coming when winning the 2018 Ryanair Chase. He beat hot favourite Un De Sceaux that day. It would earn him an official rating of 169.

Spectacular arrival at RacehorseClub

He ran with great credit in many Grade 1 races thereafter. He joined RacehorseClub on 24th March 2021 after being sold at Goffs UK for £110,000. Just over two weeks later, he lined up in the Grand National at Aintree as RacehorseClub’s first ever runner.

Starting at 100/1 with the bookmakers, Balko Des Flos finished a gallant runner-up to history makers Minella Times and Rachael Blackmore, who had ridden Balko Des Flos on his previous start at Cheltenham.

Balko won £150,000 in prize money that day which was a great return for his members. Since Aintree, Balko he ran a further three times before suffering a career ending injury at Cheltenham on 10th December 2021. After running a total of 35 times winning 6 races his total career earnings were £617,608.

Balko is now back at Henry De Bromhead’s yard where he is being re-trained to be a show horse by Henry’s daughter Mia. Balko Des Flos has his forever home at Knockeen.

Balko Des Flos at a glance

  • Winning debut 18th January 2015
  • 2017 ridden by Davy Russell to victory in the Galway Plate
  • 2018 won the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham Festival
  • 24th March 2021 joined RacehorseClub
  • April 2021 Finished 100/1 runner up in the Grand National
  • 35 races, 6 wins, career earnings of £617,608