2007 - A GOOD SEASON WHICH POINTS THE WAY FORWARD
by Jackie Cowan
The 2007 turf/track season, which started at Central Track on 7th May and ended on 9th September at Connonagh, provided an example of "Together, we can make it work." Work and cooperation were both involved. The showpiece had to be the two-day meeting at Manch in August, while the dynamic new committee at Drimoleague showed the way forward. Its poignant, rescheduled meeting at a new venue at the end of July, provided the most professional racecards yet seen, as well as innovative catering. Other changes have been introduced, i.e. if you don't parade, you don't race. One instance only was all that was needed for that rule to be set in stone. More about improvements later, and on to personalities, human and equine.
CONGRATULATIONS to:
Raymond Shanahan, driver of the year. He kicked off with a three-timer at the opener at Central Track, and ended it with the same at the closer at Connonagh. Early on, his winning drives, among others, were with Lakeview Security (Three-Year-Old Sire Stakes winner) and The March Hare, and later with Lakeview Lobell, all trained by John Shanahan. Red Cam, Red Armbro (Four Year Old Sire Stakes winner) and Blackfield Scoot all contributed to his success.
ALSO, VERY WELL DONE TO:
Mike Kelleher, who, with 14 wins, finished 2 behind Raymond. Super three-year-old, All In, was one of Mike's winning charges. He also won with latecomer, Flashdance, and one of these victories was at Aberystwyth in July.
MATTHEW O'REILLY is the new champion jockey - he started off well when winning the Laddie From Leap with Fidlin. Close on his heels were Seamus Quill and Johnny O'Callaghan - the future of saddle racing is safe in the hands of these three, among others
DISRAELI QUEST won not only the All-Ireland Saddle at Caheragh, but also the turf/track "horse of the year" award. He won three in saddle, each with Johnny O'Callaghan up, and three in harness, driven by trainer, Alex Hamilton. The Kelleher brothers' All In and Kevin Santry's Toys Art Us, both had five wins.
BEST MEETING: The two days at Manch in August. This had everything - good course with great visibility (except where the presentation stand was); a separate warming up area; music, barbecue, great racecard. Great racing, too. Stoneriggs Wizard got up to pip Flashdance in the Newtown Stud/ITHRF All-Ireland final; for most of us, it was a chance to see the great Galiano for the first time, and Sky Security dazzled in the nursery race. This meeting also provided one of the best races of the season - more in a minute.
DRIMOLEAGUE was innovative, as stated, holds a special place for all of us, as it was a tribute for young local boy, James O'Driscoll, who died in June. Good racing, as well, with Dub raider, Damota Warrior, winning heat and final.
CAHERAGH reverted to a one-day meeting; its feature, the All-Ireland Saddle, evolved into a very good race. And finally, I had not been to CONNONAGH for a couple of years. I found it most enjoyable; the committee seemed to have gone to extra trouble and were rewarded with competitive events and some excitement over the drivers' title stake.
SOME BIG RACE WINNERS:
BEST RACE: The 3-Year-Old at Manch. Visitor, Cherry Hall, set the pace but All In kept in touch. Anyone's race on the homestretch but All In proved the tougher of the pair. Thanks for a great race, drivers.
Also notable: Disraeli Quest fending off the formidable Home Ambrose (winner of the Irish Trotting Cup at Ballabuidhe) in the All-Ireland Saddle at Caheragh; and Tom's The Man, whose clever driver showed no fear of formidable raider, Earned Income.
LOOKING GOOD FOR THE FUTURE: As well as Sky Security already mentioned, The Buachaill shows tons of talent; and new import, Coalford Shooter, a winner across the water, and at home.
FINAL MENTION: Deirdre Goggin and Anne Hill broke their duck in harness racing. Congratulations to drivers Michael Goggin, Robbie Cleary, Mike Kelleher and the Murphys on their success across the water, and well done to all of you who gave it a lash over there.
