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Old Chapel - All-Ireland - Feb.25th 2007

This was a really good day's racing. There was a massive crowd; the weather was decent, and as regards the All-Ireland, as Teddy Browne said, this is what road trotting is all about. It was terrific to hear all the different accents, from all over Ireland, and then Welsh, Scottish, English, etc. My only quibble is that crowd control could have been a little better. There was a certain amount of bad feeling, too, among spectators, about Micheal Duggan being jocked off The Blue Fox. But this is something the Executive will have to take up. But all in all, well done to Old Chapel. And their recognition of the founding committee was well received, as was their contribution to the lost fishermen's fund.

Race 1. Novice. 800 Euro.

Start Time: 14.25 -- Race Time: 2.13

2 horses ran -- S.P. No offers. Dist.: 6l.

A bit of a damp squib, and the only one of the day. The winner had no trouble at all, as the trotter was not good enough.

Race 2. Grade E. 900 Euro.

Start Time: 14.40 -- Race Time: 2.13

Also Ran: Red Cam (2/5 Fav, T.O'Leary) -- S.P. 2/1, 3/1, 10/1. Dist.: 10l, 4l

Rathpeacon Lobell was the first to show. Favourite, Red Cam did not start well and then slipped up at the first turn. Jesse James took it up and deserved this win, as he has been knocking on the door all along.

Race 3. Grade A/B. 1,500 Euro.

Start Time: 14.55 -- Race Time: 4.17

Also Ran: Coalford Cobra (T.O'Leary), Coalford Wizzard (J.Sheehy), I'm in Double Trouble (M.Duggan), Mack's Direct (P.Hill), Sourbrook Stanley (D.McCarthy), Travis (P.O'Brien) -- S.P. 1/4 Fav, 10/1, 6/1, 5/1. Dist.: 4l, 8l.

He's The Man was in control from the start. Coalford Connection ran well, as did Home At Last on his seasonal bow. Sourbrook Stanley looked a threat in the early stages, but was pulled up, before the second last turn.

Race 4. Grade D. 1,000 Euro.

Start Time: 15.10 -- Race Time: 2.14

Also Ran: William's Rainbow (U.Herman) -- S.P. 2/5 Fav, 4/1, 6/1, 5/2. Dist.: 8l, 10l.

Glan Teifi dominated here. Dilly's Oasis was not helped by William's Rainbow going the wrong way at the turn (and neither was Lakeside Gold) but he would probably still only have finished second.

Race 5. Grade C. 1,000 Euro.

Start Time: 15.30 -- Race Time: 2.15

Also Ran: Shuttle Buddy (J.O'Donovan), Unforgettable (D.Hourigan) -- S.P. 8/1, 5/4, 6/1, 1/1 fav. Dist.: 3/4l, 3l.

Creategold made allin this. He was chased throughout by The Punisher, which could not close, while Commander Matt seemed to hate the whole thing.

Race 6. All-Ireland Grade A Final. 3,000 Euro.

Start Time: 16.00 -- Race Time: 4.09

Also Ran:

5th - Newtown Commander (grg 1996 Young Commander / Newtown Lorraine) - 7/1, A.Sweeney

6th - Stoneriggs Wiseman (bg 2000, Today's Man / Stoenriggs Lady) - 16/1, J.Sheehy

7th - The Blue Fox (rog 1996 Prince Lee Dancer / Cat Balou) - 6/4 Joint Fav, J.McSweeney

8th - Just Flash (bg 1998 Speed of Light / Saunders Fullsway) - 20/1, P.O'Brien

PULLED UP - Coalford James (T.O'Leary) - bg 1999 Music King / Clairichatross - 20/1

SPs: listed above Dist.: 10l, 3l.

A really good All-Ireland. The Blue Fox led them off, and Newtown Commander showed briefly. But the leader was chased by Coalford Victory. Stoneriggs Wiseman got as far as third behind the leading pair. Hilltop Tuck was prominent early on, while before half-way, Coalford James was pulled up. At the second last turn, Coalford Victory rounded it in front of The Blue Fox. Heading for the last turn, Fidlin was second behind Coalford Victory, while The Blue Fox was beginning to run out of steam. Hilltop Tuck was not far off, but Fidlin came out of the last turn ahead of Coalford Victory. From there, he had no trouble containing Hilltop Tuck's late effort. Well done, ladies.

• Next week: Rosscarbery, March 11th.

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