Central Track - June 15th 2008

ITHRF Benefit Meeting in aid of the Irish Red Cross and the Leap/Union Hall Play Schools

A successful day's racing. And nice to see a benefit meeting so well supported. The FFA nearly lived up to its billing, with the time just over or equalling that of record holder, Denton John Joe. (Note: All track records can only be official following on a negative dope test result). Also, as has been said here before, great to see saddle racing holding its own. Roll on Drimoleague and the All-Ireland.

Race 1. Maiden. 300 Euro to winner.

Race time: 2.08

Also Ran: Oakwood Regal (A.Russell), Sands Cam Ocean (P.Kelly), Glan Clettwr (J.Boyle), Sea Wave (C.Hannon) 3/1, 2/1, 2/1, 6/4 fav. 4l, 8l

Cruiser led from the start. Flyer gave chase while Tom kept in touch. Throughout, the winner did not look in much danger.

Race 2. Maiden / Novice. 300 Euro to winner.

Race time: 2.04

Also Ran: Watch Me Now Boys (pulled up, P.Hayes) 1/1 fav; 5/2; 6/1; 3/1. nk, 5l

Supreme Hall was first away, while Watch got a puncture and a damaged sulky wheel shortly after the off. On the backstraight for the first time, Hi-Ho took it up Star got closer and took charge before the second-last bend. Marion left her challenge late, seemed to succeed but Star kept his neck in front.

Race 3. 000/009. 300 Euro to winner.

Race time: 2.06

Also Ran: Stoneriggs UK (M.Kane), Coalford Shooter (D.McCarthy), Maverick (H.Haide), Rebecca's Baron (D.Murphy) 4/5 fav; 4/1; 4/1; 4/1. 7l, 1/2l

Baron was very fast away while Maverick was determined not to be left behind. They continued like that with Maverick making inroads. But Rook was creeping closer and on the backstraight for the last time, forged clear. Flash was not disgraced by his late run which enabled him to fill the frame.

Race 4. 010/022. 300 Euro to winner

Race time: 2.06

Also Ran: Ayr Strike (disqualified, M.Brickley) 4/1; 1/2 fav; 4/1; 4/1. 1/2l, 1L

Bonkers was quick to take command but by half-way, Strike was in front. Western and Rockaround left it late enough to challenge. Strike passed the post in first comfortably but to no avail.

Race 5. N/E Saddle. 200 Euro to winner.

Race time: 2.09

Also Ran: Harriers Decision (faller, J.Goggin), The Buachaill (D.Goggin) 1/2 fav; 4/1; 4/1; 3/1. 4l, 1L

Security led from the start. The Buachaill looked dangerous, but gave warning signs early on, and gradually faded. Red Cam got serious about half-way. Before the last bend, Harrier unshipped his rider, who was unhurt. The Biscuit came with a late run but the post came too soon

Race 6. 024/043. 300 Euro to winner.

Race time: 2.03

Also Ran: Stoneriggs Wiseman (M.Healy), Mr Dow Jones (D.McCarthy) 1/2 fav; 2/1; 5/1; 5/1. 4l, 5l:

Victory was first to show but Jack forged clear after a few strides. Jones kept up well until after half-way when Dream went into over-drive. He got on terms on the backstraight but Jack proved stronger. Boy then loomed large but Jack quickened for a decisive win.

Race 7. C/D Saddle. 200 Euro to winner.

Race time: 2.05.9

Also Ran: Marion Hall (E.Kane), Niceguy Tom (M.Kane) 2/5 fav; 5/2; 4/1; 5/1. nk, 6l

This turned into a cracker, another chapter in the Matty/Spanko enthralling story. Matty, who, it seems, cast a shoe at the start, made nearly all. Spanko was on his tail throughout and, heading for the second-last bend, reeled in the leader. Matty gave a few skips but settled fairly quickly, re-entered the fray and touched off Spanko on the line. Fans can't wait for another clash between this pair.

Race 8. Improver / Intermediate. 300 Euro to winner.

Race time: 2.06.9

Also Ran: Dylan Ryan (M.Goggin), 4/1; 4/1; 2/7 fav; 6/1. 1 1/2, 5l.

Dylan was first to show but always looked uneasy. Mover soon took it up. Around halfway, On The Run moved in behind the leader. Two from home, Dragon got serious but lost gait and with it, his chance of a win.

Race 9. FFA. 500 Euro to winner.

Race time: 2.00.02

Also Ran: He's for Real (G.Dunne), Panlubber (R.Cleary), Stoneriggs Wizard (T.Murphy) 4/5 fav; 5/1; 12/1; 4/1. 3l, 1/2l.

Galliano led from flagfall. Cam's Best made his move early but could not close. Bon Camotion ran a cracker in the later stages. Panlubber broke at the start, and it took him some time to settle. He got back into things with a devastating turn of foot, but had too much to do.

Race 10. A/B Saddle. 200 Euro to winner.

Race time: 2.04

Also Ran: Ayr Storm (E.Kane), Scoots Mischief (M.Goggin Jnr), Stoneriggs UK (M.Kane) 2/1; 6/4 fav; 3/1; 3/1. 1 1/2l, 6l.

Quest took it up from Flashdance as they settled but Zidane soon took over. After halfway, Dream got serious and saw off Quest. At the business end, Flashdance reasserted himself and contained Dream's late effort, to earn himself probable favouritism for the All-Ireland saddle.