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Central Track - June 1st/2nd 2008

Monday

A good day's racing. Big crowd, pleasant atmosphere. The defection of three from the Grand Prix final was a disappointment, but on his performance, the one who won was going to do just that anyway. Exciting commentary from Jason Kane. Well done to Geoff Dunne, with four wins. Looking back on the two days -- there are a few creases that need to be ironed out - and observing the comeraderie and cooperation over the meeting, one is beginning to feel almost optimistic about the future of harness racing.

Race 1. Maiden. 700 Euro.

Race Time: 2.09.8 -- Start Time: 14.45

Also Ran: Safeley Arrived (J.McSweeney) SPs: 1/1; 4/5 fav; 4/1; 4/1 Dist: Neck,. 1/2

A very good maiden, one which you wish everyone could win. The colourful Shock led until 2 from home when she lost gait. Hi-Ho looked good with Tom close but Marion kept coming. She deserved this win, which she got on the nod. Disappointing for Hi Ho, but he'll win next time. The handsome Tom will also have his day soon, while Shock has come on tons since last term.

Race 2. Improver. 700 Euro.

Race Time: 2.13.5 -- Start Time: 15.00

SPs: 1/1, 3/1. 4/5 fav Dist: 11L

A bit of a disaster, this. Harrier broke at the start. Ryan was first away, and stayed in front until approaching the last bend when entanglement occurred between him and Steeplejack. Harrier kept coming against what looked like all odds to complete the hattrick, while it was no surprise that Steeplejack was disqualified.

Race 3. Intermediate. 700 Euro.

Race Time: 2.05.02 -- Start Time: 15.15

Also Ran: Thomas Grey (P.Forbes), On the Run (J.McSweeney), Western Star (C.Morrisson) SPs: 1/1 fav; 2. 3/1; 3/1; 6/1 Dist: 6L, 8L.

Race 4. Square Trotters. 700 Euro.

Race Time: 2.40.9-- Start Time: 15.30

Also Ran: Ebony Jane (A.Hamilton) SPs: /1; 4/1; 4/1, 2/1 Dist: 7L, 9L.

Race 5. Consolation. 700 Euro.

Race Time: 2.05.3 -- Start Time: 16.10

Also Ran: Stoneriggs UK, Red Cam, Hillside Dream SPs: /1jf; 2/1jf; 4/1; 6/1 Dist: 4L, 1L.

Race 6. PJ Shanahan Memorial Final. 1,600 Euro.

Race Time:2.03.22-- Start Time: 16.35

Also Ran: Glenarn Harrier, Just for Joe, All Inn, Ayr Strike SPs: Mum, 8/1; Jack, 1/2 fav, 8/1, 12/1 Dist: DH, 2L.

Joe was first to show, but Mum soon swept to the front. Two from home, Rook challenged. Jack finally began to move, reaching third behind the leading pair. On the straight, it looked as if Jack would forge clear, but he didn't. He got on terms, but that was all. Quest ran into fourth; All Inn and Strike never seemed to feature. Harrier seemed to miss the start and never got back into it.

Race 7. 3 Year Old. 700 Euro.

Race Time: 2.05.46 -- Start Time: 17.00

Also Ran: Sands Musical (P.Kelly), Tims Surprise (T.O'Leary), Ships Cruiser (A.O'Reilly) SPs: 4/5 fav; 6/1; 2/1; 6/1 Dist: 8L, 2L.

Tim led them off at a spanking pace, with Lobell in hot pursuit. On the back straight, Lobell took it up, followed by Hall. The victor won easily, but mark down Supreme Hall as a future star.

Race 8. Grand Prix Final. 2,000 Euro.

Race Time: 3.09 -- Start Time: 17.20

Also Ran: Swingman (M.Kelleher) SPs: 2/5 fav; 4/1; 4/1; 5/1 Dist: 2L, 1 1/2L.

Pity about the three non-runners. A far from classic final. Kind of boring to watch. They continued in starting order, (Boy, Place, Dream) until going into the last lap. Into that, Swingman made a move, but to no real avail. Heading into the last turn, Camotion got going and looked a threat. He got as far as third, and no further, only displacing Dream.

Race 9.Grade B Saddle. 700 Euro.

Race Time: 2.01.1 -- Start Time: 17.40

Also Ran: Stoneriggs UK (M.Kane), Ayr Storm (E.Kane), Sable Decision (.FQuill Jnr), Scoots Mischief (M.Goggin Jnr) SPs: 1/1jf; 3/1; 4/1; 6/1. Zidane, 1/1 jf Dist: 12l, 2l.

Matty led them off. Mischief looked good early on but by halfway, Fantasy had usurped her. Ambrose then began his challenge but the winner had nothing to fear and began to open up the distance. The best time of the meeting.

Sunday

Race 1. Maiden. 700 Euro.

Race Time: 2.07.4 -- Start Time: 14.55

Also Ran: Top Security (M.Kane), Yes Mister (P.O'Driscoll), Springhill Sunshine (N.Stafford), Ringo Kid (D.Brickley, faller at false start... non runner), SPs: 1/1 fav; 4/1; 6/4; 4/1 Dist: 8l, 3l.

There was a re-start in this, as just before the start, Ringo Kid unshipped his driver and was loose for a while. Cam Lily was in front until halfway when Ellen Hall took it up and went on to win as she liked. Pan Am made some mistakes but did well to finish where she did.

Race 2. PJ Shanahan Memorial. Heat One. 600 Euro.

Race Time: 2.07.3 -- Start Time: 15:20

Also Ran: Coalford Shooter (P.Kane), Maverick (J.Haide), Tusk (T.O'Leary), Rebeccas Baron (K.Moyles) SPs: 1/1 fav; 2/1; 6/1; 6/1 Dist:7l, 4l

Joe led for most, with Red Cam looking threatening. Harrier was always in touch and was impressive when he started to move. Coalford Shooter was pulled up just after the start.

Race 3. PJ Shanahan Memorial. Heat Two. 600 Euro.

Race Time: 2.06.3 -- Start Time: 15.40

Also Ran: Crown Direct (P.Forbes), Ayr Storm (K.Sheehy), She's What Matters (J.O'Moore), Damontas Warrior (N.Stafford) SPs: 5/2; 2/1; 4/5 fav; 4/1 Dist: nk, nk

Quest led until the line. Rook was never far off and came up on the outside in a late dash. Mum left her challenge too late. Rockaround seemed to come from nowhere in what was a tight finish. Note: Rook started in #1 spot and Rockaround went in this instead of the Gr Prix heat.

Race 4. PJ Shanahan Memorial. Heat Three. 600 Euro.

Race Time: 2.03.6 -- Start Time: 15.55

Also Ran: Stoneriggs Quail (F.Brickley), The Orient Express (J.Boyle), Bonkerstotallynuts (J.O'Donovan), I'm For Real (M.Kane) SPs: 5/4; 1/1 fav; 6/1, 6/1. Dist:7l, 6l

There was no suspense in this one. All Inn tried gallantly but at the business end, when he got too close to the all-the-way leader, Jack simply quickened. Note: Jack started in #4 and I'm For Real in #3.

Race 5. Grand Prix. Heat One. 600 Euro.

Race Time: 3.08.1 -- Start Time: 16.40

Also Ran: CP's Fantasy (J.Sheehy), Scoots Mischief (M.Goggin), Coalford Western (J.Manning), Springfield Chief (J.McSweeney) SPs: 1/1 jf; 6/1; 1/1 jf; 6/1. Dist: nk, nk.

Bon led from halfway. Flashdance came off the back while Vic also made his move. Boy got a run up the inside to third spot and somehow on the straight seemed to have nowhere to go. No bother to him, though as he powered up on the outside in the closing stages. Looked good.

Race 6. Grand Prix. Heat Two.

Race Time: 3.08 -- Start Time: 17.00

Also Ran: Tom's The Man (D.Murphy) Newtown Perfect (J.Dunne), Stoneriggs Wizard (T.Murphy), Panlubber (R.Cleary), Lyons Joseph (S.O'Reilly) SPs: 6/1, 6/4fav, 4/1, 4/1 Dist: Neck, 1L.

Harrier tried to make all but was caught on the hop by Destiny's Dream who loved the distance. The big stars in this all seemed to take more than their allotted handicap. Lyons Joseph was pulled up before the last circuit.

Race 7. Novice. 700 Euro.

Race Time: 2.02.4 -- Start Time:

Also Ran: Harriers Decision (A.Hamilton), Beauty Spot (J.Cross), Casino Madness (C.Bennett), Watch me now Boys (P.Hayes) SPs: 1/1fav, 6/1, 6/1, 5/4 Dist: 5l, 7l.

Horizon led from the start. Ringo Star raced well while Biscuit never looked a real threat. V. good time for novices.

Race 8. C/D Saddle.

Race Time: 2.03.3 -- Start Time:

Also Ran: Ebony Jane (Caroline O'Sullivan); Free Spirit (T. O'Leary); Marion Hall (Emma Kane); Nice Guy Tom (Mary Kane); On The Run (J. O'Reilly); Rebecca's Baron (F. Quill jr); Safely Arrived (Noreen McSweeney); Troy (M. Goggin jr). SPs: 4/5fav, 3/1, 6/1, 5/2 Dist: 3/4l, 8l.

Now that's what I call a saddle race! Boy led them off with Finch in pursuit, followed by Matty.By halfway, Matty was in 2nd and from there on, he and Boy rotated the lead. On the straight, Boy looked to have it sewn up but Matty rallied. Finch went well to fill the frame while Sable Decision was slow to get into things.

• Ante post Prices thanks to Angelo Hannon
• (Handicap order but not draw).
• #: fastest loser

• Grand Prix
• Kouros Boy, 4/6 fav.
• The Irish Harrier, 3/1
• Destiny's Dream, 6/1
• Dream's Place#, 3/1
• Flashdance#, 5/1
• Strikeman#, 6/1
• Panlubber#, 6/1

• P.J. Shanahan Memorial
• Glenarn Harrier, 1/1
• Just For Joe, 6/1
• Hopping Rook, 4/1
• Disraeli Quest, 6/1
• I'm Just Like Mum#, 3/1
• All Inn, 4/1
• Porterstown Jack, 2/1
• Ayr Strike#, 10/1.

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