Dundalk Stadium, July 27th 2008

What a great day. There was a real buzz and everything seemed to go according to plan (except, perhaps, for only 2 races being aired by ATR). It was fun seeing old friends and acquaintances. The attendance was what was anticipated, and there was more than adequate wait and security staff, which isn't always the case. The racecard looked terrific, and the races themselves provided all sorts of winners - favourites, long-shots, photo-finish results, easy ones, and from all parts of the country. Well done to all involved.

DUNDALK STADIUM

JULY 27th

• Brian Draper Memorial Pace: 1. Quill Bros's BON CAMOTION (T. Murphy), 10/1; 2. Porterstown Stud's KOUROS BOY (G. Dunne), 5/1; 3. J.Burchill/D. O'Donoghue's PORTERSTOWN JACK (D. Murphy), 4/5 fav. 4th Flashdance 12 ran, sh hd, sh hd, 2m.43
• Springhill Kate took charge quickly, tracked by Terripan and Jack. With 3f to go, Flash threatened and Perfection flattered briefly. Bon and Boy both came with a late challenge while Jack appeared to have nowhere to go.

• Shannon Valley Plant Hire Pace: 1.DH - M. McKay's ARTCASTIC (C. Morrison ), 4/1 and Meadowbranch Stables' FANTASTIC WESTERN (M. O'Mahony), 5/2. 3. J. Armstrong's Financial Matters (C. Foran), 5/1. 4th, I'm Just Like Mum.11 ran, 1L. 2m.45
• Art led for most. after the second last bend, Financial Matters was briefly in the ascendant. Art regained the lead, chased by Mum. Fantastic then went into overdrive in time to share the spoils. Art raced tough.

• Calm Ocean Salve Pace: 1. R. Bridgette's LAKESIDE DAI (I. Pimlott), 3/1; 2. D. Sheridan's DAMOTA'S WARRIOR (N. Stafford), 10/1; 3. Morgan Brothers' ALL IN (J. Richardson), 4/5 fav. 4th Ayr Storm. 10 ran, 1/2l, 1/2l. 2m.44
• Dai took charge at the start. Warrior briefly held the lead but yielded to All In. That one held sway for a while but Dai rallied and so did Warrior. A good run from that pair.

• Red Mills Free-For-All (Jug Of Punch heat): 1. F. Quill's TOM'S THE MAN (D. Murphy), 9/1; 2. Martina McNulty/R. McNulty's FRISCO TITAN (A. Wallace), 7/1; 3. Springhill Stud's AYR GLORY (J. Richardson), 6/1. 4th Stoneriggs Wizard. 12 ran, nk, 2 1/2l. 2m.40
• Now this was a race (and not just because of the result!).
• Joseph led until they got onto the back straight. Income took it up and then gave way to Pan. Income resumed the lead until Titan took charge. Tom was lying handy and creeping closer made a well-timed last move. Glory also threw down a late challenge. This Jug heat saw Tom, the 2007 winner, touch off Titan, victor in 2006. What a final we might have in September.

• Fred Funk Pace: 1. J. Breen/J. Murdock's SPIDERMAN (C. Morrison), 2/1; 2. J. Burchill/D. O'Donoghue's GLENARN HARRIER (G.Dunne), 3/1; 3. Porterstown Stud's MAN OF LUCK (J. Dunne), 4/1. 4th Disraeli Quest. 12 ran, 4l, 1L. 2m.44
• Banshee was in command for a bit until Spidey loomed large, with Harrier in close touch. He took it up from Spidey about 3 from home but on the straight they rotated the lead again. Man Of Luck arrived a bit too late.

• Doggett's Print & Design Pace: 1. A. Hamilton's MATTY O (Owner), 7/1; 2. A. Malone's SEEKING THE GOLD (A. Malone), 7/1; 3. Belmont Stables' CATCH THE MAGIC (M. Loughran), 10/1. 4th Skullduggery. 11 ran, 2l, 10l, 2m.48
• Monsoon broke at the start. Robert E was chased by Ringo and as they sorted themselves out, Banker got closer and took it up. Here Matty arrived from mid-field, and as did Gold to take over. Matty proved stronger in the final few strides.

• Duca Furniture Pace: 1. Meadowbranch Stud/N. Cowden's SEE MY REFLECTION (J. Richardson), 4/7 fav; 2. Belmont Stables' SEAN THORNTON (P. Loughran), 8/1. 3. D. Hendrick's SPRINGHILL HORIZON (P. Kane jnr), 4/1. 4th The Biscuit. 10 ran, 2 1/2l, 8 1/2l. 2m.43
• Sean tried to make all. Rhyds flattered for a bit and looked dangerous. Before the last bend, See had arrived and was given a forceful drive to prevail.

• Newtown Stud Pace: 1. C. Bennett's AZAR HANOVER (A. Wallace), 6/4 fav; 2. Duggan Brothers's SKY SECURITY (D. Murphy), 8/1; 3. D. Behan's TALAVARY DREAM (D. Behan), 12/1. 4th Now Or Later. 11 ran, nk, 1L. 2m.49
• Teadies was first to show. Legacy joined issue but Teadies did not yield easily. In the closing stages, Azar was in front and in a late dash the post came too soon for Sky.

• Cam Ocean Salve Pace: 1. Belmont Stables' REVOLVER (M. Loughran), 4/1. 2. J. Caffrey's CHESNEY (Owner), 2/1 fav; 3. T. Richardson's KANSASCITYSHUFFLE (N. Quigley), 9/2. 4th Mr. Chapman. 11 ran, 5l, 3 1/2l. 2m.52
• KC took it up at flagfall but Chesney soon closed down the leader. Mr. Chapman was in close pursuit. Chesney looked set for a win but proved no match for Revolver who won as he liked.

• Hegarty's Horse Shavings Trot: 1. R. Whiteside's QUARTER PAST SIX (J.Stewart), 1/1 fav; 2. M. Goggin's ONLY STILL (Owner), 4/1; 3. H. Friel's TANJA WEILINGA (D. Timblin), 3/1. 7 ran, 3 1/2l, 1L. 2m.49.
• Only Still was in charge with early showings by Ontario and Zorro. Six was only waiting to pounce and had no trouble overhauling Still. Tanja came late for a creditable third.