Dunmanway. February 17th 2008.
The racing was an improvement on last week. The ladies were in charge, winning five out of the six events. There was a bit more atmosphere too, as fans of Ebony
Jane cheered her home. Zidane and Julius Karn did not feature in Grade B while newcomer, Dilly's Dragon, could be one to watch. Old Chapel, next week,
should tell us a lot more.
- Grade A (Connie Horgan Memorial Cup) - 1. J. Mycock's Fidlin (Noreen McSweeney), 1/3 fav; 2. T. O'Reilly's Coalford James (Deirdre Goggin), 4/1;
3. J. Burchill/D. O'Donoghue's The Blue Fox (J. McSweeney), 3/1. 5 ran, 8l, 5l.
- The Blue Fox led out to the last turn. Fidlin made light work of his 20 yards handicap and was in front as they came into view on the run-in. Newtown
Commander, who got a bad start, was pulled up at half-way. Coalford James ran on well in the closing stages.
- Grade B - 1. D. Ross's Cult Direct (Noreen McSweeney), 3/1; 2. C. O'Sullivan's Joe Moorsley (D. McCarthy), 5/1; 2. T. O'Reilly's Cole's Decision
(Deirdre Goggin), 5/1. 8 ran, 7l,10l.
- Joe Moorsley was in command until they rounded for home. Cult Direct was always in touch and biding his time. Creategold was p.u. after half-way.
- Grade C - 1. W.J. Cooke's Meadowbranch Jake (Deirdre Goggin),1/1 fav; 2. M. Brickley's Goldfella (D. McCarthy),2/1; 3. Mary Forbes/Noreen
McSweeney's The Punisher (J. McSweeney), 5/1. 8 ran, 7l, 5l.
- Goldfella also played catch-me-if -you -can. The Punisher looked as if he would but it was Jake who made his move when it mattered. Kelly's Hero went
off stride after the first turn and never got in the hunt after.
- Grade D - 1. R. Sugrue's The Blue Finch (J. McSweeney), 6/4 jf; 2. M. Hurley/G. McCarthy's Duggan's Diplomat (T.O'Leary), 3/1; 3. D. Hourigan's
Talavary Jet (A. Sweeney), 6/4jf. 8 ran, 3l, 2l.
- A game performance from the little grey who led from the start. Talavary Jet was in close pursuit from the start but could not prevail. After the first turn,
Duggan's Diplomat was at the rear of the field and impressed when landing second spot. Newcomer, Blatantly Pride, will go closer next time.
- Grade E - 1. A. Hamilton's Ebony Jane (Anina Tanno), 5/1; 2. Caroline McGrath's Posh Paddy (Noreen McSweeney), 5/2; 3. Shanley Racing's Perfect
Red (T. O'Leary),1/1 fav. 7 ran, 8l, 2l.
- After a false start, Swift Harrier was first away, but went off stride a few lengths after flag fall and was soon pulled up. Posh Paddy took charge but heading
for the only turn, Ebony Jane improved her position. Into view, she was ahead, showing a lovely display of trotting.
- Novice - 1. J. Shanahan's Lakeview Security (Noreen McSweeney),1/2 fav; 2. Margie McSweeney's Pure Mule (J. McSweeney),3/1; 3. Deirdre
Goggin's Teadies Best (Owner), 2/1. 4 ran, 8l, 4l.
- Perfect Mule and Teadies Best flattered in the early stages but the outcome here was nearly a foregone conclusion.