Durrus. January 1st 2009.

A well-organised day's racing. The viewing platform, new last year, continues to impress. Weather was good enough; the races provided a couple of surprises and there was a good atmosphere. What more do we need?

Race 1. Parish. 700 Euro.

Start Time: 14.55 -- Race Time: 2.23

3 horses ran -- 2/5 fav; 2/1, 3/1. 8l, 5l

Pure Mule led from the start. His decent third in Grade E at Drimo probably accounted for his starting price.

Race 2. Novice. 700 Euro.

Start Time: 14.15 -- Race Time: 2.23

Also Ran: Maldini (N.McSweeney) -- 3/1; 6/1; 4/1. Lakeview Jock, 1/2 fav. 1/2l, 3/4l.

Stallone led them out in this mile race but Thunder was in front as they came into view for home. Stallone tried to get on terms on the run-in, but couldn't. Cam Andy shows improvement.

Race 3. Grade B.

Start Time: 14.30 -- Race Time: 4.55

Also Ran: Frisco Lady (P.O'Brien), Lyons Joseph (T.O'Leary), Tusk (J.Sheehy) -- 3/1; 5/1; 4/1. Dilly's Dragon 1/1 fav. 1/2l, 3l.

CD's Boy led for most. Hero was always in touch but a little uneasy on the going. Back in sight for the last time, CD was still in front, with Hero, who was in close pursuit, giving a bit of a skip. Here, Samuel began a late challenge, and certainly, looked the part. But Hero was not done with and powered up in the closing stages. Dilly's Dragon got a bad start and never really got into it.

Race 4. Grade E. 700 Euro.

Start Time: 14.50 -- Race Time: 2.17

Also Ran: Cam's Beauty (P.O'Brien) -- 1/1; 4/5 fav; 6/1. 3l, 10l

Star led them away but Biscuit was in charge as they headed for home, followed by Dream. The latter tried to wear down the distance but the winner was too good on the day.

Race 5. Grade D. 800 Euro.

Start Time: 15.20 -- Race Time: 2.18

Also Ran: Commander Matt (P.O'Brien), Hillside Security (P.Hill) -- 2/5 fav; 4/1; 10/1. Swift Harrier, 5/1. 8l, 10l

No prizes for guessing the outcome of this. Commander Matt was prominent as they headed for the first turn, but Run went in and came out of it in front, and from then, left his rivals trailing.

Race 6. Grade C. 800 Euro.

Start Time: 15.45 -- Race Time: 2.25

Also Ran: Blatently Pride (D.Goggin), The Blue Finch (M.Flemming) -- 1/1jf; 1/1jf; 4/1. Do The Biz 6/1. 1 1/2l, 1L.

Do The Business got around the first turn in front. Here, The Blue Finch slipped up. Blatantly Pride was in second going out the country for the second turn. Mack was in front on the straight for home, with Joe in close pursuit. A bit of a ding-dong here but Joe could not get on terms and had to give best. The Punisher did well to fill the frame.

Race 7. Grade A. 1,300 Euro.

Start Time: 16.00 -- Race Time: 4.52

Also Ran: Hilltop Tuck (E.Kane) -- 4/5 fav; 1/1; 8/1. Destiny's Dream, 8/1. 3l, 8l.

Mancini led them off, perhaps trying a change of tactics (in a two mile race)? He was in front and looking confident until the last turn where he had to go wide. Silence as it was heard that James was now in front, after the turn. But Mancini soon took it up again. Then along came Dream, who always seems to lag for most. He may have left himself too much to do and the next encounter between this pair is something to look forward to.