By Dan Walsh at Lingstown
The Killinick Harriers point-to-point races were the only raceable fixture completed today at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, where the highlights included a double for local rider Jack Hendrick and victory for Loggan Lady in the Open Lightweight contest over the ‘famous Lingstown banks course’.
Barry The Butcher, first timer for the Monbeg Farm Racing Syndicate and Ballindaggin handler Cormac Doyle got Hendrick on the scoresheet in the maiden race for four-year-olds with ten lengths to spare. “He’s a nice horse. He did everything well. We were going to Ballyarthur today but it was called off, so we re-routed. He goes to the sales this week if all is well,” said Cormac Doyle afterwards.
Hendrick teamed up with local handler Billy Codd on Earl of Desmond in the Winners of Two and following successes at Carrigarostig and Tinahely, Basil Holihan’s chestnut gelding made it three wins in a row. He scored by two lengths. Hendrick has had 14 winners this season and today’s double brings his career total to 30. Afterwards handler Billy Codd confirmed that Earl of Desmond will be entered for the hunter’s chase at Cork over Easter.
The Open Lightweight Race over ‘the banks course’ is always a spectacle and three of the ten contestants exited from the race at the wooden rails fence early in the race. Victory went to Loggan Lady ridden by Tim Love for handler John Walsh, Ballyday, Gorey, by two lengths. Afterwards, John said; “Her mother (Loggan Lass) won nine races in total for us, six of them at our local track in Fairwood, Tinahely. She will now go for the Ladies Cup at Punchestown in April. Tim (Love) gave her “a super spin and she jumped well throughout the race”. Loggan Lady’s regular pilot Barry Walsh is out of action with injury but he hopes to be back in the plate for Punchestown!
Ross O’Sullivan made the trip from Kill, Co. Kilare, and was successful with Alfie’s Princess in the maiden race for five-year-old mares with three lengths to the good under a patient ride from Derek O’Connor. “She’s a lovely mare with a very good pedigree. Derek (O’Connor) was very keen to ride her, and he is delighted at her performance. She is owned by Galway-man John Murphy and will now head to the sales,” said Ross O’Sullivan afterwards.
Way Out gave a game performance for Gaynestown Stud and Cleariestown handler Jonathan Fogarty, winning the maiden race for five- and six-year-old geldings by ‘a head’ from Imonlysaying (Pa King) representing Pat Doyle’s Tipperary stables. Way Out was partnered by local rider Barry Stone from Cleariestown.
Good For Scope made all the running for owner/handler and rider Harley Dunne to win the maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards. This event was for entries from handlers who have 10 wins or less. Although he made all, afterwards Harley Dunne said; “It’s not the ideal way to ride him. He idles in front, but there was no pace, so I had to go on. He’s a nice horse – a good solid horse that jumps and gallops – and is for sale.”
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