By Dan Walsh
Today’s point-to-point at Dromahane, Co. Cork, had three ‘divided’ races and all were won by Wexford stables. Doubles for Benny Walsh (handler/rider) and Denis Murphy.
The four-year-old geldings’ maiden race was ‘divided’ two ways – the first division was won by newcomer Captain Bellamy for Gaynestown Stud Partnership and Cleariestown handler Jonathan Fogarty who extended his lead at the finish to score by 14 lengths with Barry Stone riding his 25th career winner.
Rob James, recently returned to the saddle following injury at the end of February, was back in the winners’ enclosure following a three lengths victory on newcomer Off The Jury which he also trains for the Matchmaker Syndicate. This was the 30th winner of the season for James.
Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, saddled the winners of both divisions of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Division one went to Binge Worthy by one length under Jack Hendrick and division two was captured with Wild Side of Life who had four lengths to space and ridden by Joey Dunne.
A massive entry for the five-year-old plus mares’ maiden race forced three ‘divides’ and all three went the way of Wexford stables. Barry O’Neill brought home Colin Bowe’s NT Field Minnesota by one length in the first division and both division two and division three were won by veteran handler/rider Benny Walsh from Crossgales, Tomhaggard. First up was Harry’s Hope running in the colours of Jenny Walsh by four and a half lengths and gaining the double was Lightening Mahler owned by Seamus Osbourne, Wicklow, who achieved the same margin – four and a half lengths.
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