By Dan Walsh at Wexford races
It was Ladies Day at Bettyville Park last evening (Friday) where a large crowd packed the stands to cheer their selections and to witness some fine finishes, a few favourites keeping the punters sweet, and success for two local training establishments.
The Latta family from Ballinakill, Ballycarney, have a long winning association with Wexford, and they were celebrating after the home-bred filly Thisistheway (9/1) scored by an impressive four and a quarter lengths victory in the INH Flat Race for trainer Yvonne Latta with young Waterford amateur John Gleeson on board. The winner was led up by Lisa Carton, Bunclody, who works for the Latta stables.
The Touch of Luck Syndicate, consisting of nine members from the Cleariestown area of south Wexford, had their special moment when Iridesent (7/1) prevailed by half a length for trainer Jonathan Fogarty and jockey Kieran Callaghan in the handicap chase.
Jockey Keith Donoghue had a double up after the opening two races. He was aboard Dutch Scultz (9/4) for Gavin Cromwell in the maiden hurdle and half an hour later partnered Navigator Jack, (10/3 fav.) for Slieverue trainer Eoin Griffin to a nine lengths victory in the second maiden hurdle on the seven-race card.
Philip Enright was on the winning favourite Sarah Beara (7/2 fav.) in the handicap hurdle winning by five and a half lengths for Cashel trainer Sam Curling. Caim jockey JJ Slevin was third on Ocean Legacy.
Jack Kennedy and Gordon Elliott took the beginners chase with Riaan (6/1) and the two-mile handicap chase was won by Royal Juniper (11/2) for Tony Martin and Peter Carberry. The latter was the most exciting finish of the day with less than two lengths separating the first four to finish.
Great evening’s racing. A bit showery that changed the going. Large crowd and 10 lucky punters managed to assemble the correct jackpot combination, and each left the track richer by €1,790. Well done to all.
The next race meeting at Bettyville Park is an evening fixture on Friday, September 1st.
WexfordLocal.com 