By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal
Weather conditions were atrocious at the Ballinagore Harriers point-to-point fixture at Ballycrystal today, but it didn’t bother local rider Rob James who was thrilled with a treble while a few local handlers also triumphed in the wet and windy conditions that never relented during the six races.
James got his winning streak off to a perfect start on Little Miller in the Aidan Byrne colours handled locally by Robert Tector at Coolbawn, Rathnure in the maiden race for five-year-old mares by one and a half lengths holding off Matthew Flynn O’Connor’s Jewel of Windsor (Brian Lawless up).
Matthew Flynn O’Connor, on whose family land the races were run, and rider Brian Lawless had compensation for the first race runner-up position in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings when Melbourne Shamrock scored by one length.
Donnchadh Doyle’s Monbeg stables, just down the road from the Ballycrystal was in great form with a double success, both ridden by Rob James. Millie Supreme did the business by eight lengths in the maiden race for six year olds and upwards, and Patriotik was first home as only two finishers survived in the maiden race for five-year-old and upwards confined race. An easy 20 lengths were the verdict.
Denis Murphy from Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, was also on the winners’ list. He saddled Backinaction in the maiden race for geldings aged six years and older and with Jack Hendrick, Mayglass, in the saddle they shared a four lengths victory.
Toni Quail, who is associated with the Colin Bowe stables was given the leg up on Sam Curling’s De Nordener and enjoyed a six lengths success in the Winners of Two race. The Ladies Cup at the Punchestown festival in the Spring is a future target for De Nordener.
Only two races were run before today’s point-to-point at Carrigarostig, Co. Cork, was called off due to severe weather conditions and both prizes were collected by Wexford stables.
Bluey, handled by Billy Codd, Churchtown, Mayglass, and running in the colours of his daughter-in-law, Robyn Codd, was impressive when scoring by 11.5 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old mares. A second career winner for rider Shane Cotter.
Timesareachanging scored by three quarters of a length in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings for the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd team, handled by Colin Bowe and ridden by Bertie Finn, Oulart, who has now lost his five-pound claim.
Barry O’Neill was involved in today’s early action at Ballycrystal ahead of packing his saddle and riding boots and dashing to Thurles racecourse where he enjoyed an eight lengths victory on Ferns Lock (8/15 fav.) for David Christie in the hunter chase.
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