By Dan Walsh at Peppardscastle
Windy and soft underfoot conditions greeted the brave attendance at the first Peppardscastle track point-to-point races, held under the auspices of The Island Hunt this afternoon where local handlers and riders shared most of the limelight.
The Maestro of Monbeg, Sean Doyle saddled a double while his brother Cormac also got his name on the scoreboard. Sean saddled Island Bridge, who got home by a length in a tight finish to the maiden race for four-year-olds under rider Jamie Scallan from Tomhaggard.
Sean made it a double in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus with Mister Romantic who scored by four lengths and was a first winner for Cormac Byrne, (19), from Ballindaggin.
Cormac Doyle added to the Monbeg success story when Stretchemout got three quarters of a length verdict in the auction four-year-old maiden race. Ridden by Jack Hendrick, Cormac said afterwards; “He picked up well. He liked the ground.”
David O’Brien who trains a small string at Blackwater saddled the winner of the five- and six-year-olds mare’s maiden race with Tell Him Nuttin by three and a half lengths. This was the first point-to-point winner for 24-year-old Shane Butler from Blackwater who is a nephew of the handler.
Colin Bowe saddled Cheytac ridden by Oulart rider Bertie Finn to a one length victory in the maiden race for five-year old geldings.
Maxine O’Sullivan from Mallow, who is the leading lady rider on the point-to-point circuit for several years, took the honours on odds-on favourite Ramilles in the Open Ladies Race for Fermanagh handler David Christie.
Colin Bowe registered an across the card double today with a second winner at Umma House in Co. Westmeath when newcomer Skylight Hustle ridden by Barry O’Neill enjoyed a four and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.
Rob James was twice successful at the Westmeath track. He was the handler and rider of Clody Diamond in the Brendan Murphy colours in the four-year-old mares’ maiden race who raced clear of the field for a nine lengths victory. Later James made it a double on Champagne Avenue for Clonmel owner and handled Roisín Hickey.
John Martin Walsh saddled Lynsey Larue, in the colours of Dympna Walsh, and with Barry Stone up, there was an eight lengths success in the maiden race for mares aged five years or older. This is the 40th career winner for the Cleariestown rider.
Duncormick rider Eoin Staples won the Open Race confined to novice riders on Priory Park in the famous JP McManus colours for veteran Tipperary trainer Edward O’Grady.
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