By Dan Walsh at Knockmullen House, New Ross
Pleasant conditions prevailed at Wexford Foxhounds point-to-point at Knockmullen House, New Ross, this afternoon where the highlights were a double each for handler Colin Bowe and riders Barry O’Neill and Barry Stone.
Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill struck winning form in the 10-runner opening maiden race for four-year-old mares with Delta Blues Belle by two and a half lengths and the grey mare by Walk In The Park by two and a half lengths.
English owner Rebecca Surman has enjoyed success with her horses handled by Colin Bowe and she was present and delighted at Knockmullen House when she welcomed home another winner in her colours – Fiddledee completing a double for Barry O’Neill by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for mares aged five-years-old and upwards.
Barry Stone also rode a double. He was aboard the home-bred Sage Green for Susan and Richard Eustace, Barntown, who had three and a half lengths to spare at the finish of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. This was the second winner in a week for promising handler Shane Roche, Cleariestown, who is in his first season training.
Half an hour later and Stone recorded winner number two! He was aboard Inbeforered in the Laura Scallan colours and scored by six lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. “I own half of him with Michael ‘Mustard’ O’Brien,” (who was present and enjoying the celebrations), said Cleariestown handler Mark Scallan who was saddling his first winner of the new season.
Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, saddled the Winner of One race, Manlikemike who scored by eight lengths for rider Jack Hendrick.
And the final race of the day, the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards confined to novice riders went to Co. Carlow and a 20 lengths victory for The Last Minute handled by William Murphy, Ballycurragh Stud, Rathoe, and ridden by Patrick Gleeson.
There was also point-to-point action today at Dromahane, Co. Cork, and success for newcomer Walk The Talk by nine lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old mares in the colours of the Baltimore Stables Syndicate for handler Ellen Doyle, Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy. Brian Dunleavy was the successful rider.
Rob James also got on the scoreboard at the Cork track. He partnered newcomer Affinity Rock for Meath handler Cian Collins in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.
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