Locals in winning form at Ballycrystal

By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal

The big talking point at the Ballinagore Harriers point-to-point at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, today was the bitter cold conditions, but it remained dry, there was competitive racing with good sized fields, and it was a successful day’s sport.

Sallyville Lady won the opening maiden race for four-year-old mares for Ballindaggin handler Eamonn Doyle. It was rather easy by 15 lengths, only two finished and it was another success in the saddle for Rob James.

Local handler Matthew Flynn O’Connor was successful in division two of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings with a 10 lengths victory for Top Guy ridden by Brian Lawless.

Donnchadh Doyle and the Monbeg Syndicate were in celebration mood following the maiden race for geldings aged five-years-old and upwards. Matty’s Getaway ridden by Alan Harney beat stable companion Catalini (Rob James) by five lengths.

James Condon made the trip from Clonmel to saddle Crohan Lady, first win of the season for Cork rider Cal Shine, and it was a good result in the mares maiden race for five-years-old and upwards.

The star performer on the day was David Christie’s Winged Leader who won his 14^th race in succession. Josh Williamson took the mount and four and a half lengths the verdict.

Division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings was a 16 lengths victory for Cinammon Roll ridden by Derek O’Connor for Sam Curling who made the long journey from Cashel. Co. Tipperary.

And to complete a great afternoon for Tipperary raiders Pat Doyle from Holycross, Thurles, saddled I Masked Du Potier and a one and a half lengths success in the Winners of Two race. This was a second riding success for Pandora Briseldon who recalled her first at Tinahely in October last year.

Today’s second point-to-point fixture was Tattersalls, Co. Meath, where four Wexford winners were recorded. Jonathan Fogarty and the Gaynestown Stud Partnership are enjoying a most successful autumn season and their luck continued today when winning both divisions of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. Starmount took division one by two lengths and Kalkbrenner scored by one and a half lengths. Both were ridden by Barry Stone.

Sean Doyle’s Willitgoahead won his third race in a row when taking the Winners race by one and a quarter length with Jamie Scallan up.

Rob James rode the first winner at Ballycrystal but as a handler he sent Create The Future to Fairyhouse for the five-year-old geldings maiden race and a three lengths victory under Duncormick rider Eoin Staples.

The point-to-point scene takes a break for the Christmas now, just one fixture at Mallow on December 30^th, and part two of the 2024-’25 season  kicks into full flow on New Year’s Day.