By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal
Donnchadh Doyle was the hero of the winner’s enclosure at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, at today’s Ballinagore Harriers point-to-point, where he saddled three of the six winners. Local rider Rob James enjoyed treble success. Denis Murphy also recorded a double.
Donnchadh Doyle’s first winner was Madam Blue ridden by Alan Harney in the opening race – the maiden race for five-year-old mares – with six and a half lengths to spare.
Rob James took the winning mount on Mouthshuteyesopen for Doyle in the maiden race for mares aged six years old and upwards. Five and a half lengths this time.
The James/Doyle team brought the Monbeg Syndicate first past the post for the third time in the maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards confined race and a 10 lengths success for Gatineau Park. Donnchadh Doyle also saddled the runner-up in this contest with Thankyouandplease ridden by Alan Harney.
This was the third leg of a treble for leading rider Rob James who earlier won the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards geldings on The Burrow for Delgany, Co. Wicklow, handler Gerard Lawless and the Ballydonagh Syndicate.
Denis Murphy also saddled a double. Jukebox King ridden by Shane Cotter scored by four lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
Denis Murphy’s double was a special affair. Owned by his mother, Catherine Murphy, Fralimonti Bilberry, by one and a half lengths in the Winners of Two race. It was the third ride for 19 years old Shane Walsh-Kehoe from Oulart and his first winner.
There was also a point-to-point at Killeagh, Cork, today and a pair of Wexford winners made the journey worthwhile.
Fedney’s Park in the colours of Caitriona Goff enjoyed a six lengths success in the maiden race for five-year-old mares, handled by her husband, Michael Goff at Clondaw and confidently ridden by their son, Harry Goff.
Josh Berry, (20), rode a short-head victory on Get Off The Phone handled by his uncle, Darragh Berry, and carrying the Run For Fun Partnership colours, in the Winner of Two race.
While Donnchadh Doyle was piling up the winners at Ballycrystal this afternoon, his brother Sean Doyle journeyed to Thurles to saddle Willitgoahead (11/10 fav.) in the hunter’s chase and Jamie Scallan got him home in front by three and a half lengths. Afterwards, Doyle admitted ‘dreaming big’ about Willitgoahead and will be seeking out opportunities at Cheltenham and Aintree in the coming months.
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