By Dan Walsh
Barry O’Neill and Jamie Scallan agreed to share the Southern Region Riders’ championship after they rode a winner each at the first day of the two-day fixture at Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary, today (Saturday).
Scallan scored first with a 40 lengths victory on Krystal Sky who made all the running for the Cormac Doyle stables in the maiden race for four-year-old hurdles.
But O’Neill struck back with a nine lengths success on Colin Bowe’s Belle Star Outlaw in the maiden race for five-year-old mares’ an hour later.
Both riders’ set out with 14 winners each – it was now 15 apiece – and they agreed to share the title.
Scallan has achieved his first title in what has been a record-setting campaign. O’Neill has secured the southern title for the third time, following his successes in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, he has earned his second regional prize of the season by securing the northern title earlier this year.
There was also success for Jim O’Neill, Ballindaggin, owner/handler of Seaniecon who scored by 13 lengths in the four-year-old maiden auction race ridden by Sean Staples, Duncormick.
Bertie Finn from Oulart also got on the scoresheet. He partnered Dylan Oak for octogenarian owner/handler Frank Oakes from Kildare in the Open race.
WexfordLocal.com 