By Dan Walsh at Knockmullen House, New Ross
Favorable conditions marked today’s Wexford Hunt point-to-point at Knockmullen House, New Ross, where smaller stables enjoyed success and two families made lasting memories.
Sometimes the best is left till last! Such was the outcome of the concluding maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards contest for geldings confined to novice riders that ended in a family fairytale when Erigmoor scored by nine lengths and provided Blackwater rider Jamie McCarthy, (19), with his first point-to-point success. Owned by his mother, Shirley McCarthy, and handled by his father, David V. O’Brien the success was warmly greeted. Jamie rides out with Michael Goff (who had a winner at Dromahane today) who was present to witness Jamie’s first success, and he paid tribute via WexfordLocal.com saying; “Jamie rides out with us. He is a lovely young lad. We are all delighted for him.”
James Walsh from Tinahely rode his 80th career point-to-point winner on Honey Come Quick in the maiden race for mares five-years-old and upwards. Bred by his owner, Seamus Osborne from Carnew, and handled by his son, Sean Osborne, it was a popular family success, and the connections were delighted.
Eamonn Doyle from Ballindaggin is only in his second season as a handler, but he saddled his 10th winner when Rob James booted home Kenzo Des Bruyeres to impressive 18 lengths victory in the Winners of One Race. “He will go for ‘a winners’ if not sold,” said the handler afterwards.
Aidan Fitzgerald who trains at Borris in neighbouring Carlow supplied the winner of the maiden race for four-year-old mares, Queens Charm ridden by Troy Walsh. “She worked at home brilliantly. I think she is very good. We waited for the soft ground. The track is in great condition. She is off to the sales now,” said Fitzgerald afterwards.
Wicklow rider Brian Lawless enjoyed a double aboard Jardin De Tunis for Ballycrystal handler Matthew Flynn O’Connor in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and Grey Balls Of Fire owned and bred by Maurice Sheehy from Wicklow and handled by Dominic Sheehy by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
Dominic Sheehy, (31), worked in the film industry in Canada, before turning his hand to training and Grey Balls Of Fire was his first winner. His stables are at his father, Maurice Sheehy’s place at Ballyfree House in Glenealy, Co. Wicklow.
More point-to-point action at Dromahane, Co. Cork, this afternoon and two Wexford handled winners. Harly Dunne, who enjoyed success at Quakerstown with Port and Brandy on Saturday made it a ‘double’ for the weekend when Emiko ridden by Frankie Murphy scored by 14 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.
Two newcomers fought out the finish of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings with Red Acres Max, from Michael Goff’s Ferns stables getting the better of Colin Bowe’s Soul Asylum by ‘a head’. The handler’s son Harry Goff was on the winner while his neighbour, Bertie Finn, was on the runner-up.
Point-to-pointing returns to the South-East next Sunday when the Wicklow Hunt races are scheduled for Fairwood, Tinahely. Entries close on Tuesday.
WexfordLocal.com 