By Dan Walsh at Fairwood, Tinahely
Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe got off to a good start with a double at the Wicklow Hunt races at Fairwood, Tinahely, today (Sunday) in the opening two races.
First up was Sir Walkabout in the maiden race for four-year-olds who led the 10-runner field all the way and scored by eight lengths. “He showed loads at home and will go to the sales,” said Bowe afterwards.
Amaretto Sour completed the double in the maiden race for mares of five-years-old plus. “She is a lovely consistent filly. This was her third start. She deserved to win and will go to Goresbridge (for the sales) now,” added Bowe.
Delgany handler/rider Brian Lawless also enjoyed a double at Fairwood. He was successful on Max Impact for the Monbeg Syndicate and handler Donnachadh Doyle (who also had a double at Dromahane… read on!) by 10 lengths in the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings. “He has plenty of ability, is well-bred and will go for a winners’ somewhere,” said Doyle.
Lawless who is in his second season training at Ballycrystal, Ballindaggin, won the mares’ Winner of Two race as a handler and rider with Nellies Last Hope by four lengths.
Ballindaggin rider Cormac Byrne won the race for novice riders aboard Popa Lou for Kildare handler Joseph Moore by eight lengths.
Rider Mark O’Flynn made the journey from Cork to partner the consistent Rongoright for Jonathan Fitzgerald and the outcome was a six lengths success in the Open Race.
Last Sunday’s postponed meeting at Dromahane, Co. Cork, went ahead today (Sunday) where there was plenty of Wexford success, including a treble for Rob James and a double for Donnchadh Doyle.
Doyle and James shared the victories of La Hulotte by 10 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old mares’ and were in the winner’s enclosure again following the five-year-old geldings’ race and the ten lengths victory gained by Kartujano. Both carried the Monbeg Syndicate colours.
Rob James treble was completed when he rode Wonderwall for Tipperary trainer Sam Curling in the Open Race.
Newcomer Clear As Crystal won the mares’ maiden race for four-year-olds keeping up the winning form of Ballymitty handler Gary Murphy and Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke.
Also racing today (Sunday) at Turtulla, Co. Tipperary, and one Wexford trained winner. Star Charm was the six lengths winner for Kilmore handler John C. Byrne and ridden by Taghmon teenager Alex O’Keeffe. Six lengths the verdict.
Next Sunday’s point-to-point is the Killinick Harriers meeting at Lingstown, Tomhaggard. Entries close on Tuesday. First race at 12.30pm.
