Wexford winner has Gold Cup in mind

By Dan Walsh

It was the last race of the day before a local winner obliged at day two of the October racing festival at Bettyville Park on a fine and dry Bank Holiday Monday afternoon, but once again a competitive card and, possibly, the seasonal debut of the next Gold Cup winner?

Eleven fixtures are run at Wexford every year and the richest event is the Grade 3 M.W. Hickey Memorial Chase over two miles and seven furlongs. Today’s renewal saw a classy winner in Minella Indo (8/13 fav.), trained in Waterford by Henry de Bromhead, who is quoted at 8/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup next March

A winner of the Albert Bartlett at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival meeting, Minella Indo was runner up in the RSA Chase at the same track last March, and the plan is to aim for the Cheltenham Gold Cup next year.

Minella Indo only faced three rivals today in soft conditions where Rachael Blackmore had a comfortable ride all the way and cruised past the winning post 25 lengths ahead of everything else.

The de Bromhead/Blackmore combination enjoyed a double with Kapard (3/1) taking the Kehoe Farming Rated Novice Hurdle. Third was Fortune Street for Paul Nolan and Sean O’Keeffe.

The local winner was IlCourra (6/1) in the bumper for owner/breeder Mary Griffin, trained at Ballypreacus, Bunclody, and ridden by Simon Cavanagh. In third place was Mercury Lane for Paul Nolan and Barry O’Neill. The winning distance was three quarters of a length.

The next race meeting at Bettyville Park is scheduled for Wednesday, March 17th, 2021, St. Patrick’s Day.

Man charged with €427,465 seizure at Rosslare Europort

Gardaí have arrested and charged a man in connection with the seizure by Customs Officials of €427,465 in cash at Rosslare Europort last Wednesday.

The man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on Saturday, on suspicion of committing an offence contrary to Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, after Gardaí from Meath, Wexford and the Criminal Assets Bureau searched a number of residences under warrant in County Meath.

He was detained at Trim Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He has since been charged and appeared at a special sitting of Trim District Court yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.

Vandals score ‘own goal’ at Bree pitch

By Dan Walsh

An investigation is taking place into a serious incident at Bree United’s Astro pitch at Macmine were a vehicle was used to vandalise the surface in a mindless act of anti-social behaviour that occurred around 1.10am this morning.

Damage to the playing surface at Bree United’s pitch at Macmine that occurred early this morning.

It appears that the intention was to drive across the pitch when the vehicle stuck in the muddy surface. Leftover Astro turf was removed from the clubhouse and placed underneath the sinking wheels of the vehicle, however, removal efforts failed, and weather conditions deteriorated rapidly.

Back-up arrived at 2.15 am and during a thunderstorm a tow was attached to a second vehicle, but it took some time before the stuck vehicle was freed and eventually both vehicles left in the direction of Bree village.

The activity was captured on CCTV and Bree United have taken to social media calling on those responsible to come forward before handing the footage over to the Gardaí.

Fortunately, for the foreseeable future no games are scheduled for the pitch due to the Covid-19 restrictions, however, Bree United is determined to repair the damage and bring the pitch back to its usual high standard as soon as possible.

Gibberwell waves the Wexford flag

By Dan Walsh

It did not take long for the locals to strike success at sunny Wexford this afternoon. The opening race, the Hook Head Maiden Hurdle, went to Gibberwell (16/5), named after a local townsland, trained at Rathangan by Brian Jordan for Wiliam Bates, Kimore, and ridden by Caim jockey JJ Slevin. The local success upset the long odds-on Mr Jackman (4/9) from the Gordon Elliott stables who was runner-up; one and three-quarter lengths back on ground that was officially ‘soft to heavy’.

Adamstown jockey Jonathan Moore enjoyed success on his home track aboard Gavin Cromwell’s Clonguile Way, (11/4 fav.) in the St. Patrick’s Bridge Handicap Hurdle.

The richest race of the day was the Slade Handicap Chase where three of JP McManus’ five entries finished first, second and fourth. Two did not make the handicap. The winner was Scoir Mear (9/2) trained by Tom Mullins at Goresbridge and ridden by Simon Torrens.

Sun shines for Wexford raiders in Meath

By Dan Walsh

Low-lying sun was causing problems at the Meath point-to-point held at Fairyhouse, but it did not stop the Wexford raiders who left a trail of success. Three winners for Jamie Codd and a double for the Sean Doyle/Jamie Scallan combination were amongst the highlights.

Jamie Codd teamed up with Gordon Elliott to win the four-year-old geldings maiden by twelve lengths with Ginto getting the better of Since Day One in the Matchmaker Syndicate colours for handler/rider Rob James.

JAMIE CODD… three winners at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

Codd made it a double on Passion View for Meath handler Peter Flood in the maiden race for five-year-old mares. Two lengths were the winning distance.

Codd’s treble was aboard the four lengths winner Fanamix, running in the colours of Edelle Logan and trained by Denis Murphy, The Ballagh.

Sean Doyle’s good run continued in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings when Dunboyne, in the Monbeg Partnership colours, came in first by three lengths ridden by Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard, who was enjoying his 15th career winner.

But the Doyle/Scallan team were not finished yet. They completed a double when Solomon Grundy ran out three lengths to the good in the Open Race which was confined to novice riders.

Rob James was amongst the winners on the Donnchadh Doyle runner Crystal Glory, victorious on his debut at Monksgrange last month, four lengths to the good in the Winner of One Race.

Racing ‘D Day’ for all the Doyles

By Dan Walsh

It was an amazing point-to-point Saturday across the country as five handlers named Doyle shared eight winners between them at Loughanmore, Co. Antrim, and Ballycrystal at the foot of Mount Leinster today with Cormac (2), Donnchadh (2) and Sean (1) from the Ballindaggin family, Mary Ellen (2) from Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy, and Pat Doyle, (1) Thurles, Co. Tipperary, all enjoying ‘D Day’ success.

The rain dampened proceedings for a while at the Ballycrystal track where racing took place under the auspices of the Island Hunt for a competitive seven-race card.

The maiden race for four year olds was divided with division one resulting in a half-length success for the Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe stable with Tamgho Borget just holding off the serious challenge of Unanswered Prayers for Harley Dunne and Donnchadh Doyle.

Jumping action from today’s point-to-point at Ballycrystal

Cormac Doyle saddled his first winner of the season when My Immortal triumphed by two lengths in division two ridden by Jack Hendrick from Mayglass. Simultaneously, Cormac was saddling winner number two up in Antrim with Undersupervision winning the four year old geldings’ maiden race by one length with Tiernan Power- Roche from Tomhaggard in the saddle.

Sean Doyle’s The Forge Hill, a winner at Monksgrange last month won her third race with a brilliant jumping performance in the Open Lightweight Race with Jordan Gainford, Caim, enjoyed a local success.

Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe made it a double on home turf with Gallow Ford in the Winners of One race.

Denis Murphy’s chestnut mare Get Sky High was a one and a half lengths winner of the maiden race for five and six year old mares. The winning rider was Simon Cavanagh. Now in his 15th year of training the Master of Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, was registering his 220th victory as a handler.

Pat Doyle from Thurles saddled Flamenco De Kerser in the maiden race for five year old geldings, winning by eight lengths with his daughter, Susie, in the saddle.

The final race was for ‘older maidens’ and a first winner for Ferns rider Gavin Collier aboard Kingston King, by six lengths, trained at Craanford by Liam Kenny.

At Loughanmore, Mary Ellen Doyle had a first and last race double. The Mean Queen, owned by Rodman Moorhead, took the maiden race for four year old mares by six lengths with John James O’Neill up; and the aptly named One For The Yard, a first success for Downpatrick rider Toni Quail, won the race for older geldings.

Rob James and Donnchadh Doyle scored twice. First with Gringo D’Aubrelle by three and a half lengths in the second division of the four year old geldings’ maiden, and secondly, won the maiden race for five year old geldings by three lengths with Our Surprise.

Vincent Devereux made the long journey from Rostoonstown, Tomhaggard, to Loughamore in Antrim worthwhile when home-bred Mr Mantilla won his third race from four runs by one length in the Winner of Two race. The successful rider was Shane O’Rourke, Foulksmills.  

€427,500 seized at Rosslare Europort

Revenue officers were granted a three-month cash detention order by Judge John Cheatle at Wexford District Court this morning (Friday).

This followed the seizure yesterday (Wednesday) of almost €427,500 at Rosslare Europort when, because of routine profiling and with the assistance of detector dog Flynn, Revenue officers stopped a UK registered vehicle boarding a ferry to Bilbao, Spain.

The cash is suspected to be the proceeds of, or intended for use in, criminal activity and is detained by Revenue in accordance with proceeds of crime legislation.

A man in his thirties, originally from Poland, was questioned in relation to the seizure and investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

Kerosene spill in New Ross

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water working in partnership with Wexford County Council are investigating a kerosene spill in the wastewater network in Bosheen, New Ross. Crews are working to establish the extent of the spillage and will carry out a clean-up operation afterwards. While the clean-up works take place, there may be a risk of intermittent odours.

If odour issues are noted, please contact the Irish Water Customer Care Centre on 1850 278 278.

Irish Water is working currently with Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.

Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

New store opens in Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

A new shopping experience, Home Sav€rs Store, opened its doors at 5-8 Rafter St., Enniscorthy, this morning in a sanitised ceremony without fanfare or handshakes, just some brand coloured balloons at the entrance, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The second store in Co. Wexford (the other is in Wexford town) was officially opened by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, who said “Well done to everyone for their fantastic work on this store, and welcome to the team Home Sav€rs Enniscorthy.”

In a statement a spokesperson for Home Sav€ers said; “We are delighted to be bringing variety, choice and value to the heart of Enniscorthy, the town centre.”

The new Home Sav€rs Store opened its doors for the first time on Enniscorthy’s Rafter St. this morning

Located on the site of the old Dunnes Stores building Home Sav€rs adjoins Grants Pharmacy in bringing commercial life back into the building and the rejuvenation of Rafter St as a prime town centre trading area.

Originally founded by John Bolger, Hibernian House occupied this site, and traded as a quality drapery, millinery, and outfitting attraction comparable to the big Dublin fashion stores of the period. It was infamously destroyed by an outbreak of fire on Valentine’s Day 1948 but was rebuilt and traded until 1972 when sold to Dunnes Stores for £1.75 million.

Dunnes Stores traded on Rafter St. until 2006  when moving to a brand new store in the old Roche-Gibney complex at Irish St, which was its 150th store.

Local councillors spent many years putting pressure on the owners to allow retail return to the old Dunnes Stores. Recently, a new local owner emerged and now the building is transformed into a popular extension for improved footfall in the town centre.

Lifeboat crews prevented ‘serious loss of life’

By Dan Walsh

“If it wasn’t for the work of the three lifeboat crews out in force eight conditions I fear there could have been a serious loss of life,” that is the opinion of Rosslare RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager David Maloney, speaking in the wake of yesterday’s dramatic sea rescue off Hook Head.

“I fear the vessel would have hit the rocks and there could have been a serious loss of life. The 4,000-tonne vessel came within a half a mile of the shore and Dunmore East and Kilmore Quay lifeboat crews had an incredibly difficult job in keeping it away from the rocks.

Mr Maloney described the situation. “The seas were huge, and it would not have been pleasant for anyone out there in those conditions. The lifeboat crews were out for over twelve hours in a callout that involved serious skill and concentration and I am tremendously proud of all three lifeboat crews involved. Thankfully, we did not have a tragedy today.”

The cargo ship Lily B with a cargo of coal bound for New Ross Port in difficulty off Hook Head (Pic; RNLI)

The call for help came in around 3pm when the Irish Coast Guard in Dublin requested lifeboats from Dunmore East, Kilmore Quay and Rosslare launch to the scene, just south of Hook Head in Wexford. The Coast Guard helicopter from Waterford, Rescue 117 was also tasked, monitoring from overhead and ready to assist with evacuation of the crew if needed.

In force eight conditions, Dunmore East and Kilmore Quay RNLI established tow lines onto the drifting vessel which was then remarkably close to the rocks. The two lifeboats maintained the tow and kept the cargo ship away from shore while a tug was en route from Waterford. Rosslare RNLI stood by.

Battling strong waves over six metres high, the three lifeboat crews worked together to ensure the cargo vessel stayed away from the rocks until the tow was passed to the tug on its arrival at 5.40pm. Escorting the vessels until they reached the calmer waters of Waterford Harbour in the early hours of Wednesday the lifeboat crews were eventually stood down and returned to station.