Santa Claus came early for two local owners in the shape of handsome cheques after their greyhounds won two of the three valuable sweep finals at the Markets Field on Saturday.

It was a terrific occasion and a big crowd turned out for an 11-race programme which was run off with clockwork precision to avoid punters suffering too much from the cold weather.

The Shane O'Brien/Barbara Reeves Memorial A3 had €2,150 for the winner. It is run each year at this time to perpetuate the memory of former track employee, Shane, and his girlfriend, Barbara, who died tragically when on holiday a few years ago.

And what a race it turned out to be. In truth it was one of the best of a long season.

For decades, the Mangan family from Crecora have been involved in the racing and coursing business and there was a huge cheer when Banbas Serigo (Droopys Vieri-Killington Run) and Troys Honcho battled out the final strides.

And it was only in the final stages that Banbas Serigo got up to win by a head in 29.10 for Joe Mangan and his County Waterford based daughter, Fiona Goff.

Joe, a former veterinary surgeon who officiated at the track for many years, was overjoyed by the win, which came at odds of 3/1.

It was hard luck on the owners of Troys Honcho, Joseph Cahill and Declan Moloney, who looked a winner early in the home straight. They received a cheque for €850 but it was the Mangan clan who celebrated most.

There was a winner's prize of €2,500 for the Tote Retention sponsored A1 Final and in this one the glory went to Leo McNulty from Shannon. His Bargain Lulu (Droopys Woods-Bower Louise) stormed to a six lengths win in 28.42 from Hawthorn Expert (1) with the Pat O'Connell trained and Dominic Ryan, County Limerick, owned, Destined King (6), a head behind, third, which was a difference of €500 in prizemoney.

The odds-on favourite, Malbay Kewell, was baulked in the final of the Bet With The Tote A5. Strimmer Jim (2) was in front all the way and won by eight and a half lengths in 28.62 from Razldazl Bono (3) who is trained in Fedamore by Neilus O'Connell.

There was a very good run in an N0/A4 by Back For Gold (Blackjack Tom-Bredas Angel). Owned by the Fade And Draw syndicate from Rathkeale and trained for them locally by James Roche this March 06 black looks a prospect. Flying out of trap four, he led all the way for a seven lengths win in a most impressive 29.08 from Martin Scanlon's Roses Blackjack (1), with Patrick Wall's Tally Ho Ned (3) a length off, third.

Another promising run by a newcomer, Killacolla Ace (Droopys Kewell-Killacolla Lady) came in the Novice 1. Owned by John Paul Fitzgerald, he and Helen Tashdalek (5) were always the pair who mattered most.

Killacolla Ace (5) was always in front and went on for a four lengths win in 29.09 with Helen Tashadelek three parts of a length in front of Corrough Newtown.

And yet another to do well was Cozy Flash (Droopys Maldini-Jesie Be Strong). Owned by Patrick Neville he was out of trap three very smartly. Having led at the first bend he made the rest without being seriously challenged, beating Cherrygrove Mars (2) by three and a half lengths. The latter did not start all that well for John Murphy from Croom but finished well to pip Origami (4) by a head. The latter is owned by Mrs Jennifer Murphy.

Trainer James Roche was denied a double when Amigan Girl (2), owned by Jimmy and Master Michael White was beaten a length by the 28.96 winner in an A1.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment