THE ‘five to follow’ this week is drawn once more from the West Cork region. The trainers concerned, John Shanahan of Leap and the O’Reillys from Drimoleague are typical grass roots stables, combining a few horses with full time occupations. It is crucial that with all the impressive expansion by the IHRA that the ‘owner-trainer’ does not get left behind.

There may well be good news for the sport in the West Cork heartland in coming weeks.

The various Cork committees over the years had a penchant for running ‘All-Ireland Championships’ under saddle and sulky at the grass tracks and during the traditional road season in the winter (not to be confused with illegal road racing).

John Shanahan has the nickname Mr All-Ireland as he has won at least 10 ‘All-Ireland’ titles. If Thomond O’Mara is putting a toe in the water of harness racing then it would appear that the Leap-based builder is going the other way.

“I have been buying thoroughbred mares. I also hope to have my first runner on the flat in a few weeks, a horse called Divine Celt who is trained by Gerard Fahy.”

As a long-standing name on harness cards in Cork, Dublin and Britain, it’s probable that Shanahan will continue to dabble in trotters and pacers. He has always had a good eye for a young horse and his runners come off the lorry fighting fit. John has only two young pacers for the 2021 season, but they are an enviable pair.

Resolute Diamond (IRE)

4yo g Foreclosure – Cannae Diamond

He is out of Neville Martin’s good mare Cannae Diamond. I thought he was the best three-year-old in the country last year. He only raced four times and won two of those starts. He was at a disadvantage to horses trained on a hard track.

American Rebel (GB)

5yo h Rogue Hall – American Beauty

He is from Gwenan Thomas’ mare. He won at the Red John meeting last year beating the useful Ladyford Buck. He’ll be aimed at Lyre once again. I’d have loved to run him in England but that will depend on the Covid-19 situation.

O’Reillys’ impressive strike-rate

THE village of Drimoleague is home to several branches of the O’Reilly family. ‘Have horse, will travel’ would seem to be the family logo with brothers Chris and Denis not scared to race at the bear-pit that is Portmarnock Raceway. Cousin Sean has also enjoyed success across the country over the years.

A bit like Walter Stewart in the north, the O’Reillys have a great strike-rate from small numbers. Chris owned, trained and drove the hero of the 2019 Red John Memorial, Rhyds Panache.

Denis’ Empereur Souverain has been a prolific winner in his age group. Sean O’Reilly’s family owned the great Earned Income with the late Tommy Doyle. Chris was generous with his time for The Irish Field and summed up for his relatives. Two pacers and a trotter are expected to do well this year.

Rhyds Panache (GB)

12yo g The One Night Pan – Bouncie

If he never wins again he owes me nothing. Of course, he won the country’s biggest pace in 2019.

The problem is he’s either trailing 20 yards or off alongside horses that could thrown in a 1.57 mile.

My son Fionn is coming 15 and will serve his apprenticeship races with Panache.

Brywins Magician (GB)

8yo g Share The Delight – Lifes Magic Girl

Sean bought him in the winter out of John Gill’s yard in York. This horse started off with Sean Kane and won well in Dundalk.

He’s a few weeks off ready. Sean can get one ready.

Empereur Souverain (FR)

7yo g First De Retz – Reussite Mika

He gradually improved to be in the top three of the 2014 crop that came to Ireland. Patrick Kane jnr gets on well with him.

He had a little setback last year but I believe he is ready to go this week or next.