Sarah-Ann Madden

THE Kilmoganny Hunt held their point-to-point fixture at their new Mainstown track which proved popular with both handlers and riders.

It was a particularly good day for Derek O’Connor who completed a treble on the day. His first winner came courtesy of the Pat Doyle-trained Young Turk (5/1) who took the opening division of the Tattersalls Ireland Ascot and Cheltenham four-year-old maiden.

The son of Poliglote showed a lot to like when staying on well in the run-in to score by two lengths. Pat Doyle remarked afterwards: “I think the world of this fellow. He is only a baby and I shouldn’t have run him last season as he wasn’t ready. I think this fellow could be very special.’’

The Henry de Bromhead newcomer Black Franks Angel (6/4) supplied O’Connor with his second winner of the afternoon when landing the Local Trainers five-year-old and upwards mares’ maiden in good style. The daughter of Black Sam Bellamy appeared to relish the underfoot conditions when staying on well in the closing stages to deny Touchy by three lengths. The five-year-old mare is owned by top National Hunt owner Roger Brookhouse. “She loved that ground and the test of stamina, she is an out and out stayer,’’ stated the winning rider.

TYNER’S JOURNEY

Robert Tyner made the journey to Mainstown all worthwhile when taking the concluding Bobby Fitzgerald & Gerry O’Brien Butchers six-year-old upwards geldings maiden with his charge On De Ball (7/4). The son of Indian Danehill benefited from an enterprising ride from Derek O’Connor. The six-year-old is owned by Christy Gash who made it just in time to see his gelding win.

A delighted Tyner stated afterwards: “He has really improved since his last run at Dromahane. Derek was particularly good on him allowing him to have two breathers which I think made the difference. He is a nicely bred sort also.’’

Shane Fitzgerald and Michael Goff continued their rich vein of form when taking division two of the four-year-old maiden with Clondaw Fonz (5/1). Fitzgerald who made most of the running aboard the Catriona Goff-owned gelding kept on gamely to score by three lengths.

An elated Goff commented: “This lad was another one of ours who wasn’t right when he ran last season. He stays all day and loved the conditions out there today.’’ The winning handler was full of praise for the winning rider stating: “Shane was just brilliant on him, he is a great young lad and his confidence is really showing in his riding ability.’’

Goff also added: “We were unlucky in the first when our lad (Bigpipenotobacee) came down four fences from home, we think a lot of him too.’’

Willie Codd registered his first winner of the season when Motion To Strike (5/1) took the Whitehall Stud five-year-old geldings’ maiden in the hands of Rob James. The pair’s victory was helped by the last fence exit of Just Joelliott who held a narrow advantage at the time and denied Derek O’Connor of a four-timer.

A relieved Codd remarked: “We got a change of luck there although Rob said our fellow was still ready to battle. It’s nice to get a winner on the board, the horses have been running well all season we have just been unlucky. We will see how this fellow is in the morning before we decide on a plan but he will probably go to the sales.’’

The Dick Frisby winners of two contest saw the mare Aine’s Double (5/1) come in front in the hands of Shane O’Rourke. The Lorcan D’Arcy-trained mare showed tremendous battling qualities in the closing stages to deny the favourite Bold Bachelor (4/6 favourite) by a head.

A delighted winning owner Inga D’Arcy said: “She was very game today on ground that wouldn’t really suit her. We will give her a little break now and look for something in the new year.’’

Reigning champion mare Carrigeen Acebo (5/2) was back to winning ways when taking the Ocean Feed ladies open lightweight in a thrilling finish. The mares’ usual partner Liz Lalor had to work hard in the closing stages to deny the favourite The Hard Hat (2/1F) by a neck.

Lalor remarked afterwards: “She is a lot more relaxed in her races this season, she needs reminders in her races which she didn’t last season. She will probably go for the mares’ open lightweight at Lisronagh next week.’’

New track

THE Kilmoganny’s new track at Mainstown, Cregg may be forgiven for feeling a little bit of déjà vu for racegoers in 2007 as the new track was on a neighbouring farm. It is hoped that it will remain on the fixture list for many years to come.

Handler Mick Goff and Jockey Shane Fitzgerald have forged a formidable partnership over the last few weeks with their four-year-old runners so it was no surprise to see their Bigpipenotabacee backed into evens favourite from an opening show of 5/1.

Unfortunately the pair crashed out with four fences to jump but compensation was quick as they took the next race with Clondaw Fonz.