THE five-year-old and upwards mares’ maiden saw the Tadhg O’Leary-owned and bred Boomtime Banker (2/1) make a winning return to action having fallen when running a big race at Tralee last season. Ridden by Derek O’Connor on this occasion, the daughter of Kalanisi saw off a host of challengers turning-in to secure a three-length success over Double Smart.

Boomtime Banker and Derek O'Connor jump the last to win the four-year-old geldings maiden race \ Healy Racing

The successful handler, Sam Curling, said: “She hated the conditions today and would be a lot better on good ground. But she was ready to run and thankfully it paid off.

“She was running well when she came down on her last run so this is fantastic for Tadgh as she is a homebred. We will go to the track now if she isn’t sold.”

Thrilling finish

The concluding seven-year-olds and upwards geldings’ maiden resulted in a thrilling finish contested between two former champion riders in Derek O’Connor and Jamie Codd. Having disputed the lead for the final mile, there was little to separate the duo over the last but O’Connor’s mount Chariot Warrior (3-4/1) pulled out a little extra on the run to the line to account for The Bolder Boy and Codd by a length.

Chariot Warrior and Derek O'Connor jump the last to win the older geldings maiden race \ Healy Racing

The successful son of Tikkanen represents a true family affair as he is owned by James Kerr and trained by his son Robert, who were surrounded by well wishers following the seven-year-olds success. “We have worked this horse differently this year and it has paid off, it’s great to get a winner. Myself and my father just keep a few horses for a bit of fun so we will aim this lad at a winners race now. I’m just delighted he got his head in front,” commented the local handler in the aftermath.

New job for Connor

STEVEN Connor has recently taken a new job for northern handler Colin McKeever and owner Wilson Dennison. The Galway native had been attached to the Timmy Hyde stable for the last couple of seasons and has enjoyed a total of 13 winners between the flags to date. Having had four rides for his new employers over the weekend, Connor enjoyed three seconds and a third so could well be set to enjoy a fruitful season in this new role.

Passports

FOR the 2019/2020 point-to-point season, passports must be presented for the relevant horses at the time of declaration in order for flu vaccinations to be inspected.

Previously a horse could be declared without it’s passport, but thankfully there was little inconvenience on the day as many handlers were aware of the new regulation.

Schooling

COINCIDENTLY the Mid-Antrim hunt enjoyed 42 runners across the card on the day, which corresponded exactly with the number of runners at this fixture last season.

The hunt saw an even greater amount of horses schooling after racing with over 50 horses heading out in three separate lots to school once the official action concluded.

Horse to follow

Faith Loving (C. McKeever): This son of Ballingarry shaped with plenty of promise when coming home well to finish third in the four-year-old geldings’ maiden under Stephen Connor. The debutant lacked fluency in the jumping department at times, however to his credit he stayed on to finish less than six lengths behind the winner at the line. With due improvement he could go close on his next appearance.