Annaghmore Sunday

THE card at Annaghmore last Sunday looked to be very tame on paper. In fact, the four betting races threw up a fairytale victory by a cheaply bought trotter and several well-bred pacers laying down markers for the mid-season festivals.

Oakwood Carmelita, at £75,000 still holds the record for most expensive yearling at a British Isles auction. She ran well in a qualifier, her second appearance at a recognised meeting. She is now three with the world at her feet.

At the other end of the scale, 13-year-old Avenir de Vauvert was picked up for just £560 by Dunmurry-based farrier Gerald Maybin last summer.

With all due respect to Carmelita’s owner Ruairi McNulty, Gerald will knock just as much fun out of ‘Big Red’ as he calls the old gelding. Avenir de Vauvert upset Eureka d’Euronville (Sean Kane) in the opening grade E trot.

There’s no cheer like the cheer that goes up when a driver gets their first win at an IHRA venue. As many of the crowd drove in races personally, they all remember that special feeling.

Gerald and Avenir had been knocking on the door last autumn. The combination got a hearty ovation as they passed the bookies. Gerald was grinning and gave a thumbs up.

The driver is 6’1” and is by his own admission carrying a bit of condition. Proof once again that harness racing is a sport for both genders, and all shapes and sizes. Avenir du Vauvert goes with his head very low. He has a long stride which is obviously effective.

“We’ve been good to the old horse and he has been good to us,” said Gerald. The training is shared with wife Danielle. “He’s not too bad for £560”.

Avenir de Vauvert rivals Hewick in the ‘cheapest winner under any code or competition! The win is what all racing needs, a result for the small stable.

Big enterprise

The Murdock yard is a big enterprise. The spotless stables behind the grandstand at Annaghmore contain blue-blooded youngsters and all the latest gadgets on the market.

Gavin and Jay have raced very few horses this year so far. The brothers tend to run in qualifiers as they aim for success in the UK.

Churchview Camelot is a full-brother to the now exported Churchview Frankel. The horse was with Alan Wallace Junior last year, and ran with credit in some hot company.

On the day, Gavin buzzed Churchview Camelot (4/7 to 4/6 favourite) out of the “4 hole’’ to get the top (harness jargon for the lead). It was a race-winning move.

Clobbered

Second-placed Meadowbranch Bobby (Noel Ryan) should be backed another day as he got clobbered at least twice.

The race saw some erratic driving. Following an inquiry “no alterations to the placings” was announced. Some of the drivers will be lucky to escape without a fine. The winner is entered at York today. He clocked 2.03.

MB King Louis is a big, scopey son of Sweet Lou. The sire is throwing winners in the US and Australia. Sweet Lou is sire of three entries in tonight’s $1 Million Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk, Ontario.

Sunday’s grade G pace was a less glamorous affair. John Richardson let the three-year-old bowl along in front and the pair did not see a rival. Sweet Lou is available by AI from Oakwood Stud in Co Offaly.

Sean Kane got off the mark for 2023 when he steered Andy McTaggart’s Feugeres Erem (7/4 best) to victory in the high grade trot. For a change ‘the wee mare from Ballyclare’ got her nose on the gate.

Darren Timlin’s Epsom des Corvees (evens to 5/4) was nibbled at but broke when challenging.

The winner was always comfortable. “Usually she has to work hard to make up her handicap,” said driver Sean “so it was nice to go out and dictate.”

Owner Andy McTaggart is becoming well known in the point-to-point heartland in East Antrim.

Speaking of thoroughbred country, harness racing takes a step into uncharted territory tomorrow with a meeting at Vicarstown, Co Laois. The venue is the same field as the pony racing. First race 2pm. Left-handed track, stiff uphill finish.

Thanks go to commentator James Griffin who helped to obtain the field.

The racecard, results and more information can be seen at www.irishharnesseacing.com

Last Sunday’s qualifiers saw a return to IHRA racing by several well-established Northern trainers. Increased competition can only help the sport as we approach high season.

Yet again there were more runners in the qualifiers (non-betting trials) than the races proper. Someone needs to tell the owners in the qualifiers that nineteen surprise coups are not going to happen!