CHARLIE Flanagan (23) from Oldtown, Dublin did her bit for girl power at Annaghmore last Sunday.

The equine physiotherapist put her hands to good use, as she steered National Treasure to a win over some well-regarded pacers in the Grade A to D pace in a time of 2.02.9.

The seven-year-old, from the bloodlines of the Fletchers from Wolverhampton, is owned by Finbar Quill from Kenmare, father of Charlie’s boyfriend Oisin.

Immortal John was a staying on second for Patrick Kane jnr, in a race where some of the fancied runners failed to fire. Larry Camden was never a factor, Transparency on his reappearance in Ireland after a long absence, did not trouble the winner.

“It was nice to win on my first drive of this horse. Maybe Oisin should hand over the reins,” said Charlie. She is currently the country’s leading female driver on eight wins and has qualified to represent Ireland in the European Apprentice Championships in Sicily on December 8th.

As with all forms of racing, men and women compete on level terms in trotting. Charlie joins the like of our own Brenda Hudson (nee Dean), the late Evelyn Slack (England) and Natalie Rasmussen (Australia) in succeeding against men.

Ladies can and do get involved, indeed there are a couple of ‘ladies only’ events scheduled for Sunday, September 29th at the Armagh venue.

Opening upset

Proceedings opened when the second favourite Little Miss Sarah (Bernard Nicholson, evens) upset the ‘jolly’ Lieutenant Dan (Sean Kane 1/3) in the three-year-old trot. Sean owns all of Little Miss Sarah and part of Lieutenant Dan.

Both horses were put into the race, but the mare is improving with every run, while the gelding made a couple of ‘first season’ breaks.

Italia du Mont took a while to get the hang of Irish tracks, but did not look like breaking this time. The six-year-old mare made it two-from-two for driver Martin Loughran and Clare-based owner Paul McInerney in the Grade E to F trot.

Once again, ‘The Cooley Wizard’ employed waiting tactics. Italia du Mont looks to be well-handicapped in her current vein of form and can be a good earner in the autumn campaign.

“She’s a nice mare with plenty of gears,” stated Martin. “Ronan Norton (trainer) has done a nice job with her.”

Harry Knows has often featured in this column, due to his exploits in America, Holland, Sweden and elsewhere. ‘Annaghmore on an ordinary Sunday’ does not have the same ring to it but the globetrotter can only beat what’s put in front of him.

Borrowed time

Patrick Kane jnr wasted no time in swallowing up their 50-yard trail. The leader Hernani d’Orient was living on borrowed time and, when Patrick asked ‘Harry’ for one more effort, he glided forwards for a two-length victory. Fiesta Tejy (4/5 to 6/4) was a never closer third.

The other trotting race on the card went to Glengormley-based Kevin and Adam Corey. The talented, but fragile, Extrem Ryld bounced back to form in the Grade D and E trot.

“The win was a surprise, as I thought we had a tough draw off 20 yards. Once we got top (the lead), I was confident. He came the final half in 1.02,” was the comment from Adam.

EJ’s Dragoness finally got her turn for Eugene Hanson from Portrush, who trains and his nephew Ryan, who was the driver in the Grade G pace on the day.

The likeable daughter of Conors Dragon had to work for it, as Meadowbranch Teddy and Springhill Lockdown finished in a bunch.

“She always runs her race. My daughter Cacey is delighted,” said Eugene. The win came on Eugene’s birthday.

Eugene’s cousins, the Stewart family, are showing some batting average this season. The Coleraine outfit must be around 50% placed horses to runners, or around 25% winners to runners. Those blustery mornings on Downhill beach are paying off.

Letsgettoit was the latest winner in the gold and blue livery. Jimmy Stewart moved early with the mare and took out the Grade D to F pace by five lengths.

Racing continues tomorrow at Annaghmore Raceway. From the north, take Junction 13 M1. From the south, the track is eight miles west of Richhill.

Replays can be watched on IHRA Facebook. Results, entries and general information can be seen at www.irishharnessracing.com

Leading drivers up to September 21st

Patrick Kane jnr, Trim 21

Jonny Cowden, Glengormley 18

Eoin Murphy, Baltimore 14

Troy McAleer, St Margarets 13

Jamie Hurley, Reenascreena 13

John Richardson, Ballyboughal 12

Oisin Quill, Kenmare 9

Noel Ryan, Drumcondra 8

Billy Roche, Cloghran 8

Charlie Flanagan, Oldtown 8