THE 2023 Irish Harness Racing Association season got underway last Sunday at Harbour View beach, Kilbrittain, West Cork.

The preview suggested that a winner from John Boyle’s two runners would be very popular. The perfect headline came true as John (80 on May 15th) came from behind to win the E to F grade pace with his tough 13-year-old mare Supreme Sunshine.

The combination held on by a neck from Donal Murphy with IB Paddington. The trotting supporters on the beach were of one voice in congratulating John on his victory.

The race was John’s first drive since a nasty spill last autumn. The veteran driver must be hewn from Donegal Marble (see accompanying article).

The winner was well supported. Supreme Sunshine responds well to Boyle’s ‘get out and get on’ style of driving. Newtown Killian made the early running but did not last home for Oisin Quill.

There may well have been two horses between the shafts on Sunday. “The mare ran very well,” said John during the week, “you know we covered her with Lost For Words about a week ago.”

Lost For Words (USA) came out a narrow loser against Wiggle It Jiggle It in the 2015 Little Brown Jug. The race was an intense battle and neither horse deserved to lose. He now stands in Limerick.

Advantage

As might be expected at a season opener, horses that were fully fit had a huge advantage. The powerful Murphy stable from Baltimore brought nine runners to the venue but actually had to wait until the last race (grade D trot) for a winner.

The doughty Bibi Dairpet, the latest in a long line of high earning trotters for the Inis Beg outfit, held on grimly for young Eoin Murphy.

The race was the finish of the day, as Destin de Larre (Oisin Quill) and Fandango de Nile (Jamie Hurley) were three abreast as they came in from the ocean. Stirring stuff.

“Bibi loved this beach, and it was his first time here,” stated Eoin.

Eoin instigated a double aboard Michael Healey’s Brywins Starship in the previous race, a higher-grade pacing handicap.

John Boyle attempted to make all with IB Felicity, but the apprentice always had their measure. Benny Camden (Donal Murphy) was never a threat. “Conor (Hurley) had Starship super fit for the opening meeting,” was Eoin’s comment.

Jeremiah O’ Mahony and Ger Kane are as thick as thieves. Yet again the pair made a nice deal whereby the well-exposed Duccio finished up in Dunmanway.

The Cork air must be agreeing with the 10-year-old as he came with a wet sail (pardon the pun) to take the opening E to F trot.

Hallow Way Road (Patrick Hill) had the rest off the bridle in the final quarter. Unfortunately the quirky liver chesnut jumped it off as Duccio came at him. Dan O’ Mahony drove the winner for his father.

Brutenor, a catch drive for Oisin Quill, put in a huge effort to be second following an uncharacteristic skip at the start.

Dublin stables

Only two Dublin stables ventured down on the day. Larry Camden was backed with confidence. The son of Yankee Lariat was always comfortable on top with young Troy McAleer. The win was a lifetime first for the well-bred gelding. She Be Sweet (Oisin Quill for Kevin Carey) raced well for the second money in this grade G affair.

The top grade trot looked a nice race on paper, and so it proved. Oisin Quill had Cakinap swiftly away.

Drimoleague man Dennis O’Reilly seemed to think the best tactic was to let Duc d’Arry stride on while he was trotting well. A powerful surge by the 10-year-old as they passed the public soon put the race to bed.

The Qulll second string, Fina Mix (Michael O’Mahony) went in pursuit but the bird had flown.

Michael O’Mahony (from Schull) is back in his native region following a successful stint in Wales. Owners could do worse than give a horse to Michael who was always chalked up short by the Welsh bookies.

The meeting had an unusual guest, top Australian driver James Kennedy was a guest with the O’Reillys in Drimoleague. James was interviewed by James Griffin and made some interesting points about the sport down under.

Volunteers

Racing everywhere depends on a merry band of volunteers to get things done. On a beach the organisers must work even harder, before the tide comes in, so credit to the local team.

Full results and news about Sunday’s intended meeting at Annaghmore can be seen at www.irishharnessracing.com. Replays of all races can be viewed on the IHRA Facebook page.

At time of going to press, Sunday’s meeting at Annaghmore depends on sufficient entries being received.