THE Irish Harness Racing Association took the difficult decision to proceed with a small card on Sunday.

An IHRA spokesperson told The Irish Field: “We know it’s not a great card, but all the horsemen were informed in good time of the starting date, so it’s only fair to put on racing for those trainers who got horses ready.”

As usual the canny harness racing community will save their big guns for later the season. Four races proper and a qualifier (non-betting public trial) are the sum total of the action and the owners of the current track record holders can sleep soundly.

Still, five average horses can finish in a bunch, and the usual crowd will be at Portmarnock watching the action. The track is at the end of Chapel Road off the R107. Racing starts at 2.30pm.

The advance card did not carry the starting positions (the draw), so any tips herein are of the fiver or tenner variety. Do not bring out the main wad!

In the mixed grade pace, the West Cork raider Teddy Camden must give 50 yards to a nondescript bunch. Derry McCarthy’s gelding has a bit of class about him, but Meadowbranch Dynasty is a 2m or 2m 1sec horse and, even though the times at the opening meeting can be a second or two slower, he will take a bit of pegging back.

Strip fitter

In the Grade F trot Sean Kane will probably drive his own Chippe Des Landes. Winter 2021 was the first time in a long time that the Naul man did not go abroad, and his horses should strip fitter as a result. Cousin Patrick drives Ella Du Fosse but a mile is short of her best distance.

Valiant De Gueham has been around Portmarnock more often than the starting car and, if he stays level, he could be the one. The Red Baron, Billy Roche will be in the bike.

Race four sees, as so often before, a John Richardson versus Billy Roche bout. J.R. has the choice of two and Coloymba d’ Oyse has slightly better form. Billy’s horse Buliano has a nice turn of foot and, if fit, should take the spoils.

Meadowbranch Aurora has accomplished more than Springhill Zep so far and should win the closer, an actual two-horse race.