Ballyheigue Races

ON a really mild late December afternoon, the Ballyheigue Races returned on Sunday last to kick-start the 2025 season.

In a break from recent tradition, the committee moved the fixture to a beautiful grass circuit courtesy of Gerard McCarthy. The decision was fully vindicated with a record attendance enjoying a seven-race card.

Multiple champion jockey Dylan O’Connor bowed out with a win on the brilliant Hasta La Vista while the jockey class of 2025 stepped forward in a bid to live their dream,

Brody Ferry made the long trip from Letterkenny well worthwhile when landing the featured Ballyheigue Derby over two miles on Big Jim.

This massive gelding was well supported in the market and certainly did not disappoint on the track. Under a confident Brody Ferry drive, Big Jim quickened the pace on the final circuit and stayed on dourly to hold off the late rattle of Cillian’s Pride by a length at the line. The winning jockey was enjoying his biggest success to date on the circuit and looks destined for a very bright future.

National Champion Jockey Kian McNally also clocked up the miles from his Armagh base and he was on the mark when St James landed the mile 14.2hh contest.

The Jim Collins-owned winner was given a canny ride from the front and had plenty in hand to hold off the final flourish of Reuben Jane by two lengths. Kian is looking forward to another stellar season in 2025.

Welcome visitor

Jared Huggan from Hawick has been a welcome visitor to these shores over the past year and has made some pretty good contacts in the process.

He linked up with Maurice Ahern’s debutante John Dutton in the 10-furlong contest and in truth, they were never out of second gear.

Travelling sweetly from flag fall, this flashy chesnut just oozed class and won in the style of a really good horse. Jared confirmed afterwards that he will be based in Ireland this season.

Liscarroll jockey Dylan O’Connor ended his pony racing career in the best possible fashion when Hasta La Vista routed the opposition in the 15hh race over one mile. This dual Dingle winner is owned by Dylan’s mother Mags. Dylan is now signing on with Mick Halford and Tracey Collins and we wish him every success in his future career.

Billy Roberts from Ballyduff, Co Kerry enjoyed a cracking breakthrough season last year and he was on the mark in the opening 12.2hh contest on Tiny Dancer. Luke Lynch’s smart grey pony quickened away up the straight for an impressive victory.

Meath jockey Camillus Byrne was another to catch the eye last term and he gave Little Sadie a positive drive from the front to land the 13.2hh race.

Popular victory

This was a very popular victory for Kilkee owner Willie McGrath who was on hand to confirm a new race meeting to be held just beyond Ennis, Co Clare next September.

Tralee jockey Caoimhe Sugrue gained compensation for her narrow defeat in the two-mile race when Sandra’s Secret made every inch of the running to win the maiden contest. She’s Got It and Crystal Lady filled the placings here for the Tyner Syndicate.

Here’s wishing everybody a happy, healthy and successful 2025!

12.2hh (6F): 1, L. Lynch’s TINY DANCER (Billy Roberts); 2, M. Brosnan’s MILO (Cillian Brosnan).

13.2hh (1M): 1, W. McGrath’s LITTLE SADIE (Camillus Byrne); 2, O’Sullivan/King’s ATHLOMAN DANCER (Billy Roberts).

14.2hh (1M): 1, J. Collins ST JAMES (Kian McNally); 2, W. McGrath’s REUBEN JANE (Camillus Byrne); 3, J. McMahon’s RICES ROAD (Adam Lynch).

15hh (1M): 1, M. O’Connor’s HASTA LA VISTA (Dylan O’Connor); 2, Tyner Syndicate’s BOUNCE (Caoimhe Sugrue); 3, Soft Touch Syndicate’s RED HANDED (Calum Mangan).

Open Horse Race (10F): 1, M. Ahern’s JOHN DUTTON (Jared Huggan); 2, G. Dempsey’s CHASING RAINBOWS (Ben Lecky); 3, C.V.R. Syndicate’s (Caoimhe Sugrue).

Ballyheigue Derby (2M): 1, C.V.R. Syndicate’s BIG JIM (Brody Ferry); 2, C.V.R. Syndicate’s CILLIAN’S PRIDE (Caoimhe Sugrue); 3, M. Ahern’s TO THE TRAIN STATION (Jared Huggan).

Maiden Horse Race (1M): 1, C.V.R. Syndicate’s SANDRA’S SECRET (Caoimhe Sugrue); 2, Tyner Syndicate’s SHE’S GOT IT (Dylan O’Connor); 3, Tyner Syndicate’s CRYSTAL LADY (Camillus Byrne).