THE meeting at Annaghmore (August 18th) seemed to be all about horses recovering after setbacks.

The star of the show was Stateside Cody, owned by West Belfast man Gareth Galway and driven by Jonny ‘Be Good’ Cowden.

The six-year-old son of the late Armbro Deuce (7/2 best) produced an electrifying burst at the three-quarter pole to seal the race. “I’m delighted with that run he’s coming back after breaking a pedal bone,” said Gareth.

Marias Blaze (Noel Ryan, 6/4) stayed on well for second money but the bird had flown.

Also on the comeback trail was Arts Princess (3/1) who has been in the wilderness somewhat following a successful three-year-old campaign.

Glengormley man Adam Corey was decisive on the homebred. Long Island Art (Jonny Cowden for Jim Galway - evens favourite) tried valiantly but could not get to the Sweet Lou filly. The winner stopped the clock in 2.03.8

Dan McAteer made it three winners for Co Antrim on the card when the likeable seven-year-old Gemmail (4/1) took out the C to D trot.

“That’s his first run since last year. He got a kick from another horse,” was the comment from the Randalstown man.

Hostesse du Chassin was an honourable second for Jamie Hurley, a nice sighter for the Red John meeting on their home turf today.

Luke Timlin is part of the new generation of drivers. He drives like he doesn’t care who he beats. He won the Grade G pace aboard Greentree Candyman with the names Richardson, Cowden and Roche trailing in his wake.

Still green

“We didn’t do anything with him until last year, so he’s still a bit green. He’s not even entered for the Red John,” said the 21-year-old Fermanagh man. The time, 2.03.7, was respectable for this grade.

Meadowbranch Lil Mil (JR) was second in 2.03.7 with Scottish-owned newcomer Battle Fever third off a 30-yard trail.

Its A Deal does not possess blinding speed but he is a steady trotter and stays well. Those attributes were enough to pick up €1,418 for the E to G Grade trot.

Patrick Kane (driver) and Aidan Caffrey seem to have the key to the six-year-old, who was foaled in Ireland. His form reads 2211 going into Lyre.

Sean Kane came from the next parish on Ilador for second and the gelding looks like there’s a race in him.

Sean had better luck in the opening three-year-old trot. Little Miss Sarah went one better than her second place at Ballabuidhe. The win by 30 lengths was a good old-fashioned rout.

The runner-up Lochlan Lindsey, although soundly beaten, shaped well for Ballyclare trainer Andy McTaggart.

One Cool Touch (John Boy Roche) raced with the urgency of a gambled-on horse in winning the Grade E to D pace. Those who availed of the 4/6 on offer had an anxious 2m 4secs as 3/1 shot Louis Vutton and Dan McAteer badgered John Boy.

Eventually the nine-year-old One Cool Touch showed typical Kikicolt grit to land the odds.

Seven went to post for the top grade trot. Luke Timlin tried his heart out with the unorthodox looking Dusty Jiel. Hope De Guinette (Martin Loughran) and Feline De Noes (Simon Duggan) were up with the van.

The strapping Ecrin De Grimault (Noely Ryan) came with his relentless stride to wear them down. The €1,700 goes to the Cooley Peninsula. A time of 3.12 was the clock for 12 furlongs.

“What can I say? He’s just a genuine big horse,” stated owner John Morgan.

Current leader of The Irish Field drivers’ championship, Patrick Kane had one win as did Jonny Cowden who is on his tail. These two tough competitors will serve up some great sport in the final third of the season.

The IHRA website is down at the moment. IHRA Facebook page is a good source for runners, results and excellent replays.

Driver Number of wins

(unofficial) at August 20th

Patrick Kane junior, Trim, 15

Jonny Cowden, Glengormley 14

Troy Mc Aleer, St Margarets 11

John Richardson, Ballyboughal 10

Eoin Murphy, Baltimore 10

Jamie Hurley, Reenascreena 7

Michael O’ Mahony, Schull 7

Patrick Hill, Leap 6

Oisin Quill, Kenmare 6