NIALL Forbes from Drimoleague and Oisin Quill from Kenmare both drove doubles at Dunmanway last Sunday. With the big two-day Irish American Meeting this weekend in Lyre, it was standard fare but there were still several close finishes.

Niall Forbes opened his tally for the season with not one, but two winners. Empereur Souverain kicked off the double. Hippie Sisu made all the running in this one and looked in control at the road crossing on the final lap but Empereur Souverain was produced and stayed on best up the home straight to collar the long-time leader and won by a length and a half.

On Top Apache was Forbes’ second winner. The combination was out in front from the start and despite a late surge by Rhyds Panache, they held on by a neck.

“I bought Empereur Souverain at the end of last year and he’s easy to train. Apache always gives his best and hopefully our good run will continue “ Forbes told The Irish Field after racing.

Crest of a wave

Oisin Quill from Kenmare is on the crest of a wave at present and he added two more wins on the day. He came in for a catch drive on IB Felicity.

Yankee George had ran well in defeat the previous week and was in front from the start. Driven by Luke Kelleher, Yankee George saw off the challenge of both GD’s Honey and Spartan Warrior. However, IB Felicity came late to nab the leader and won by three quarters of a length.

The top-grade trot produced two different winners in as many weeks at Harbour View and Dunmanway. Sunday’s contest had another different winner in the shape of Fina Mix. The winner put in a flawless front running performance. The nine-year-old mare brought up the double for Cashel-based farrier Oisin.

Biggins ,who was imported at the end of last season by Chris O’Reilly, had been hitting the cross bar in his recent runs. He finally got his nose in front in the grade G pace.

The winner (also trained in Drimoleague) reeled in long-time leader Cerion Jack in the last 100 yards. The distance was given as a length. Biggins now goes to the four-year-old pace at the Irish American Weekend.

Brutenor has been a great servant for the Hill Family from Leap. The former winner of The Maven Trot made all the running with Patrick Hill in the grade F & E Trot and always had the measure of Dedicace Du Rhys.

Oakwood Maestro also got his day in the sun when landing the spoils in the concluding race of the day. Supreme Sunshine joined the leader turning for home but Jamie Hurley and Oakwood Maestro were not to be denied.

Full results and this weekend’s Lyre card can be viewed at

www.irishharnessracing.com

IT is a gala meeting this weekend. Mark Flanagan chairman of the IHRA said: “The Irish American Weekend is a celebration of the special bond between our countries. The service fees from the Invest in Ourselves series have helped fund this meeting, so thanks go to Bill Donovan, Casie Coleman and Eric Cherry.”

American business magnate Bill Donovan has been a major sponsor and mentor. The first race both days is at 2.30pm. Lyre is roughly halfway between Enniskeane and Clonakilty.