JAMIE Hurley from Reenascreena drove three winners on the final day of racing in the West Cork region for 2024.

Hurley started his trio of victories with Rockaday in the opening Grade G to G2 pace. This son of Rockefellor Mentor has proved an enigma at times, but today was the day he put it all together. Storm Trooper led for the opening half but Rockaday hit the front at the half-mile mark and was never in any danger, trouncing his rivals by six lengths.

The middle leg of Hurley’s treble came with Fandango De Nile in the Grade E trot for Dublin-based owner Hannah Richardson. High Speed Efbe was the hare this time and looked like holding on but De Fandango De Nile and Hippie Sisu went on in the home straight with the former staying on to win by a length.

Graal Du Dollar enhanced his reputation as one of Ireland’s finest top-grade trotters putting on an exhibition to land the Grade A to A3 trot.

Hurley wasn’t hanging around for his four rivals, they went four lengths clear after two furlongs and stayed on relentlessly for a demolition job. The official margin was eight lengths to Fairplay Briolais. The winner is owned by John O’Sullivan from Goleen.

“We all know how talented Graal is and today was another example. He holds an entry in the All-Ireland series at Annaghmore so we’ll keep him going for another few weeks,” Hurley was quoted.

National Treasure finally showed his true potential in the four-runner grade B to D pace. Oisin Quill jumped this son of Major League Star out in front and was able to dictate matters thereafter. Turning for home, Biggins got a clear run but wasn’t getting to the winner who is owned by Finbarr Quill from Kenmare.

Oisin was bringing up an unusual double as he won the apprentice section at a strong looking farriery competition in Meath the previous weekend.

Eoin Murphy from Baltimore, the retained driver of IB Stables, had the pick of two from the yard in the Grade C to D trot. The 19-year-old chose Gentleman Coglais over Comete Des Landes. Gentleman Coglais got up close home to record a length and a half winning margin over Hotesse du Chassin.

Derry McCarthy fresh from his Welsh Classic win last weekend was back in the bike and back in the winner’s enclosure with GD’s Honey in the Grade F pace. McCarthy let the others set the running and was playing cat and mouse with them until he led turning for home having three lengths to spare over Spartan Warrior.

Panache bows out

Veteran Pacer Rhyds Panache (15) was retired following the race. Owned by Chris O’Reilly from Drimoleague, “Panache” won the Red John Memorial in 2019 and was twice voted Horse Of The Year in the southern region. In the past two seasons, he has driven by Fionn O’Reilly a son of the owner and was a great schoolmaster for his fledging driving career.

As the Cork season wrapped up, unofficial records show that Jamie Hurley was 2024 leading driver in the region with 13 wins to Eoin Murphy’s 12. Eoin’s father Tadhg was leading trainer in West Cork.