THE first meeting of the Midlands Region season was held in Kilbarron, Co Tipperary last Sunday. Racing opened with a 12.2hh race which saw victory going to 13-year-old Navan rider Rory Mulligan who partnered Where It Began to win for Mark Carberry. Rory judged the pace to perfection, hitting the front in the final 100 yards to record his second career win, with Danny O’Sullivan taking second on Biscuit, following their recent point-to-point pony race win in Dromahane.

Craughwell, Co Galway rider Danny Gilligan took the day’s riding honours. He opened his account in the 13.2hh race where Little Mainne won for Monasterevin owner Buddy Harrison. This looked as if it was going to come down to a tight battle with Little Spirit until Brandon Wilkie got unshipped off the final bend, leaving Danny well clear of the remainder with the Ben Mulligan-ridden The Blacksmith taking the runner-up spot.