In many ways it was a typical first day at the National Meeting, some fancy runs, a few surprises and a couple of hard luck stories (but not too many). Then in other ways it was different with two runs in the Oaks and 80 runners gone home after Day 1 having no consolation events to soften the blow of bowing out early.
It was a good day for Paul Horig who raised five flags (Tory Elite, Island Rhythm & Berlin Station) and the Collins family (Skibbereen), the Carr family (Killucan) and the Ryco Syndicate (Portlaoise) who raised three flags each.
In the Horse & Jockey Oaks for 2020 whelps it was announced before coursing that the fancied Excelerate would be absent. And in the eagerly awaited buckle of the litter sisters No Luck Penny and Touch Of Rosie the hare unfortunately moved offline to create an unsatisfactory finish. In fairness to No Luck Penny she may still have won anyhow and she did win her second round in style. Other than that things went more or less to form. The other eye catchers were Rushview Raven, Knockout Sky and Tactical in both rounds and Gortmelia Sophie in the second round. Sophie now meets Kilty Coco which is still very much fancied for outright honours but has a battle on her hands Sunday afternoon.
The first round of the BoyleSports Derby provided us with the fancy clocks but also the biggest upsets. Best run of the day came from Annual Fergie 12.45 but he did get a few extra turns. The second and third fastest clocks also came in the first quarter, with Berlin Station recording 12.57 and Terminator (kennelmate of Annual Fergie and litter brother to No Luck Penny) striding out well in 12.59. The upsets came in the shape of Kyle Honour, Kyle Finale, Hermes and Annual Draiocht which were all in the top ten of the betting market before coursing but won’t be returning on Sunday. Betting after the first round suggests that Badminton Wonder, Black as Gold, Full Redress and Blades Of Style are others that made an impression with the layers on the opening day of the 96th National Meeting.
The action continues tomorrow Saturday with the 2019 whelps getting their chance to shine.
For Results, Clocks & Latest Prices go to Quick Results