There was a most satisfactory start to the 100th National Meeting at Powerstown Park today. First of all the dry day (the sun even made an appearance in the afternoon) was greatly appreciated by man and beast but the standard of coursing: hares, greyhounds & officials was also of a very high standard for opening day and augurs well for the remainder of the weekend.
For some reason it has often been the case that the first round of the Derby has not matched the first round of the Oaks but if anything it was superior to the Oaks on this occasion and despite the sad defection of leading fancies Boylesportsmajor and Vader during the week it promises to be an intriguing renewal of the BOYLE Sports Derby. Unforgivable (the only progeny of Newinn Wonder in Derby or Oaks) set the standard with his 12.19 clock but he was closely matched by the likes of Ballymac Awil, Magical Titan (pictured) and Seven Barrows. Unforgivable may possibly have a Bye in the morning as his RD2 opponent Mungos Mariner was involved in the only long hunt of the day. Others to catch the eye were Mallory Park, Mr Trendsetter & Callaway Pat (all in the first quarter), Matchstick Man, Tree Top Oisin and Nine Darter.
The eagerly awaited rematch of the Corn Na Feile Oaks final between Butterfield and Daoimean Dubh lived up to its billing and even though there was no turn there was no one arguing with the decision of Liam Kelly to award the flag to the Paudie Lyons trained Daoimean Dubh after she led by the narrowest of margins all the way. Paudie now finds himself with three bitches in that section of 4 and only Pink Pony Club can deny him at least one quarter-finalist. The honour of the fastest clock 12.26 went to Rushview Rose whose trainer Paul Willis is no stranger to the business end of a Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks. One of the buckles of RD2 promises to be Windfarm Strand v Blades Of Dreams with both ladies impressive in their opening courses. Others that could have a serious say in the destination of the €50K first prize are Shanavulin Belle, Lift The Tempo, Cujo, Ballinveala Gail, Ballindaggan & Dale Lovell but it really is a very open looking Oaks this year.
Unfortunately for the Future Syndicate their runner Shineon was slow away in both her courses (Oaks & Kitty Butler) and has bade adieu to Clonmel for this year. However the Future Syndicate marquee will still be in full flow tomorrow (Sunday) so members are encouraged to collect their Beanie hats if they haven’t already done so and avail of the lovely complimentary hot finger food at the interval.
Results, Clocks and Latest Betting can now be found in Quick Results.
We will finish on a sad note by extending our sincere sympathy to the Bergin family, Errill, Co Laois on the sad passing of Mena, beloved wife of Rathdowney CC President Peter. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peter, their children Geraldine, Tony, Dolores & Marie, grandchildren, Mena’s brothers & sisters, nieces, nephews and extended members of the Bergin and Duff families. Reposing at O’Sullivan’s funeral home, Rathdowney on Sunday, February 1st from 4pm with prayers at 7pm. Requiem Mass on Monday at 11am in Our Lady Queen of the Universe Church, Errill followed by burial in St Kieran’s Cemetery, Errill. May she Rest In Peace.