THE curtain came down on a historic year for harness racing in West Cork on Saturday afternoon in Lyre. 2026 saw the opening of the government-funded all-weather hard track at Lyre, the envy of many - both here in Ireland and all over Europe.

With Europe in mind, it seemed fitting that the 2026 European Apprentice Driving Champion Driver Eoin Murphy would sign off the season with a double on the day. The highlight came in the Grade B C and A2 trot. Murphy had the choice of two of his retained IB Stable runners and sided with Kirio Scott.

It was the second Murphy runner Instinct De Jomax (driven by Donal Murphy), who led out the gate from Kirio Scott and Hollow Way Road. Down the back straight, Instinct De Jomax was still in front, but with two furlongs to trot was joined by Kirio Scott who was all class and ran out a six-length winner from the staying on Hallow Way Road. Kirio Scott is owned by the charismatic Leap owner Ger Cooke, who was full of beans after the win.

“I told Tadhg Murphy, the trainer, when I dropped the horse back to Innishbeg that, if he gets him right, he will really put the IB Stables back on the map. He ran Harry Knows close last week and was unlucky at the Richard Phelan meeting.

“I’m not sure if the lads will keep him in for a few runs in Annaghmore - I know it’s a long way up, but ‘have horse, will travel’ and we might put manners on Harry Knows on his home track,” Ger proudly told The Irish Field. The sport needs characters like Cooke and his hand was shaken by nearly all present.

Double complete

Eoin Murphy completed his double in the Grade G F E and D Trot. The IB Stables were mob-handed here, with three runners and Eoin got it right again with his choice on Homa.

Comete Des Landes won the early battle, but his lead was short-lived when Homa hit the front after the opening quarter of a mile.

The order remained much the same until the mile pole, where Gentleman Coglais with catch driver Matthew O’Reilly joined Homa up front.

A titanic tussle down the home straight saw Homa staying on to win by a neck from Gentleman Coglais and, in A.P. O’Brien style, the third place went to Comete Des Landes. A 1-2-3 for Tadhg Murphy.

Matthew O’Reilly from Drimoleague got compensation for that defeat in the next, a Grade F Pace over the standard mile trip. Anglesey Hall led away in this and had company with Magical Bailey.

At the half-mile junction, O’Reilly sent Magical Bailey to the front, eventually winning by three lengths from Bequest. Magical Bailey, a son of Bolt the Duer, is owned, trained and driven by Matthew and was bred by his father Tadhg.

Good run

The Limerick contingent’s good run at Lyre continued in the opening Grade G G1 and G2 pace.

The well-supported Pancam Convict led away from Lily Lou and Top of The Bill. Punters were happy down on the final lap with Pancam Convict still in front, but at the three-quarter pole, Lily Lou was now a serious challenger and she led on the crown of the bend to run out a four-length winner from Pancam Convict, who put in his best career performance in only his fourth public outing.

Robert Murnane from Caherconlish owns the daughter of Sweet Lou, now a winner of three at Lyre this season.

Harness racing fans down south can now relax for the winter after a great season with the hard track in Lyre proving a super success. The venue sits well beside the traditional grass meetings, such as Ballabuidhe, Bishopsland and Manch and not forgetting the opening day at Harbour View Beach - another unique venue.

It was nice to see the inside of the track being prepared for the Cork Schools’ Cross-Country Championships, which were held on Sunday.

Racing continues at Annaghmore Raceway in Co Armagh today and tomorrow for the Jack Galway/Gerry Keenan Memorial Weekend. Entries and results at www.irishharnessrcaing.com. Replays at IHRA You Tube channel.