Bishopsland

ON Top Big C, owned trained and driven by Niall Forbes – who has been unlucky in recent weeks – got a deserved win at Bishopsland Harness Races on Saturday afternoon.

IB Felicity was the early pacesetter from On Top Big C and Hail Spartacus. Into the second half of the contest Niall Forbes made his move with On Top Big C with Resolute Diamond following him. When the latter broke, losing his chance, On Top Big C sprinted clear to win by seven lengths in the fastest time of the day, 2m 10secs.

“In his last few runs we didn’t get the rub of the green but I knew it was only a matter of time before things would go our way and it’s nice to get the win,” Forbes told The Irish Field.

Teddy Camden enhanced his ever-growing reputation as one of Ireland’s leading pacers when making light work of a 30-yard handicap when landing the Grade D-A Pace.

King Wills Arrival unusually made the running and led to the final quarter of the contest but Derry McCarthy made his winning move tuning for home and his five-length margin really didn’t reflect the ease with which he won.

The winner is jointly owned by Kathleen McCarthy and John Forde from Drimoleague. With this form he could be aimed at the Red John Memorial Pace in August at the big Festival weekend.

Greentree Euphoria broke her maiden tag in the opening Grade G & G1 Pace. Darkhill John J and Royal Mint II shared the lead and, in a three-way battle up the home straight, Pa Manning got Greentree Euphoria in between the two leaders to a half-length win.

American Rebel followed up on his recent win in Caheragh with another stellar performance in the Grade F Pace.

Only five went to post and any one of the quintet could have claimed victory as all were in contention turning for home with American Rebel half a length in front of Brywins Magician, with Share A Smile the same distance back in third.

There was drama aplenty in the LeTROT Race for French Trotters. Following a few false starts the race eventually went off late with Dinah Washington trying to make all the running.

The leader was passed on the run to the line by Destin De Larre with Kenmare, Co Kerry-based driver Seamus Quill doing the steering. They were six lengths too good for Banderillo Piya who ran on for second place.

Racing continues at Dunmanway today and at Annaghmore, Co Armagh tomorrow. Full results and information can be found on irishharnessracing.com.