Red John Memorial preview
THE crossroads settlement of Lyre, near Clonakilty, will host the annual Red John Memorial Festival this weekend.
Unfortunately the Covid crisis has put a hold on any UK runners. The committee have been liaising closely with the local Gardaí to ensure an orderly meeting.
One owner, one groom, one driver and one trainer per horse will be admitted with no ‘public’ permitted. As harness racing does not attract the same crowds as even a minor National Hunt meeting this is not a major setback. Nonetheless recent trotting meetings have been surreal in their quiet atmosphere.
The attitude of the IHRA, US-based sponsor Bill Donovan and the local committee seems to be ‘let’s get 2020 over and build for better in 2021’.
Bill Donovan cannot attend this year for obvious reasons. The Irish Field acknowledged this son of the region in a winter interview). Bill will be watching the live stream (to log on and pay per view, visit www.portmarnockraceway.ie)
Bill will be swaying and clicking in his armchair as his ‘head of Irish operations’ Donal Murphy drives on Bequest, who should win the two runner two-year-old colts division. Murphy and Donovan’s runner in the fillies, IB Flo Jo will face The Gypsy Queen, so impressive at Annaghmore recently.
The entries were at “final declaration” stage at time of going to press.
With harness racing’s “prize money won” system of handicapping and concessions or “drops” for horses over 12, for C class drivers and every five runs, this preview could have slight changes before racing, but I will attempt to point some hapless souls onto the path of ruination.
McCartan Bet of Lurgan sponsor the opening race and will price every race. With this company’s online app and the IHRA live stream, it is possible to have a financial interest from the comfort of your home.
They say that jockeys make the worst tipsters – and I would not like to count this former driver’s P and L to a €1 stake over the years, but why break the habit of a lifetime?
The IHRA tried this year to stamp out the practice of horses’ handicaps being “minded” for the flagship meetings.
The approach was that only the top 16 pacers and the top 16 trotters in Ireland would be permitted to race in the two feature races. Realistically, some of the savvy yards have kept certain stars lightly raced to “just get in” at the bottom of the handicap! Charles Byrnes or Tony Martin could not teach these guys how to “place” a horse!
The result is that some of the heats might resemble a greyhound race with the likes of Rhyds Rival or Newtown Major away like the proverbial hare, attempting to make good use of their front-line draw.
Thankfully, for the sake of the viewing spectacle, horses such as Benny Camden, Porterstown Courage, Master Plan and Ayr Majesty have engines that will enable them to claw back the front runners at the only post that matters.
A quick glance down the entries reveals the following punting opportunities which will pay your €20 streaming subscription (2 days, 24 races), if you are housebound or buy you some of Bradfield’s top-class fish from Union Hall if you are in the field.
Selections
Juvenile Series: – A short-priced treble on Gypsy Queen, Bequest and All Bets Are Off should collect.
Three-year-old Colts: – IB Paddington has proven form on turf and has the plum draw
Grade G Pace: – Lord Sugar is an interesting entry.
Red John Low Grade: – Ladyford Dollar will take some beating
Maven Trot: – Diamond Dash ticks a lot of boxes
Maven Trot: – Cilando Des Temps showed well-being lately
Maven Trot: – Silvano Bello off a winnable mark
Three-year-old trot: – Humble Beginnings could trot round a saucer
Red John High Grade: – Benny Camden coming good at the right time