TYRONE is not a harness racing stronghold. Galbally, in the hills above Dungannon is only about 14 miles from the north’s premier track, Annaghmore Raceway, which is actually in Co Armagh. The village is home to cousins Sean (40) and Simon (26) Duggan. Simon is the main driver in races.

Starting with their old war horse Rhyds Boots, the cousins have built up a strong stable in recent years. As can be seen from the make up of the runners, the Duggans have bought into Le Trot concept.

The family provide large caravans to the sprawling parks in Co Down. Sean’s father Pat is not involved in horses but Simon’s dad, Martin, rarely misses a meeting. Martin chose the name of the colt Hugh Heffner, perhaps he was a keen reader!

Tiernan Loughran is number two driver in the yard, and has landed several nice pots when called upon. Louis Allen and Thomas O’Hagan are helping with the slow work and Sean hopes they will get apprentice licences in 2020. Sean is unsure if the younger men can party like Tiernan.

Sean is nominally the trainer and provided the following comments. The two cousins do much to maintain the surface at Annaghmore and Sean is actually the regular commentator at the venue. They harnessed 17 winners in 2020.

Like all readers of The Irish Field, the Duggans cannot foresee when the racing season will start. “This virus has caused chaos,” stated Sean, “and for once we started the horses early in the year.”

Hugh Heffner

3yo g (Meaulnes de Corta – Arnaqueuse Erca)

Martin named him, and the French people allowed the name. We like this horse a lot. He will be better over a distance. His sire won the Prix d’Amerique. He has ability but will need to grow up a bit.

Cranlome Lass

2yo f (For A Few Dollars More – Lyons Allison)

We had another filly in work out of Coalford Virtue but she was too big so we threw her out to mature. This filly is named after a local townland. She is natural in her gait which is half the battle.

Diablesse Jisce

7yo (Kenor de Cosse – Off Course)

She has been a great servant for our partner Derek Montgomery of Portadown. She’s genuine enough but 10 furlongs is about her limit. If Derek breeds from her I’d love to race the foal.

Abraham

10yo g (Oddyseis du Vandal – Perle du Tres)

He’s 10 now so we might take the foot off the gas a bit. We raced him early last year off some big trails and it sickened him a bit. This year he’ll be kept to free-for-alls and raced less frequently.

Fortune Du Ginai

5yo (Quaker Jet – Tagora de Ginai)

What an exciting prospect she is. She can lie up with Abraham which is good going. She is by the same stallion as Swindle’s good horse Epsom des Corvees – there is speed in that breeding.