THE second day of the Fermanagh Harriers’ northern season-closer at Necarne Castle offered a thrilling spectacle for racegoers, culminating in the historic triumph of Winged Leader and the dramatic conclusion of the northern region riders’ title race.

The meeting opened with a four-year-old auction maiden for horses purchased for less than €25,000 as unraced three-year-olds. With 17 declared, the race divided, producing two competitive divisions.

The first division saw the Rob James-yard maintain their rich form as newcomer Doubly Blessed (9/2) made an impressive winning debut. The Vadamos gelding, closely related to several useful performers, produced a notably professional display despite his inexperience.

Travelling strongly, he made an eye-catching move from the rear after three out, quickly asserting and holding a commanding lead approaching the final obstacle, he scored by 13 and a half lengths from Seaniecon.

“He’s a lovely horse,” said James. “He was working well at home, and I’m delighted for his owners Stacey Ryan and Jenny Dooley. He jumped and travelled great, picked up when asked, and will likely head to the sales now.”

Off the mark

The second division saw Barry O’Neill get off the mark early in his title-bid as he notched the first leg of a double aboard Shotgun Rider (4/1), a debutant trained by Colin Bowe for Milestone Bloodstock.

By Diamond Boy and a £12,000 Goffs UK purchase, he showed a great attitude on his debut.

Held up early, he made smooth progress, joined the leader two out and, despite being briefly headed on the run-in, battled back gamely to win.

“He’s a lovely horse I picked up at Doncaster,” said Bowe. “He will likely head to the sales now.”

That win saw O’Neill stretch three clear of Noel McParlan in the title race.

McParlan, returning from a one-day suspension, had missed two winners for his retained Quinn-McBurney team a day earlier, but wasted no time in mounting his response.

His comeback began in the four-year-old geldings’ maiden, where the Gerald Quinn-trained Four Springs (7/4 - 2/1 favourite) won in style.

Surge ahead

A home-bred out of a sister to six-time winner Arcade Attraction, the gelding was green early, but stayed on strongly when asked. A bold leap at two out saw him surge ahead and, once in top gear, he stormed clear to win by 22 lengths from Party In The Park.

Once fully in stride, he showcased a perfect blend of speed and stamina and looks an exciting prospect for the future.

Quinn stated: “We weren’t surprised, he’s been working great at home. He jumps well and has a great attitude. Robbie Armstrong bred him, and he’ll likely be sold now.”

Title-chasing McParlan lands a treble

NOEL McParlan continued his momentum in a tactical two-runner hunt winners’ race, guiding Braidside Boy (11/10-6/4) to victory for Philip McBurney.

He kept favourite Hathaways Cottage honest throughout, before taking command at the third-last. Despite feeling the effects of the early pace from the penultimate obstacle, the Diamond Boy gelding stayed on well to earn his first success in winners’ company, securing the second leg of a Quinn–McParlan treble and the opening leg of McBurney’s double with a 52-length victory.

The final leg came courtesy of a remarkable training feat from Quinn, as Wakehurst (2/1-13/8 favourite) returned from a 742-day absence to edge out Maison De Balzac by a length.

The Kayf Tara gelding, last seen finishing third at Moira in 2023, looked in trouble after a significant error at the second-last, but rallied bravely to get back up on the line. It was a hugely creditable win, showing heart and class after such a long lay-off.

Sensational

This performance capped a sensational weekend for Gerald Quinn, who ended with five winners from seven runners, an exceptional 71% strike rate.

Heading into the final contest, O’Neill had already secured his sixth northern region riders’ title with 20 winners, but McParlan still had a chance to draw level. In a late rider change, he took the ride on Gleninnis Storm, replacing Eoin Powell.

However, he was denied further glory as Bective Bridge (7/4 - 3/1), trained by Cian Collins, produced a career-best to shed his maiden tag.

Ridden patiently, the Lucky Speed gelding stayed on powerfully from two out to win by a length and a quarter from Oldtown to Emily for owner Liam O’Farrell.

THE most anticipated contest of the day, the open lightweight, saw Winged Leader (4/7 – 1/1 favourite) etch his name into the history books as he equalled Still William as the winning-most horse in point-to-point history, bringing his career tally to 33 victories.

A true horse of a lifetime for John Hegarty, Jennifer O’Kane, the Christie family and Barry O’Neill, alongside several other riders who have partnered him over the years, Winged Leader has built a remarkable legacy during his seven-year career to date.

From the drop of the flag, the 11-year-old set a strong gallop and never looked back, defeating Magic Sadler by three lengths.

In a relentless display of grit and class, he powered home to claim his 33rd point-to-point win, matching the legendary mark set by the late Still William, a record that had stood untouched since 1966.

This latest triumph, his 11th of the season, received a rapturous reception from a delighted local crowd, further cementing his reputation as one of the greats of the sport.

“That was amazing. To end a season like this here, his 15th run of the season, they’ve all faced up to him, and he has had to tackle them all over Ireland.

“Today, he had to battle hard against a very good horse of Pat Doyle’s [Magic Sadler],” Christie commented.

Part of history

“He just takes your breath away, really. I’d imagine that will be it for the season, given the way the ground is going and everything else. The main thing was to try to equal the record. I have huge respect for Still William and what he did, and Ms McDonagh. It’s just nice to be part of history in your own backyard.”

Fittingly, the victory also confirmed Barry O’Neill as the northern champion rider for a sixth time, finishing the 2024/25 season with 20 winners in the region.

Magic Sadler (P. M. J. Doyle): was making just his second appearance in open company and acquitted himself with great credit, finishing behind a true legend of the game. The seven-year-old son of Clovis Du Berlais, a winner on his previous start at Ballysteen, stayed on gamely to the line. With age on his side, he looks a smart prospect for this division next season.