Allihies Saturday

THE southern circuit staged its traditional, August 15th fixture at Allihies, deep in the Beara Peninsula on Saturday last. This has been a record-breaking summer for visitors on the Wild Atlantic Way and it was no surprise therefore when the race track was filled to near capacity on a glorious August afternoon.

Unfortunately, runners were a scarce commodity, with just four races taking place. Fresh from his second successive Dingle Derby victory, Billy Roberts completed a double on She’s Confrontational and Sober On Sunday.

The David Cahill-owned She’s Confrontational bounced out in front in the 10-furlong 14.2hh contest and favourite-backers never really had an anxious moment. The Christmas scorer at Ballyheigue ran out a 10-length winner over DJ’s Dream under Maya Nolan. She’s Confrontational is likely to reappear at Cahersiveen tomorrow.

Winning debut

David Cahill and Billy Roberts combined for their respective doubles when Sober On Sunday made a winning seasonal debut in the concluding maiden contest.

This was another winning front-running performance, as Sober On Sunday proved three lengths too strong for Test Of Times.

The winner will now step up to open horse company at Cahersiveen.

Callum Mangan and the Cahill brothers from Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, who were on the mark in the Dingle opener with Kingfisher, combined to land the featured Allihies Derby with Snow Patrol.

This big grey horse cornered well and ran out a cosy winner over The Queer Hawk and Billy Roberts. The Cahersiveen Derby tomorrow afternoon now awaits Snow Patrol.

Maya Nolan from Ballyheigue, Co Kerry has had a season to savour with Tiny Dancer and they were back in the winner’s enclosure after the opening 12.2hh race.

This talented grey pony, owned by John Mulvihill, was keen early doors but forged away before the straight to see off Angels Above Me under Billy Roberts.

Full marks to Kevin O’Neill and all his committee with the many trade-stands, amusements, Irish Dancing and children’s sports, which atoned for the lack of equine participation.

Results

12.2HH (6F): 1, J. Mulvihill’s TINY DANCER (Maya Nolan); 2, M. Mulcahy’s ANGELS ABOVE ME (Billy Roberts).

14.2HH (10): 1, D. Cahill’s SHE’S CONFRONTATIONAL (Billy Roberts); 2, M. Nolan’s DJ’S DREAM (Maya Nolan).

Allihies Derby (2m): 1, Cahill Brothers’ SNOW PATROL (Callum Mangan); 2, Soft Touch Syndicate’s THE QUEER HAWK (Billy Roberts).

Maiden Race (10F): 1, D. Cahill’s SOBER ON SUNDAY (Billy Roberts); 2, J. Collins TEST OF TIMES (Callum Mangan).