Sarah-Ann Madden
THE Louth Hunt unveiled their new point-to-point track at Bellurgan Park last Sunday where the fine weather attracted a large crowd to this scenic parkland venue.
The opening Darver Castle four-year-old mares’ maiden was claimed by the Paul Pierce-trained All Currencies (4/1 joint favourite) in the hands of Jamie Codd. The daughter of Getaway, who was making her debut appearance, took up the running two fences from home and kept on gamely to deny the Denis Murphy-trained Just A Thought by three lengths.
The winning owner Andy Pierce, who is also brother of the winning handler, reported afterwards: “We have always thought a lot of this mare, she is one of the best we have ever had. We bought her at the Derby Sales for €12,500 last year. She will probably go to the sales next.”
The College Proteins five-year-old and upwards mares’ maiden saw a decent winner in the Karl Thornton-trained Rancher Lass (4/6 favourite). The mare justified her market support when making all under an enterprising ride from Noel McParlan. The daughter of Tikkanen picked up well from the last to score easily.
BIG SUPPORT
The parade ring was full of Thornton supporters who were on hand to welcome in their winner. The five-year-old is owned and bred by Dorothy Murdoch Gourley. An elated Thornton said afterwards: “She is a very good mare and has a bit of class about her. She is above average and should perform well under rules. I am delighted for the owner Dorothy who also bred this mare and it’s her last progeny from the Dam Belledornie.”
Noel McParlan completed a double on the day when Quiet Account (4/5 favourite) joined the The Hard Hat as the leading contenders for the champion point-to-point horse award when winning the Total Produce Open Lightweight. The Colin McBratney-trained gelding, who is owned by Frances Savage, won by a comfortable four lengths.
The winning handler reported afterwards: “He is a grand little horse, we will keep him point-to-pointing and we might have a look at the few hunter chases that are coming up. He is now joint leader for the champion horse award so will try to win that, it would be great for the owner.”
Andy Slattery produced Star Tackle (6/1) to land the Country Fresh, Dundalk five-year-old geldings’ maiden. The son of Milan had shown previous form in the past including a solid third placed effort behind the well regarded Neon Wolf at Ballyragget.
Damian Skehan who was on board picked up the running approaching the second last and kept on well for a four length victory. The five-year-old is owned by Wexford native John Banville who was full of praise for his handler and, in particular, of Willie and Brian Slattery who have done plenty of work with him.
Andy Slattery, the winning handler said: “He has been unlucky a few times, at Lisronagh he was hampered very badly and then he came up against a solid individual at Ballyragget. He is a big raw type who has really taken his time. We will probably go for a winners’ race next.”
Dermot ‘Red’ McLoughlin who saddled Vics Canvas to finish third in the Aintree Crabbies Grand National last Saturday was back at Bellurgan Park on Sunday with his charge Larry Capri (1/1 favourite) who came home in front in the Sean Gallagher, Lougher Stables Winners Of One. The Beneficial gelding was only having his third start and second in winners’ company.
He travelled and jumped well throughout and put in a fine performance in the hands of Jason McKeown. Colm Hand who was representing the winning handler said afterwards: “He is a nice horse, who we have always thought a lot of. He will probably go back to the track now.”
It was a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure for Wicklow handler Lorcan Donnelly who saddled Coolharbour Joe (5/1) to the land the Deeside Agri Services six-year-old and upwards maiden for novice riders. John Kinsella was seen to good effect here when staying on strongly in the run-in for a two length victory over Carlingford Prince.
The pair’s victory was made easier when Ballyday Lad came down at the final fence. The son of Definite Article is owned by Pauline Kavanagh and her brother Joe.
The Louth Hunt point-to-point fixture holds fond memories for Joe, who recorded his first point-to-point victory as a rider in 1992 at the former Tallanstown track.
The Kavanaghs also bred this gelding who is a half-brother to solid track performer Ordo Ab Chao. The winning handler reported briefly: “We may go to the track next for a hurdle race.”
New venue success
THE move to a new venue for the Louth Foxhounds did not deter the regular “big” crowd that their fixture at Tallanstown always got. Bellurgan Park, which is to the East of Dundalk provided spectators with a superb setting to enjoy the days racing. The Louth Hunt as normal provided the young race goers with plenty of entertainment in the form of bouncy castles and Bellurgan House was open for visitors.
Codd interviewed
REGULAR commentator at the Louth fixture, Johnny McCoy was on hand to interview Jamie Codd, who had just returned from his trip to Aintree where he landed the Crabbie’s Foxhunters’ Chase aboard On The Fringe. Codd was replacing the suspended Nina Carberry who rode the same horse to victory in the same race last year.