IT was a red-letter day for 15-year-old Fionn O’Reilly from Drimoleague when he drove his first winner under rules on Rhyds Panache at a sun-basked Dunmanway harness races last Saturday.

In the four-runner contest O’Reilly sent the veteran Rhyds Panache to the front at the start. Earnies Umpire and Hail Spartacus sat in behind the leader for the opening circuit. On the back straight Earnies Umpire was produced but couldn’t get by. All four were in contention on the final lap with Hail Spartacus next to take on the leader but again to no avail and Rhyds Panache stayed on best to win by four lengths.