Lyre Sunday

THE meeting at Lyre last Sunday turned out to be a red-letter day for 19-year-old Rebecca Hurley. The Reenascreena girl drove her first winner under rules with Dedicace De Rhuys.

Eddy Marceaux led for the opening lap and was passed on the second circuit by Dedicace De Rhuys. Heading out on the final circuit, Homa joined issue and led to the final quarter of a mile but Dedicace De Rhuys was not finished with and regained the advantage to come home eight lengths in front of Hippie Sisu.

“I’m over the moon to drive my first ever winner and especially here at Lyre as we only live over the road from here.

“I have to thank John O’Sullivan, the owner of Dedicace De Rhuys, for giving me the drive.

“Jamie, my brother, trains the mare and John is a great owner and he was here today which was even better,“ Rebecca told The Irish Field.

Drimoleague-based Chris O’Reilly and his son Fionn are having a great season with two horses at different stages in their careers; the veteran Rhyds Panache and Biggins, an up and coming four-year old, both won on the day.

Biggins has progressed all season and took the top grade pace. Llywns Delight got an easy lead here and led until the final quarter.

Here Biggins was produced and went two lengths clear turning for home. Biggins held on by a length from the fast-finishing IB Paddington with Teddy Camden a half-length back in third.

Double

The father and son double was instigated earlier in the day with Rhyds Panache. Zipcar One led the race but Rhyds Panache was only biding his time and took up the running in the final quarter to come home strongly, eventually winning by four lengths from Ladyford Express.

“Panache has been unreal for us and he’s ideal for Fionn, a fine safe drive never puts a foot wrong,” Chris O’Reilly was quoted after racing.

The Quill family from Kenmare in Co Kerry might be domiciled in the Kingdom but they are regulars on the West Cork circuit. Finbar Quill’s team bagged two winners on the day.

Destin De Larre hasn’t won in a while. He took advantage when Holloway Road went off stride. Oisin Quill’s drive won with a bit to spare.

Fina Mix completed the Quill family double in the top grade trot to follow up on their win at the George Deane day last week. This time Fina Mix wasn’t waiting around and led after a circuit. The Kerry runner stayed on well to win.

Drimoleague publican Derry McCarthy got his name on the score sheet with GD’s Honey. Chelsie O’Driscoll, the regular driver, was away due to work commitments. McCarthy was an able deputy and led all the way to record a three-length win from Get Me Out Of Here.

Donal Murphy from Baltimore was coolness personified with Stream of Whiskey in the Grade G1 and G2 pace. Coalford Jimmy G had storm Trooper for company for the opening six furlongs and Mark Kane on the former looked to have done enough but Murphy produced Streams Of Whiskey to prevail by a neck in the final 10 yards.

Racing continues in Lyre tomorrow 17th at 2pm.