Appleby

THE regrettable loss of Musselburgh as a trotting venue means that tracks at Appleby and Tregaron are vying to be called Britain’s premier handicap destinations for all aged racehorses.

Of course, the Irish like to win in Rocker Laidler’s backyard. Neville Martin from Ederney, Co Fermanagh and the Kanes from Trim, Co Meath were the only raiders to take on the British at Bousfield’s beautiful natural amphitheatre last weekend.

Poor start

The weekend started poorly for the visitors. Romanz was disappointing, Blazing Hanover was shifting in his hobbles on the grass surface and Ladyford Buck was narrowly denied in his heat.

The draw for gate position is a key variable in harness racing. I’m A Happy Fella, owned by Jeff Robson from Durham, drew ‘one’ on the rail while Ladyford Buck drew the ‘two hole’ as it is called. This meant that last year’s English Derby winner got to hug the pegs while Ladyford Buck (Patrick Kane junior) had to pass him at some stage.

The heat was a fine tactical battle as Will Greenhorn, a former UK champion driver, dictated the pace while Patrick planted Ladyford Buck’s nose on Greenhorn’s helmet. I’m A Happy Fella prevailed in a tough battle to the wire although the Irish champion driver gave the winner a scare.

Final

In the final, the draws were reversed and the layers opened up 4/5 Ladyford Buck and 6/4 I’m A Happy Fella. The market got it right as Kane let Ladyford Buck stride along in front and they looked comfortable at the bell. There is no such thing as an easy Appleby Final and the remarkable Merrington Moving Up driven by Rocker Laidler put in a heroic performance from a 60-yard handicap to be second.

Ageless

Crosshill Cadillac with the ageless Welshman Huw Thomas was third while I’m A Happy Fella was only fourth.

The winner is owned by Bobby Barry of Dublin. Compere Sarah Thomas (who reared the third horse) said: “There’s nothing like an Irish winner’s circle.”

Bobby and company celebrated in style.

Speaking to The Irish Field from Cairnryan port on Monday night, Patrick Kane junior said: “I don’t know an awful lot about the horse as I’ve only driven him in a qualifier and one race at home before the weekend. I do know Neville had him super fit and you cannot doubt that he showed great guts.”

The purse was £6,200 with £4,000 for first place. The meeting consisted of 12 races on Saturday and 11 on Sunday.

Ladyford Buck is by For A Few Dollars More, who was a permanent fixture in this column when he was campaigned by Walter Stewart of Coleraine.

Dunmanway

SHOWTIME Notorious and Drimoleague owner/driver Derry McCarthy took an action-packed top-grade pace at a sun-drenched Dunmanway on Sunday.

On Top Big C and Oakwood Maestro shared the early lead before Brywins Starship made his move on the final circuit and sprinted three lengths clear. He looked a winner but Showtime Notorious came with a late surge and got up to win.

The O’Reilly brothers had a good day at the office. Firstly, Sean sent out Rodney Camden to land the spoils in the F & E Pace. The winner was sent to the front by Cian O’Reilly, a son of the winning owner. They withstood the challenge of Rhyds Panache, then King Wills Arrival and finally Ayr Majesty to hold on by neck. The winner was imported by O’Reilly last winter from Scotland where he was formerly trained by champion trainer Grant Cullen.

Flag flying

Tadhg O’Reilly kept the family flag flying when landing the Grade F Pace with Get Me Out Of Here. Matthew his son was in the bike in this, and the son of Rockafellor Man was in front after a furlong and did not see a rival, easing down to a four-length winning margin from King Wills Arrival.

Some Kerry/Dublin co-operation worked well in the Grade A to D trot. Beach De Belleout owned by Dubliner John Roche and trained in Kenmare by Finbarr Quill took the red rosette. Brutenor and Ducio both shared the lead for a lap each, but Seamus Quill sent the winner to the front on the final circuit and despite a late challenge was too good on the day for Comete Des Landes.

The second trot of the day went the way of Hippie Sisu and Donal Murphy. Race favourite Vallanana went off stride at the start and lost her chance. Murphy avoided the early drama and was an easy winner, with two and a half lengths in hand over Dinah Washington.

Churchview Kolt followed up on last week’s win with another win in the Grade G & G1 Pace. Said To Be Sweet made him work hard for the win but Timmy Moloney on the winner eventually shook off the challenge and ran out a two-length winner.

Annaghmore

ANNAGHMORE Raceway put on a small card on Sunday as many of the regulars were in Cumbria.

Sea The Stars, a skewbald, was a beaten favourite last time out when a bad break cost him dearly. On Sunday things went more smoothly and driver Ciaran Morrison put a few unlucky races recently behind him. Ladyford Conquest was second for owner driver Lawrence Stewart.

John Richardson drove a double on the day with the trotters Carre Chic and Biniou De Beuvron. He produced Carre Chic quite late while he was always prominent aboard Biniou De Beuvron.

In the closing A to F pace JR attempted to make all with Meadowbranch Dynasty. However, Jonny Cowden had other ideas on Beat The Clock and came with his customary well-timed run to land the spoils. Both Beat The Clock and the second horse IB A Magician, who came off 50 yards, signalled their well being in advance of this weekend’s gala event.

The second major race weekend of the season takes place at Portmarnock today and tomorrow. The Irish American weekend, in its second year celebrates the ties between this country and the home of harness racing. Bank Holiday Monday sees action once more at Dunmanway.

Full results and race cards can be seen online.

Web: irishharnessracing.com