THE Southern summer season kicked off at a sun-drenched Ballybunion on Sunday last. The Rahavanig course played host to a record attendance and patrons were rewarded with some top drawer racing.

Paddy Finnegan proved the jockey to follow with a sparkling treble. The Meath jockey combined with Kildare owner Shane Crabbe for two of those victories, courtesy of Sam’s Friend and She’s A Freebie.