WITH Noel McParlan having narrowly failed to retain the northern riders’ title when the regional season ended at Castle Irvine, Necarne last Saturday, local hopes are now pinned on Toni Quail being crowned champion lady rider.

Going into this weekend’s action, the Downpatrick native is three wins ahead of her nearest rival, Pandora Briselden. She moved on to the eight-mark following victories on the Sam Curling-trained pair of Cosmic Blizzard in the Dennison Commercials winners of three at Castle Irvine, Necarne on Friday and Longhouse Star in the INHSC winners of two at Loughrea on Sunday.