It was windy amongst the hills of Fairwood Park today, but the ground was safe at the Tinahely track, where Barry O’Neill and John ‘Shark’ Hanlon each notched up a double.
O’Neill had to work hard on Eclair Des Sablons in the Milestone Racing Partnership colours for Colin Bowe, but the combination prevailed by one and a half lengths in the maiden race for five and six year old geldings.
Half an hour later and the champion rider had 10 lengths to spare on Kruzhlinn for Carmila Sharples and Gordon Elliott in the Open Lightweight Race and a reminder that the combination was successful last November over the same course and distance.
Barrells Buoy, home-bred by Mary and Leo Doyle, Grageelagh, Bridgetown, stuck to the task well to win the ‘older’ maiden race for geldings by three lengths.
“He jumped well,” said Leo who is looking for a Winners’ Race for him next. The race was confined to novice riders and Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard, was in the saddle.
While John ‘Shark’ Hanlon was delighted with a winner at Punchestown -Peacock’s Secret in the handicap chase – the popular trainer from Bagenalstown was in the winners’ enclosure twice at Tinahely.
Harley Dunne from Blackwater got Dime A Dozen home by two lengths having led the entire race and wasn’t caught with two lengths to spare at the finish. Owned by Rachel O’Neill, Dime A Dozen is for sale.
Hanlon’s double came in the Winners of One Race and Woodbrook Boy who won an Open Race at Banbury in England a month ago.
The five years old chestnut gelding is going for the Cheltenham sales, but his trainer is hoping he will get a new owner that will keep in the yard.
This was a first Irish point-to-point winner for Tom Hamilton, who has ridden numerous winners in his native Scotland is is currently riding for Joseph O’Brien’s stable at Carrick-on-Suir.
A number of Wexford raiders went point-to-pointing at Aughbullogue, Co. Cork, today, but while there was no luck for the handlers, riders Luke Murphy and Rob James each rode a winner.
Luke travelled from Inch, Gorey, and had a successful ride on Theflickeringlight, bred by Jerry Russell, father of Grand National winning jockey, Davy Russell, in the maiden race for five and six year old mares. The handler is Colin Motherway.
Rob James teamed up with Tipperary owner and handler Tom Keating to win the mares maiden race for six year olds and upwards on Shuil Luas by three and a half lengths.