The annual Bree Hunt point-to-point takes place at Monksgrange tomorrow (Sunday) and jockey Rob James and the Monbeg-based Doyles go to their local track in terrific form after a treble at Portrush, Co. Derry, today.
The maiden race for four year olds was divided and the combination of Monbeg Syndicate, handler Donnchadh Doyle and Rob James won both divisions.
The first division was won by Vandemere with seven lengths to spare and following up on this third placing at Borris House on his first run,
He was followed home by two Wexford trained contestants; Colin Bowe’s Ahead Of Schedule (Barry O’Neill up) and Liam Kenny’s Deluxe Range, owned and ridden by Harley Dunne.
Grandad’s Cottage, running for the first time had six lengths to spare in the second division. Both will go to the sales.
Rob James secured his treble when Darling Daughter won the maiden race for mares in the colours of Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership and trained by Cormac Doyle. The winning verdict was two lengths.
James made most of the running on Madera Mist, also trained by Donnchadh Doyle, in the Winner of Two race but was challenged by the favourite Royal Drumlee, who jumped the last better and held a one length advantage on the finish line. However, despite a Steward’s Enquiry, the result remained unaltered, and dreams of a four-timer evaporated.
Three meetings tomorrow with action at Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary, and Ballynoe, Co. Cork, but the local attraction is the annual Bree fixture at Monksgrange, near Rathnure.
An impressive 145 entries have been received and the first race is off at 2 pm (Don’t forget to put the clock forward!).
Good racing will be the order of the day with many local stables and riders in the thick of the action.