Locals enjoy Tyrella races

Locals enjoy Tyrella races

1 February 2023

TEMPLEPATRICK owner/trainer Warren Ewing and his stable jockey Dara McGill made a flying start to the northern region spring point-to-point season on Saturday when the East Down Foxhounds held the first of their two meetings at the Corbett family estate at Tyrella.

Their first success of the day came in the Dennison JCB five year-old geldings maiden race when newcomer Bective Abbey prevailed by five lengths over Ballyfin in the sponsor Wilson Dennison’s silks.

This one was ridden by Dara’s elder brother Oran, who was replacing the injured Cormac Abernethy.

A good third was the Gerry Keane trained Solo Flight, ridden by Paul Bannon, and it was interesting that Gerry’s son Colin, the champion flat jockey, was present at the meeting.

This was Dara’s 12th win between the flags, he has also had one win under rules.

Dara then went on to add another win to his tally in the Cosyroof Open race when the former Nicky Henderson inmate Brain Power won for the fifth time this season.

With the last fence bypassed due to Diane Duffy still on the ground following an earlier fall off Robin De Roost, there was a long run from the original second last to the judge Peter Stewart.

At the post it was Samurai Cracker in the colours of Dromara owner Alan McCaldin that took the runner-up spot with Vital Island, ridden by Jack Hendrick, in third.

Diane was later taken to the Daisy Hill Hospital due to suspected concussion.

The third local success of the day came in the F.S. Herron three winner race with Gorthill in Wilson Dennison’s black and white quartered colours, winning in good style over the Anthony Fox ridden Grain De Folie. Last April’s Largy winner Born Melody was back in third.

The winner is trained by Wilson’s daughter Caroline McCaldin at Dromara and was ridden by Cabra jockey Noel McParlan.

First race of the day was the Kingsfield Haylage five year-old mares maiden race which saw Wexford handler Susan O’Gorman record her first success when Speranza Wilde, ridden by Jamie Scallan, won from the Ewing/McGill runner Indiana West.

Noel McParlan rode Bayonetta, owned and trained at Ballymena by Rodney Arthur, into third, a much improved performance.

One of the easiest winners of the day came in the Armstrong Auctions maiden race for six year-old and upwards mares with the Dermot McLoughlin trained newcomer Mousey Brown with Johne Barry in the saddle, winning by nine lengths over Neat Locality, ridden by Luke Murphy.

When and Where was third under Brian Barry, who had a good book of rides on the day.

Final race of the day was the G Curran & Co Ltd maiden race for six year-olds and upwards geldings.

This race saw Tom Keating, the Tipperary owner/trainer, make his trip worthwhile as his charge U Asking Me, that was given a perfect ride by Hannah Phillips who was recording her third success, had two lengths 

to spare at the judge over Slievhill.

This second place horse was one of three runners in the race owned by top local race sponsor, Wilson Dennison, this one ridden by Noel McParlan.

Back in third here was Co Cavan owner/trainer Shane Donoghue’s Extrapolation, ridden by Lee Shanaghan. The track was in perfect condition as was the weather.

Best turned out in all races was courtesy of Glencairn Stables.

The next meeting at Tyrella will take place on March 4. Before this we have the North Down meeting at Kirkistown, the same evening (February 11) the East Down’s annual hunt ball will take place at The Mill, Ballydugan. Tickets: £50 (black tie).

Birthday wishes go to Paddy Fitzsimons.