Punters enjoy Tyrella event

Punters enjoy Tyrella event

2 February 2022

FOLLOWING an absence of 20 months the East Downs were once again able to run a point-to-point at the Corbett family estate at Tyrella in decent conditions on Saturday. 

While the East Down point-to-point was one of the last meetings to take place before the lockdown,  it was also the first to be able to welcome back crowds without having to register online in advance for contact tracing.

Sadly due to the lack of recent rain, firm going saw a smaller entry of runners than expected.

In the Bluegrass – Dengie three winners race six faced the starter, Craig Caven, and his new assistant, James Armstrong.

Jordan Radcliffe setting out to make all in Glebeparkhawk in the New Cafe (Enniskillen) Racing Club colours. The tactic looked like paying off, but at the post So Ladylike, with Caoimhe O’Brien in the saddle, got up to provide the rider with her second success, her first coming on this Alana McGuinness-owned runner back in October. Ballinasilla finished a close third. 

The winner is trained by Ian Donoghue, a brother of top Northern Ireland jockey Keith, who is no longer with Gordon Elliott.

Only six of the 25 entries took part in the Dennison JCB Maiden Race for five year-old geldings, but the race provided spectators with a close finish.

The Aaron Sinnott-ridden Song For My Father, owned and trained in Co Cavan by Shane Donohoe, just passed the judge ahead of Time For A Pint, ridden by Tom Hamilton for Co Carlow trainer Shark Hanlon, with Hapy La Vie back in third ahead of Old Style Humor. 

It was not long before a stewards’ enquiry was called with the result that the winner was disqualified for failing to draw the correct weight. Time For A Pint was placed first ahead of Hapy La Vie and Old Style Humor (only three finishers).

Four set out in the Kingsfield Stud five year-old Mares Maiden Race, but only three remained after the fourth fence, after Paddy Cleary lost his irons and was unseated.

This left Born Famous to win from Famous Function and local hope Social Distancing. For trainer Claire O’Connell it was a welcome winner. Paul Bannon was the successful rider.

The Cosy Roof Open Race saw the grey Creadan Grae make most of the running but in the end had to be content with second to the ex-English trained Brain Power — a rare open horse for Warren Ewing, who is best known for producing top four year-olds.

The successful rider was Maghera-based Oran McGill who was replacing his injured younger brother Dara. Warren is part of the well known fish merchant family. Third home was Bajan Excell, ridden by Ben O’Brien.

The connections of the runner-up in this race, Broughshane owner Philip McBurney, rider Noel McParlan and trainer Gerry Quinn, also based at Broughshane, had better fortune in the Armstrong Auctions 6 year-old and Upwards Mares Maiden when Tamlaght Eyes, pulled up in her previous three races, proved to be the smooth winner from the Lee Shawagen-ridden Any Time with Castle Arms Casa a very close third.

The final race on the card was the G Curran & Co Ltd Maiden Race for 6 year-old and Upwards Geldings. Ask Charlie was the easy winner from Kilmoganny, ridden by Tiernan Power-Roche, and Robbie Armstrong’s ex-English trained Carole’s Templer, ridden by Deckie Lavery.

Good to see the long established Denis Reddan colours in the winning enclosure. Ridden by Ben Harvey, the winner is trained by his father, William. 

Perhaps the result may have been different had Paul Bannon not become unseated at the final fence of his mount Butcher Barry.

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

Acting stewards: Rev Colin Hall-Thompson, Max and Margaret Evine and David Aiken. 

Ballee jockey Toni Quail, out of action with a broken ankle as a result of a schooling accident, was helping with declarations at the meeting.

A tribute was paid to the late Maurice King who for many years was a vet at the meeting.

The next meeting at Tyrella is on Saturday, March 5. Prior to that, the North Down meeting at Kirkistown will take place on February 12. First race is at 1pm. The same evening the East Down Hunt Ball will take place at Ballydugan Mill. 

Victor Reid, a long time owner and breeder along with his late wife Margaret, sadly passed away suddenly at hospital on Friday. His son, Neville, still has horses in training. The late Drew Reid also from Banbridge, rode many of Victor’s horses in point-to-points.

A notable absentee at the entrance on Saturday was William McDowell, although he was present. Brian Quail did a good job in William’s absence.