Tidal on crest of a wave in £1200 chase

TIDAL Native set the benchmark with the fastest first round heat of the annual Jackie McCann Memorial 525 (A3) at Drumbo Park with £1200 up for grabs for the eventual winner.

Native clocked 28.83 for Hillsborough trainer Marina McKeown. Challenged by Ten Or Jack around the first two turns, Tidal, a black dog owned by Catletowngeoghan’s Daniel Kane, pulled clear and soon had the race in safe keeping.

Black Tears stuck to her task, overcoming Ten Or Jack for second but was a good five lengths behind a smart winner.

That time left Tidal well clear on the clock, the next best being 29.34 which gives Wave a seven-length advantage at this stage, although that could easily change in next week’s semi-finals. However, it was clear that many of the fast sprinters simply didn’t get the trip.

Scrimmaging at the first bend put paid to some in heat two, including early challenger Bandicoot Bundee. Sherlock, a black dog owned and trained by Portaferry’s David Ritchie got round in front and stayed there.

The third heat was even slower, Auld Mac getting up for a neck victory over Elegant Eileen in 29.54.

Twomanykoors, trained by Martin Fitzpatrick for Derry’s Daniel McGilloway, caught the eye in eventually pulling away for a comfortable fourth heat win in 29.34 secs, an eye-catching show considering he came from well off the pace.

Finulagh Champ found top gear down the far side to win the fifth heat.