Fernisky Tango gives new owner boost with timely triumph

TWO competitive semi-finals of Gribben Motors 525, with a prize of £800 awaiting next week’s winner, provided good racing at Drumbo Park on Saturday night with Fernisky Tango and Ten Or Jack coming away as winners.

Fernisky was the subject of a change of ownership before the meeting and gave new owner Liam Maybin from Ballymena, a nice boost, clocking a fast 28.92 seconds.

It was Tango’s first win this year and saw him return to something like his best form. He got to the first turn ahead of Saleen Stars and Santro Eclipse with those in behind, being badly baulked.

Saleen did well to recover from her position to qualify in third but there was no denying Fernisky who had three lengths in hand over the running-on Santro Eclipse who in turn had half-a-length advantage on Stars.

But it was a close-run thing with Jack, who set a fast split of 16.53 when taking the first bend from Sizzling Don, faded coming home and just held on from Don and the staying-on Beaming Rainbow.

A white and black dog owned by Crumlin’s Tony McCloskey, Ten Or Jacks, showed good early pace but stamina is an issue and it almost caught him out in the second heat.

Sizzling Don chased him all the way and just failed while Beaming Rainbow, who got caught up in early trouble at the first bend, came from well behind to qualify only a neck further behind (29.15).

Litter brother and sister Victoria Magic and Loughside Emma stole the show in the opening two races the previous night.

They are coursing bred, by Mafi Magic and Victoria Mag- ic, an 85lb blue pup, certainly caught the eye with a first-time triumph in a brilliant 17.98.

He soared clear of his rivals in a matter of strides, clocking a split of 6.57 and hitting the line in 17.98, leaving Armagh owner Terence Gollogly a happy man as Victoria produced a magical show in defeating Markstreet Ben seven lengths.

Earlier, Loughside a blue bitch made a nice introduction for Lurgan owner-trainer Gerard Toman.

Showing good early pace up the inside, Loughside was always in control from Cashen Kampala and Frainey Lodge. They finished in that order despite Emma veering wide on the turn for home before cutting back inside in beating Cashen a length and a half (18.44).