Souldern Street lands Whites Sands Cup for Tralee owner
Ballyheigue meeting
A determined display by Souldern Street (Adios Alonso/ Churchill Queen) saw the John Moynihan trained runner prevail in a competitive renewal of the White Sands Hotel Cup at Ballyheigue last weekend.
A beaten Trial Stake finalist at Ballybeggan last term, Souldern Street made his seasonal debut a winning one for Tralee owner Grace Foley. He opened his campaign in the 32 runner event with a four-length success over World At Night on Saturday as the skies opened over the Kerryhead venue.
Following a bye in Round 2 due to the withdrawal of Isle Of Destiny, Souldern Street headed the betting on Sunday morning as the 6/4 favourite. He made light the challenge of Kerry Abu at the quarter final stage as he dominated the course to score a two-length victory. Ballyglen Duke was accounted for in the penultimate by a similar distance. Ashmore Rocket had been equally dominant in his passage through to the final from the bottom half of the draw and the Dan Brassil trained runner was sent to slips the 1/2 favourite in the deciding buckle.
However Souldern Street upset the odds in the final buckle displaying tremendous early foot off the red collar and had opened clear daylight between the pair by the midpoint. Ashmore Rocket tried hard to wear down the leader, however Souldern Street was not to be outdone and stayed on well to record a one-length victory. With precious Champion Stake points now in the bag, connections of the winner can now look forward to his next outing with a great deal of confidence.
Liam Dowling’s terrific season on both track and field continued last weekend as he claimed the Derby ticket with the progressive Ballymac Hugo (Coolavanny Bingo/ Ballymac Town). Having qualified two finalists in the Juvenile Derby at HQ on Friday night, Dowling guided littler comrades Ballymac Bingo and Ballymac Hugo through to the final of the 64 runner Derby Trial Stake on Sunday afternoon.
Considering the harsh conditions over the opening two days of competition the feat was truly remarkable. Ballymac Hugo was declared the winner but the runner-up is definitely one for the note book and packs a real punch from halfway. His next outing will no doubt be closely monitored.
The Tarbert kennels of John Flynn have made an equally impressive start to the season, and they continued to collect the silverware on Sunday when Heart Over Mind (Razor Ashmore/ Upup And Away) impressed when landing the Reserve Oaks Trial Stake. The February pup was eye catching through her opening runs and it was no surprise to see her head the betting on 2/1 at the quarter-final stage. She accounted for Killeacle Eileen by four lengths and Last Slice by five lengths to book the white collar in the deciding course.
She proved much stronger than Ballymac Wardy on the rising ground in the final, and pulled three lengths clear from halfway to claim victory. The winner looks a decent sort, and is well capable of claiming full Trial Stake honors this term.
Southofhere (Adios Alonso/ Loyal Leader) collected valuable points when running out a comprehensive winner of the All Age Bitch Stake for Abbeydorney trainer Dan Brassil. She dominated the final buckle against Scaredy Pants and took the opening score by four lengths. The winner possesses a good turn of early foot and should add to her haul as the season progresses.
Portinard Sam (Eshwary Leader/ Portinard Rosie) impressed when landing the Inter Club Stakes for his Brosna owners Jack McAulliffe and Michael Nolan. Representing the Castleisland Coursing Club, the winner was dominant in the final against Feora Daniel and ran out a two-length winner. There were two Working Member Stakes on the card.
The Two Course Duffer was won by the Cian and Eanna McElligott owned Cianos Dream (NewInn Wonder/ Sullane Rogue) while to No Course Duffer was landed by the Katie Casey and Kathleen Casey O’Connell owned bitch Usedtoloveher (Valeview Flyer/ Madtogoagain).
Dan Brassil was back in the winner’s circle again with Ashmore House (Blueview Sam/ Central Stardust) who was an impressive winner of the Two Course Duffer.
The action switches to Abbeydorney this weekend with their three-day meeting getting underway on Friday morning with the opening round of the Oaks Trial Stake. The action gets underway at 11.30am.