Ionic Hannah launches career with sprint finish

THE Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn benefit night greatly added to the atmosphere on Saturday evening when there was a 12race graded card on offer, and the night got off to a flying start as Ionic Hannah (Romeo Recruit / Ionic Ice) launched her career in the best way possible to claim the opening race of the night.

Owned by Margaret McCarthy, Ionic Hannah went off the well supported 4/6 favourite in this sprint contest (S8/S9). The winner was quick to find her feet from trap 1, and powered off the bends to record a two-length success over Galken in 17.83.

Another sprinter to catch the eye was Roadstone Barney (Tyrur Big Mike/ Impact Mixture). Drawn in trap 2 in Race 9, he made the early pace count when racing into the lead and he never took his foot off the gas to record a time of 17.61. Bridewell Ruby, (who would be better known for her exploits on the coursing pastures) was three lengths back from the winner in second. The winner is owned by Trevor O’Connell from Lixnaw.

Race 6 was an A6 contest over the standard trip and saw Cadburys Hero make it two wins from two outings for owner Padraig Keane. The winner wore the black jacket in this five-runner contest and made all the early running following a smart break from traps. She was somewhat fortunate to avoid trap 3 who checked wide at the opening bend. Stretching her advantage down the back straight, she stayed on gamely to the finish line to take victory in 29.02. Feora Smallinish ran on for second 3 ½ lengths back from the winner.

The tenth race was a 570 yd contest for Grade A3 and saw Jasons FiFi (Cashen Legend/ Leigh Fantastic) return to winning ways for owner Noel Power. The evens favourite produced good early pace from trap 2, and lead his rivals into the opening bend. He continued to dominate down the back straight, and showed all his experience to withhold the challenge of Mohane Joey by a length and half in 31.46.

Also in the winner’s enclosure were Lithuanian Griz 29.86, Westwind Secret 18.33, Headleys Bud 29.63, Villa Dawn 18.11, Steeple Rd Jet 17.79, Chas Book 29.17, Spirit Eileen 29.28 and Procrastinator 29.40.

Bríd Ní Mhathúna presents the winner’s trophy on behalf of the sponsor to winning trainer/owner John Wren, from Tarbert, after Chas Book won the Meadowlands Hotel Buster 525 Final as part of the Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn fundraising night at the dogs at...