Bowe horses in the money

RECENT point-to-point maiden runners from Wexford stables were in demand at the Goffs sales after racing at Punchestown on Thursday night, with Colin Bowe’s Milestone operation leading the way, selling four four-year-old geldings for €430,000.

This highlighted once again the ability of the Wexford handlers to get one ready for a first outing, and then put them up for sale at the first opportunity.

Their business-like approach has transformed the point-to-point scene in recent years.

Bowe got €150,000 from the all-conquering Jessica Harrington for Not Many Left (by Oscar) which won at Largy, Co. Antrim, the previous Saturday under Barry O’Neill. He had been purchased at Doncaster a year earlier for £32,000.

He got €125,000 for Senor Lombardy (out of Milan), winner of a 14-runner race at Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, the previous Sunday under Richie Deegan.

This one had cost €34,000 at the sales last year..

He got €100,000 for Newtide (by Getaway) which was second in a strong maiden at Oldcastle under Barry O’Neill on April 16.

He got €55,000 for Don Lami (out of Honolulu), winner of an eleven-runner race at Fairyhouse the previous Sunday under Barry O’Neill.

Donnachadh Doyle of Monbeg Stables got €78,000 from Bobby O’Ryan for Isle of Destiny (out of Gold Well), which was second in a strong mares’ maiden at Loughanmore on April 15 under Rob James.

He refused to let go First Approach (four-year-old Robin Des Champs gelding) for €95,000 following his win at Dromahane the previous Sunday under Rob James.

Liam Kenny’s Ballydarragh, Craanford, stable, and owner Garvan Kinch of the Island Hunt, got €33,000 for Boys on Tour (fiveyear-old gelding by Beneficial) which had won impressively under Harley Dunne at Fairyhouse the previous Sunday. He had been bought for €11,000.