The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Silent Whisper lands Derby for Nolan family and O’Connor
Jonathan Best trained Mayfield wins TA Morris Stakes
THE Nolan family from Castleisland were back in the winner’s enclosure at Powerstown Park last Monday afternoon following an emphatic victory by Silent Whisper (NewInn Wonder/ Silent Belle) in the Boylesports Derby. No strangers to success at the National Meeting in the past having won with Silent Hill in the ‘05 running of the Champion Stakes and Silent Swank in the Derby of 1990, this victory will no doubt be the sweetest of them all.
Having claimed the Classic ticket at the Galway/Oranmore Meeting, Silent Whisper continued on his winning when landing the coveted Corn Na Feile puppy at Abbeyfeale over the Christmas. Going off at 12/1 in the long-odds Derby market, the winner made an explosive start to his campaign when upsetting the odds to defeat Roquefort Teddy in round one.
Silent Whisper made light of his rivals on day 2 and progressed with ease to the final day of action. He lit up the testing Powerstown stretch when posting the fastest clock of the meeting to deny Needham Yipee by three lengths. This win saw the Febuary puppy go to the head of the Derby market at odds of evening money.
A tired Blueview Trump was easily accounted for at the semi-final stage and the scene was then set for a final showdown with the Brendan Matthews trained City Link. As both finalists made their way to slips the bookmakers made Silent Whisper the 4/7 favourite with the Northern runner available at 5/4.
Silent Whisper made a powerful exit from slips and quickly put daylight between the pair. To the cheers from the packed grandstands, he extended his advantage with every stride and raced four lengths to take the opening score.
The winner is trained in Scartaglin by Mossie O’Connor who was claiming the event for the very first time.
FOXHOLLOW Lady (Razor Ashmore/ Somelittlething) caused an upset to land the spoils in the Horse and Jockey Hotel Oaks. Jointly owned by Nora Raleigh from Newcastlwest and trainer Brendan Matthews, the winner emerged from the final quarter of the draw and following a 1 ½ length victory over kennel companion Myleene in the penultimate round, she earned the right to face Elegant Dame in the deciding course. Elegant Dame went to slips the 4/7 in the final course, however she never looked comfortable and Foxhollow Lady made all to score a comfortable success. The winner was bred in Tarbert by John Flynn.
KYLE Mozart (Kyle Basil/ Lyrics) was a most deserving winner of the Champion Stakes. Having just fallen short of claiming the event at the final hurdle last term, the Marie Field owned runner took on Floating Victor in the final buckle and produced a dominant display to run out a comfortable six-length winner.
DICKS Bimbo (Kyle James/ Barrack Bimbo) was a comfortable winner of the Champion Bitch Stake for NewInn handler Owen McKenna. Having survived an opening round scare when she lost sight of her hare momentarily against Gripewell Nancy, she went from strength to strength in her remaining courses and recorded a one sided 8 length victory over Do It Chubbys in the final course.
THE Jonathon Best trained Mayfield (Adios Alonso/ Gowayoudat) finished powerfully from halfway to deny the Batt Heaphy owned Spin The Whip in the final of the TA Morris Stakes. Having gone down to Needham Yippee in the opening round of the Derby, Mayfield showed vast improvement as he progressed through the rounds in the consolation. The 1/2 favourite in the final course, the Ardfert runner produced a good turn off foot from halfway to record a three-length success.
THE Kitty Butler Stakes final was won by the Neil Herbert trained Scaredy Pants (Adios Alonso/ Eggemalong) who finished much the stronger from halfway in her final course against Billistown Judy.