O’Neill stars in the saddle
THE Shillelagh and District Hunt point-to-point took place on Sunday in Fairwood Park on a cold but sunny afternoon.
Recent rain had looked as if it might be a problem but good drainage on the track allowed for excellent conditions.
The good weather and sunshine also brought out a large crowd again as families and punters gathered at the grounds for the big January event.
There were 54 runners on the day in a jampacked card with all 54 coming home safe.
Rider of the day was Barry O’Neill, who secured wins in the 5th and 6th races, two seconds and a fourth. This brings him up to 19 wins this season so far.
The first race, the Weatherbys Ireland Maiden Race for 5 and 6 year old mares, was won by Robin Des Theatre ridden by JJ Walsh and winning by a generous one and a half length’s margin.
Coming in second was Lawlor’s Choice ridden by J Nevin ahead by four lengths to the third horse, Timeaday ridden by N J Redmond. Barry O’Neill came in fourth on Flamin Aimee for his first mention of the day.
The second race, The Shillelagh and District Hunt Thanking Local Farmers Maiden for 5&6 year-old geldings, was won by Folcano ridden by S Connor.
In second was Kilbeg King ridden by Barry O’Neill, while in third place by five lengths was Ruinous ridden by JJ Walsh who finished a neck ahead of Dunboyne and JL Scanlon.
The third race, Slaney Foods Open Lightweight Race, went to Mighty Stowaway ridden by T Hamilton and trained by John Hanlon.
This was an impressive win by five lengths to Rider of the Day Barry O’Neill coming second on Marinero.
Mighty Stowaway, who changed ownership in the past week, is now owned by Philip Reynolds, and is looking towards the Foxhunters at the March Cheltenham Festival. Third was Mine Now with jockey S. Perry onboard.
The fourth race, Central House Shillelagh Winners of One Novice Riders went to Nelsons Rock ridden by KC Corrigan.
This is a second win for Nelsons Rock who is heading to the sales later in the year but is expected to be seen back on the track again.
The fifth race, Germaines Bar and Restaurant Maiden Race for seven-year-old and upwards mares, went to Kopolov ridden by Barry O’Neill and trained by Conor O’Dwyer. Awesome Lady ridden by P. Power came in five lengths later and then a stretch from the rest of the field by ten lengths was Little Mo in third place ridden by P. Skehan.
The final race, Sheridan-Colohan Insurances Maiden race for seven-year-old and upwards geldings, was won by Barry O’Neill on Handy Headon, with PC Bannon on Mr Cosmos in second and coming up third was Anothegoldenboy with S. Kavanagh on board.
Again, another great day for Irish point-to-point racing with the Shillelagh District and Hunt very lucky to find a clear window in the uncertain weather this month.
The Hunt wishes to thank all the sponsors, volunteers and of course local farmers without which the hunt would not exist.
The next event on at Fairwood Park in the Bray Hunt’s Point to Point on Sunday, February 23.