A NIGHT OF BIG PERFORMANCES AT CURRAHEEN PARK
Barry Drake
Harlequin Gee Up (King Sheeran-Swift Zap) delivered a fantastic performance to win the €2,000 to the winner Michael Cahill Memorial at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.
Trained by Scott Phelan for owners the Harlequin Syndicate, the 6-1 shot made full use of the rails pitch to slip around in front. The talented performer was soon a couple of lengths clear and in truth the outcome was never in any doubt. Lennies Dynamic, after a poor start and early crowding, ran on well for second, just two lengths back in 28.55. (See Pic below)
In the €2,000 to the winner Davy O’Brien Memorial, it was Hollyhill Stacey (Serene Ace-Hollyhill Cassie) who came in front for trainer Paraic Campion and owner Ger Gubbins.
Showing plenty of early speed from trap four, the 3-1 shot flew around the opening bends in front. Flying down the back straight in front, the impressive winner was always looking good. Keeping on well to record three straight wins, the Hollyhill runner got the better of Millies Story, by two and a half lengths, in 28.82.
The €2,000 to the winner Bar 1 Betting Laurels Trial Stake went the way of Ballymac Kamala (Droopys Sydney-Ballymac Pete) for Liam Dowling.
The 5-4 favourite clocked a sizzling 3.23 sectional to lead from trap four early and she went on to make every yard of the running in great style.
Once she slipped around the opening corners in front, it was game over. Pulling right away up front, the classy performer went on to win in style, clocking 28.10, six and a half lengths clear of Bushpark Lennie.
Highbury Days (King Sheeran-Knockmitten Bawn) recorded back to back wins in the €2,000 to the winner Barking Buzz App Mini Open 525 for trainer Graham Holland and owner Sheila Mannix.
The even money favourite took up the running shortly after the opening corner and the exciting prospect showed plenty of pace on the back straight.
Strong up front, Highbury Days galloped powerfully to the line, clocking, 28.49, four and a half lengths clear of Noon Ballad.
The closing race, the Bar 1 Betting Open 525, it was Petulance (Tommy Shelby-Galadriel) who come home in front for trainer Adam Dunford and owners The King Pins Syndicate. The 4-1 winner produced a great start from trap six and the big early pacer was in front early doors.
Kicking clear down the back straight, the impressive winner kept on gamely up front. A return to winning ways, posting 28.60, three lengths clear of Shutinthedark.
In the €1,500 to the winner Deelish Kennels Unraced Stake, Cuile Line Bucko (Dromana Bucko-Broken Doll) made it back to back winning performances for trainer Tom O’Neill and owners the Cuile Line Syndicate.
Pitch Cindy set strong early fractions, pulling a couple of lengths clear early on the back straight, however, the 4-5 favourite was much the strongest in the second half of the race. Finishing with a flourish, the exciting May youngster pulled five lengths clear, in 28.73.
Overall, a great nights racing with fantastic additional prize money throughout the night. Huge credit must go to the Curraheen Park Supporters Club for their continued hard work. A special mention to all the sponsors as well.
Harlequin Gee Up for the Harlequin Syndicate & trainer Scott Phelan - winner of The Michael Cahill Memorial Open 525. Also included are Caroline Collins and Barry McSweeney along with Dave Wilson of the Harlequin Syndicate.