BONNER SETS PUBLIC HOUSE PACE AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

Edermine Bonner was the standard-bearer at Enniscorthy on Monday evening in the semi-finals of the Public House open unraced, shooting to the front early before containing the late charge of Donishallharry to win in 29.12.

Owned by Thomas and Patrick O’Gorman, Edermine Bonner broke quickest from the outside box and was clear of his rivals by the turn. Avoiding some scrimmaging in behind, the son of Cushie Jet and Edermine Cooper eased on to lead the favourite Jaytee Etienne down the back straight.

Donishallharry came out of the pack to give chase on the run in but the line came in time for the long-time pace-setter and he held on by a neck. Jaytee Etienne was the third qualifier, just two lengths further adrift in third.

YAYALADY REMAINS UNBEATEN

The opening heat went to Mairead Corcoran’s One Yayalady in very similar fashion, albeit she had far more in hand on the line.

The unbeaten daughter of Grangeview Ten and One Yaya shook of an early bump to lead around the turn and she increased her advantage to halfway.

Rank outsider De Dorver emerged from the pack to go second but was never going to catch the pace-setter, who went on to score by five and a half lengths in 29.24. Ballybreen Luna was third, another length and a half away.