ACE TRUMPS RIVALS IN MICKEY O’SULLIVAN MEMORIAL AT THURLES

Peter Farrell

It proved another memorable night for the kennel of Liam Peacock at Thurles on Saturday as the in-form owner claimed a one-two in the final of the Mickey O’Sullivan Memorial A2 525.

Kindly sponsored by Liam, the €1,250 to the winner feature looked an ultra-competitive affair on paper, however, it proved anything but as Bogger Ace produced a paw-perfect performance to run out a most convincing winner.

Doubly represented in the decider, ‘Ace’ was arguably the second-string with the recent ‘Deadly Kennels’ winner, Bogger Cooper, also amongst the field and he indeed was chasing a brilliant five-timer on the night. Both ‘Cooper’ and the Geoff Parnaby-owned Tarsna Fern were sent to traps as the 7/4 joint favourites but in truth, this contest was all over at trap-rise as Bogger Ace (5/2), who looked to be facing a potentially tricky draw in six, bolted from the stripes to lead his rivals a merry-dance into the opening bend. Posting a rapid 1.66 early sectional, the son of Pestana and Bogger Bonnie swooped the opening turn to go two lengths clear of his rivals and this lead quickly doubled heading into the back straight as litter brother, Bogger Cooper, moved second. Indeed, ‘Cooper’ did make some headway midway down the back, however, on this occasion he had no answer to his kennel companion as Bogger Ace once again stretched clear around the bottom two bends before staying on stouty to score. Crossing the line four and a half lengths too strong for ‘Cooper’, Bogger Ace stopped the clock in a simply brilliant 28.86 .20s and congratulations are extended to his connections on a terrific display and their generous sponsorship of the event as a whole.

Connections of the late Mickey O’Sullivan gather at the podium as Liam Peacock is presented with the winning trophy after Bogger Ace claimed the feature. Also in picture is the runner-up and litter brother, Bogger Cooper.