Review BALLINROBE 19TH JUN

Craig Allen had an evening to remember when recording his first success in the saddle aboard Chasing The Dream in the claimer, beating John Murtagh in a thrilling finish.

Murtagh's mount Jemmy John, the heavily-backed 11/10 favourite, looked sure to win when shooting 3L clear at the home turn but the 25/1 outsider finished with a flourish to get up in the final stride.

Allen, 20, is a graduate of the Racing Apprentice Centre (R.A.C.E) and the Kerry-born rider is apprenticed to the Joe Crowley yard in Piltown.

Last season's champion apprentice Chris Hayes is again leading the same section this year, moving onto the 8 winner mark for the campaign on Our Little Cub in Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap.

Seamus Fahey's charge finished strongly to peg back the front-running Miss Isabela inside the final 100 yards to score by a neck.

This was a first success in 14 starts for the 4yo gelding, and Fahey explained, 'He's had alot of problems since a two-year-old and is only getting over them now.'

The Kevin O'Donnell-trained Sweet Petite (7/2-11/2) belied a lack of confidence in the auction maiden, sent clear before the straight under Willie Supple for a facile 7L victory.

O'Donnell was represented by his father, Kevin senior, who said, 'The first time blinkers made all the difference. She improved from her run at Roscommon last week, and we'll try to get her some black type.'

Thunder Road was an equally impressive winner of the two miles handicap, driven into a clear lead three furlongs out by Declan McDonogh to beat Monahullan Prince by an impressive 11L.

'Her only previous Flat win was over this course and distance last year, and she will go for another handicap before heading to Galway,' said trainer Pat Fahy.

Sligo trainer Michael McElhone gave all the credit to rider Barry Cash after Marco The Builder's game front-running win in the 2m6f handicap chase.

'Barry gave him a great ride and it was his idea for us to step up to this trip,' said the Strandhill handler.

Room To Room Gold was in command from two out under Mick Darcy in the beginners chase, beating first reserve Jawad by 2 1/2L.

Ballivor based Joanna Morgan went one better in the 74-95 rated handicap hurdle when Leading Springs quickened up nicely before the last under Davy Condon.

Andrew McNamara and Tim Doyle have both enjoyed a successful time in recent weeks, and they teamed up to take the 74-116 rated handicap hurdle with Annameadle.

Alan Magee