Review LAYTOWN 30-MAY-2000

Ten times champion NH rider Frank Berry saddled his first success at the unique Laytown Races when Tarakan (5/1) scored easily in the 7f maiden.

Providing the trainers son, Fran with his second victory on the beach, the gelded son of Doyoun drew right away inside the final furlong to defeat Amelesa (2/1-13/8f) by 5L.

'I rode a winner here myself in the 60's, I think 1969 and it's great to get a change of luck and a winner again, ' said Berry senior.

Racing opened with Glensaul (8/1-10/1) defying top-weight under Pat Shanahan in the 6f handicap with English raider Sounds Lucky (3/1-4/1f) only 5th.

'Pat gave him a great ride as he was going nowhere 2f out,' said Sheena Collins, daughter of absent winner Curragh trainer Con.

Pat Martin had better luck later and was the toast of the layers when he saddled the first two home in the 7f handicap, headed by 16/1 chance Peru Girl and Eddie Ahern.

'She was working well in recent weeks and I'm just surprised it has taken her so long to win a race,' said Martin.

Cathal McCarthy's versatile gelding Colins Double, brought his winning tally for the month to four when justifying favouritism under Bryan Hamilton, with his first win on the beach.

'I often bring my horses here as I'm based only half-an-hour away,' said McCarthy who finished the session with a double when Celtic Minstrel (9/4f) scored for Wayne Smith.

Renvyle Rose (5/2f) was found to have burst after trailing in 7th behind Michael Halford's Dame En Rouge, who recorded a two length victory under Philip Dempsey in the QR Race.

'The beach brought out the best in her and it's nice for her to get a bracket, even on the beach,' said Halford.

BF