Noel Meade completed an 18 1/2 to 1 double at a poorly attended Greenmount Park, hightlighted by Billy Bonnie's win in the featured two miles Gumnut Furniture Handicap
The five-year-old dual purpose gelding was driven along by Pat Cosgrave to stay in touch from halfway but, after striking the front two furlongs out, drew clear to beat Discerning Air by three-and-a-half-lengths. Successful trainer Noel Meade was represented by his partner Gillian O'Brien, who said, 'He's a real stayer, and will continue to mix it between the Flat and over hurdles.'
Poulakerry followed up for Meade when making a winning debut under Adrian Lane in the Corinthian (Pro-Am) Flat Race.
Helen Keohane maintained her recent amazing run of success when getting Lake Millstatt up in the closing stages to land the EBF (Fillies) Handicap. The Bantry teenager, who only gained her first win at Clonmel ten days ago, was enjoying her fourth success here. Austin Leahy's charge was switched out to challenge over a furlong out having been trapped on the rail, and finished with great effect to pip The Block Monster by three-quarters-of-a-length. This victory ended a dismal peiod for locally based Leahy, who last entered the winners enclosure nearly nine months ago.
Allude, trained last year in Newmarket by Nick Littmoden, also swooped late to take the June Truck Festival At Greenmount Maiden. Ripple Of Pride looked set to score when holding a two length advantage apprroaching the furlong pole, but Allude rallied well for Niall McCullagh to snatch the spoils by a head with the first four home seperated by just half a length. 'He needs an ease in the ground, and stays well,' said trainer Michael Grassick, who will find a winners race for the well-bred Darshaan colt.
Michael Hourigan has the Galway Plate in mind for Rockholm Boy, who made all under Keith Hadnett in the Summer Handicap Chase. The nine-year-old stayed on well under pressure in the straight to beat Torduff Boy by four lengths.
Polly's Yan benefitted from a strong ride by David Casey to just edge out Native Sparkle in a tremendous finish to the Chesser Auctioneers Mares Novice Hurdle. 'He lost about ten lengths when stumbling at Tralee last Monday, and will keep going in novice hurdles for the summer,' said trainer Sean Aherne.
Alan Magee
