Ballabuidhe Harness Racing Report, Monday 3rd of August 2015

For the second year running the Murphys/Western Beverages Grand Prix went to the Brickley family when Ringo Kid was a popular winner of the feature of the weekend at Dunmanway. Following yesterdays torrential rain the skies over the famous venue were blue and there was not even a hint of rain to deter the huge Bank Holiday crowd on the 400th anniversary of the festival.

Ringo Kid leads the field in the Murphys/Wetern Beverages Grand Prix.

Red Mischief and Kestrels Dot Sammy were the punters choice in a vibrant betting ring. Ringo Kid led from the start on the stamina sapping turf. Heading out on the final circuit the field had closed in on the leader. Turning for home Kestrels Dot Sammy had overhauled the leader and looked a winner but David Brickley cajoled Ringo Kid with one final effort to get the judges call by a neck with Cruise Howard a further length back in third.

The winner was bred by the owners. A son of Timon Del Sol and Southlands Swift this ten year old is owned by Jennie Brickley wife of winning driver David.

Ringo Kid and David Brickley Murphys/Wetern Beverages Grand Prix winner.

The second final of the day The Paddy Connolly Memorial went to County Kerry based IB Mohican. Here Just Cam led early but was taken on by Pan Cam Drift and Scorpion.

Action from The Paddy Connolly Memorial Final.

Heading out with four furlongs to go Seamus Quill made a race winning move on IB Mohican which left his rivals floundering and went on to record a six length winning margin.

IB Mohican and Seamus Quill winner of The Paddy Connolly Memorial.

The opening maiden pace produced a shock winner in the shape of Two Socks who adapted himself well to the testing conditions in a ten length victory for Bandon based owner Richard Joyce.

There was two Le Trot (French Trotters) races on the day and both marathon contests produced superb finishes. Une Star Piya and Valse De Fourches were inseperable for most of the trip with Une Star Piya finally getting the upper hand to record his first local win for the Hill family.

Volcan Erem put himself in line for Trotter of the year with another win in the high grade trot. Ramun De Pateral led for most of the journey but Mike Kelleher produced the winner to claim his fifth seasonal win.

With heavy rain forecast overnight there will be a 9 AM inspection to determine if the third and final day of the festival goes ahead.

By Tim Kelleher.

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