SPORTING RITA ON TOP LATE ON IN THE KINGDOM

Barry Drake

Sporting Rita set the standard in the semi-finals of the John & Mary Killeacle Dowling Memorial at Tralee on Friday night.

Trained by Jerry Griffin for Michael Rowe, the winner was sent to traps as a 6-1 outsider. Only fourth to halfway, the strong running winner showed massive pace to fly home and land the spoils. In top flight in the second half of the race, the classy lady came home with a length to spare over Sunshine Dream, in 30.93. Half a length back to Bounard Dan in third. 

FOUR ON THE BOUNCE

In the opening semi-final, Coolboy Rusty made it four straight wins for Eric Prestage.

Railing well around the opening turns, the 4-5 favourite took up the running on the back straight. Brave throughout, the in-form winner did it the hard way. At the line, he was a length and a half clear of Millridge Bryce, in 31.08. Half a length back to Ladyswell in third.