BRIGHT DISPLAYS AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

Antigua Grumpy and Rays Boy both impressed at Enniscorthy on Monday evening as they emerged triumphant in their respective semi-finals of the Kanasef Unraced ON2/ ON3 525.

They won in very different fashion but it’s clear both will be worth following in the coming months.

GRUMPY A REAL EYE-CATCHER

Antigua Grumpy gave himself plenty to do after a slow start from trap two.

Amanda Jeal’s son of Jaytee Jet and Silverthornsandy was only fifth into the bend but he stayed tight to the fence to move third as they entered the back straight.

China Best set a strong gallop but was always under pressure once the Garry Dempsey trained Antigua Grumpy moved second into the third turn. Maintaining a powerful gallop, Antigua Grumpy flew up the straight to score by two lengths in 29.15. Chinas Best was second.

RAY SHOWS HIS SPEED

Rays Boy displayed fine track craft and early speed to strike the front at the second turn in the second semi-final.

Once going to the front, he eased clear into the third turn but was all out on the run in. Trained by Pat Whelan for Maria Leacy, the son of Ballymac Best lasted home to see off the closing duo of Longslip Roger and Roanna Daisy by a length and three parts of a length in 29.01.