WIDE OPEN SPRING DERBY AT CURRAHEEN PARK

Barry Drake

The €24,000 Curraheen Park Spring Derby got off to a flying start in Curraheen Park on Saturday and it's expected to produce some fantastic racing over the next couple of weeks.

In the opening round, Nellies Holly went quickest on the clock, posting 28.55 for trainer John Kiely and owner Kate O'Driscoll. A superb display to get the better of Priceless King. Just a length between the front two.

Millridge Timmy was only one spot slower when winning for Caomihe Maria O'Mahony. Always in control, it was an impressive 28.56 winning performance.

Montana Fantasy was another to impress for local trainer John Linehan and owners Barry and Martin O'Reilly. A strong all round display, winning easily, in 28.74.
Inflation rates a leading player for outright glory after his magnificent display to win, in 28.56, for Francis Murray. On what was just his third career start, the June puppy rates an exciting talent.

Kilaheen Lady just got the better of Luna Rocket in a fantastic opening round contest. Trained by Bernie Connolly for the Pat-Said-Syndicate, the June puppy pulled out all the stops to get the verdict, by a neck, in 28.65.

Ballymac Pete was another to clock 28.65 when winning for the Dowling family. A flying start was enough to see him make every yard of the running.

Other heats winners were as follows:

MELLING ROAD 28.87
RUSSMUR FANTASY 28.90
LADBROKES GROOVE 28.96
YANKEE DOODLE 29.25

In other races on the night, Burgess Cutey went quickest on the clock when landing the closing race on the card for Sheila Spillane and JJ Fennelly. In what looked like a red hot contest on paper, the classy performer led all the way, in a stunning, 28.36. Two and a half lengths back to Churchtown Syd.