HOLLAND HOLDS A VERY STRONG HAND IN OPEN 575

Barry Drake

Trainer Graham Holland landed both semi finals of the €5,000 to the winner Elite Contracting Design Open 575 at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

In the opening heat, Low Profile, for the R T And C Syndicate, produced one of his better starts when making all the running to land the spoils. Displaying plenty of pace and power up front, the 4-1 shot got the better of Yorkie Ollie, who himself ran well in second, with just two lengths between them in 31.03. Da Tapper Flynn a length and a half back in third.

Bartlemy Mainoo went one spot quicker when clocking 31.02 for owner Sheila Mannix. The 3-1 winner came away racing to lead, setting strong early fractions, she was soon in control up front. The fast finishing Ballymac Chantry was flying home to get within three quarters of a length, with three and a half back to Drive On Petsy in third.

In other races, Hello My Friend delivered an outstanding front running winning performance to win the €1,000 to the winner Ballycowen Kennels A0/A1 Stake Final. Owned by Padraic and Luna Coakley, the 5-1 shot produced a magnificent start, clocking a quick 3.34 sectional to take control. Droopys Croia looked a real danger down the back, however, the one in front was always doing enough and the in-form winner recorded back to back wins, in 28.61. Half a length the margin.