JAYPEES COOPER QUICKEST IN OPEN 750 AS BIG CROWD SHOW UP

Barry Drake

A massive crowd turned out for the Duhallow Hunt benefit night at Curraheen Park on Saturday night. On the track, the opening round of the €5,000 to the winner Two Wheel Training Open 750 were the feature races.

In the opening heat, Barnfield Molly (Droopys Sydney-Glowing Exile) made every yard of the running for trainer Kevin McLean and owner Tomas Leahy. The 5-1 winner was at least ten lengths clear with circuit to run and she was all out late on, just holding the fast-finishing Almighty Laura, by a head, in 42.66. 

In the second heat, Jaypees Cooper (King Elvis-Ballymac Merkle) dug deep in the closing stages to win for trainer Shaun Conway and owners the St Patricks Valencia. Timmys Bucks took them along till the second last corner, but the 4-1 winner, who had led early, battled gamely to out stay Timmys Bucks, by a length, in 41.86. 

Knockagrump Bell (Pestana-Lemon Juliet) came from well off the pace to win third and final heat for Brendan Kearney. It never looked likely, however, Mydras Opinion ran out a gas up front late on and 4-1 shot finished with a flourish to beat Squinty Maginity, by four lengths, in 42.11.

In the ninth, an AA0, Hunters Pilot (Ballyhimikin Jet-Hunters Sophia) set the standard over the 525-yard distance when clocking a top class 28.25. Owned by Ariyah and Kaylah Culhane, the 6-4 winner produced a flying start and the pacey performer went on to make all and beat Nicky Swithin, by three lengths, in 28.25.