SNIPER RIA PROVING EQUALLY AS EFFECTIVE IN THE BREEDING PADDOCKS

    Peter Farrell

    While Sniper Ria was one of the most consistent trackers during her time on the circuit, Kevin O’Kane’s strapping blue has proved equally as fruitful in the breeding paddocks.

    A winner of thirteen during her time on track, her most significant victory was a record-breaking performance at the Brandywell in Derry as she romped to a ten and a quarter length success in 16.40. Indeed, while that time would be seen as just above average around some of the Southern circuits in Ireland, it is scarcely believable around the Brandywell and something that hasn’t been rivaled since March of 2022.

    A career in the breeding paddocks was an obvious path for the O’Kane Family given what Sniper Ria achieved on track and her first mating to Broadstrand Bono has proven a very successfully one. A strong litter of seven has now seen all offspring taste victory and that milestone was fulfilled on Sunday evening as Sniper Big Les crossed in front to complete the clean sweep. Indeed, just a few weeks prior, Sniper Roro, who is the class animal in the litter as an SSO campaigner, claimed the valuable Lornie McMonagle Memorial Sprint at Derry as he justified favouritism to win for the ninth time in his career. The heavyweight blue has clearly inherited his dam’s electric early speed and connections can certainly have reason for optimism ahead of an eight-strong September 2024 litter to Malachi.