SUPERB SALLAGH DOUBLE AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

Pat Buckley recorded a memorable double at Enniscorthy on Monday night, capturing both semi-finals of the WGOBA Open Unraced Stake with litter brothers Sallagh Larry and Sallagh Curly.

Clearly named after two of the three stooges, there was nothing slapstick about their respective performances as both went fast to emerge comfortable winners.

LARRY DOMINATES

Sallagh Larry was a 3-1 chance to win the opening heat with a previously unbeaten and exciting Untold Sterling the hot favourite.

The latter was out of luck, however, taking a tumble down the back straight when in third.

In contrast, Sallagh Larry made an improved start to get to the front early. Nuala Lynch’s son of Deerjet Sydney and Mydras Dawn would maintain a strong gallop throughout to eventually emerge a six length scorer in 28.77. Bounceback Luna was second throughout, while third went to Kiltrea Cliff, a further eight and a half lengths adrift.

CURLY STAYS UNBEATEN

Fifteen minutes later it was the turn of Sallagh Curly. The 2-5 favourite after a brilliant second round effort, he had to work harder than many expected.

Missing the kick from trap two, he stayed tight to the fence, showing fine pace and track craft to hit the front at the second bend. 

Once doing so, Michael Lynch’s exciting youngster raced right away from halfway to eventually come home eight and a half lengths clear of Stripe Jimboy in 28.78. Badminton Chopin was third, a further length and a half away.