MCKENNA DOUBLE ON MEMORIAL OPENER AT GALWAY

Peter Farrell

Kindly sponsored by Vincent McKenna, the first round heats of the Paul McKenna Memorial 525 served as the highlight on the Friday night card at Galway and it was Hinomite that set the standard.

Trained by the sponsor, Vincent McKenna, Hinomite won on his debut, however, has found life difficult since and he held a winless run of five races before heading into the stake opener last night. Donning the orange jacket, the son of Ballymac Best and Airfield Biddy, owned by the I-Lost-My-Dog-Synd, trapped lively from five and the even money shot showed the best of the early gears to hold all the aces early on. Opening a four length lead midway down the back, Hinomite maintained that strong gallop all the way to the winning line thereafter as he crossed the lollipop four and a half lengths clear of Peteles Joy in second. The time was a solid 29.35 .10s.

In heat two, Vincent McKenna scored for the first time with Lisk Rapid as he broke his maiden tag at the third time of asking. Just a January 23’ whelp, the son of Broadstrand Bono and Ballygrauige Sue disputed early on in this contest but was the meat in the sandwich at the opener and was shuffled back to midfield as a result. However, Lisk Rapid made some eye-catching ground at the three-quarter mark and proceeded to wear down the leader, Rylane Master. Finished at speed to cross the line with three parts of a length in hand, the time for the 5/4 chance was 29.45 .10s. One suspects that there is plenty left in the tank with a clear run.

In the remaining heat, Uphill Climb doubled his career tally to two wins for Martin Griffin. Breaking well from five, the son of Broadstrand Bono disputed early doors with Killanin Bono and the inside line proved crucial for the latter as he turned with a one length advantage over his rival. Sticking close however, Uphill Climb stuck to his guns well to show the superior stamina and cross the line with just a neck in hand over Killanin Bono in second. The time was 29.63 .10s.

TOONY LANDS TOMMY RYAN DECIDER

On the undercard, the final of the ‘Friends Of Tommy Ryan A7-A10 525’ featured and the €750 to the winner decider was landed by Pierview Toony at odds of 4/1.

Owned by Mairtin Seoighe, Pierview Toony was a winner last time out when making-all and he implemented similar tactics this time around when quickest into stride wearing the stripes. As a result, the daughter of Ballymac Best and Pierview Honey opened a healthy lead down the back and she proved a class above her rivals on this occasion to come home five lengths clear of Hanover Mellie in second. The time was 29.57 .10s.