OLWYN SETS THE STANDARD AT KILKENNY

Ian Fortune

For the second week running, Ballybough Olwyn set the standard in the Boylesports A3 Bitch 525 at Kilkenny on Friday evening.

Those that took the even money available about the Murt Leahy trained star in the second semi-final would have had a few moments of concern in the early stages when she was only fifth into the turn. She emerged in fourth but had plenty of work on her paws as she entered the back straight some five lengths behind the pace-setter Long Senorita.

The latter set a strong gallop but was always under pressure once Ballybough Olwyn moved second at halfway. Closing rapidly on the run in, Ballybough Olwyn got up in the final yards to win by a half length in 29.29. Karlow Belle was five lengths further adrift in third.

CLAUDIA DOMINATES

Long Claudia made the most of an early advantage in the opening heat to come home in front.

There was traffic amongst the more fancied runners on the inside of the track at the turn, leaving Long Claudia and Ballycairn Tess to battle out the finish.

Ultimately, Brian Doyle’s Long Claudia was far enough in front to contain her rival. Ballycairn Tess did stay on well but Long Claudia held on by a half length in 29.44. Laskarina also finished fast, hitting the line another half length adrift in third.