BIG CROWD TURN OUT AT YOUGHAL FOR EAST FERRY ROWING CLUB BENEFIT NIGHT

Barry Drake

THE EAST FERRY ROWING CLUB brought a large crowd to Youghal on Monday night and the racing itself delivered plenty of exciting finishes.

On a tough running Youghal circuit, the performance on the night came in the closing race as Barnfield Rising (Burgess Bucks-Rising Blondie) beat a couple of decent sorts when clocking the quickest of the night, a brilliant 29.18. Sent off the 5-4 favourite, the July puppy showed massive all-round pace to beat Dromana Tornado, by five lengths. 

OTHER STANDOUT PERFORMANCES

Marlfield Niamh made a winning return to racing action with a strong display in the 12th, an AA0. Skylight Blake shot clear early and the race looked in safekeeping, however, the 2-1 winner was much the stronger from halfway. At the line, a length and a half separated the front two, in 29.36. 

The race of the night came in the seventh, Mega Mary just getting the verdict in a three-way photo. Sizzler looked in control heading down the back straight, but the 9-2 winner was going the shorter route throughout. Flying into the last corner, Mega Mary just held both Murleys Reel and Sizzler in the closing yards to win, in 29.50. A head and a short head the distances.

Backed from 3-1 into 2-1, Hollyhill Bobby landed a few decent bets when taking the second of the night, an A4, in great style. Called in from the reserves, the Ger Gubbins owned and trained runner bounced out in front, strong throughout, he cruised to a six and a half-length victory over Aughane Floss, in 29.63, for the Fermoy kennel.

It was great to see so many young people in attendance. On what was a beautiful night at the seaside venue, supporters of the track will now look forward to the summer months ahead.