DUKE REIGNS SUPREME IN SELECT STAKES

Ian Fortune

Graham Holland claimed more silverware across the water on Monday night when sending out Clona Duke to emerge victorious in the Jenningsbet Select Stakes at Nottingham.

Coming away racing, Clona Duke edged to his right, taking a bump in the early yards, but quickly straightened up to dictate the pace into the turn from Brookside Richie.

In contrast, fellow Irish raiders Ballinabola Ed and Gaytime Nemo weren’t the fastest at traps and struggled to get involved. Brookside Richie continued to press Clona Duke down the far side but there was no stopping the pace-setter.

The Irish Select Stakes and Juvenile Derby champion maintained a powerful gallop all the way to the finish to emerge a thoroughly deserving two and three quarter length winner in 29.49. Candolim Monsoon ran on strongly for second with Romeo Command another half length adrift in third.

Ballinabola Ed was next in fourth after finding crowding at the first and third turns, while Gaytime Nemo could never figure after early traffic before finishing last.     

It was a wonderful success for Kevin O’Brien’s Clona Duke, confirming his standing as one of the very best in training. The son of Malachi and Coolavanny Pearl also provided his breeder, Jim O’Donnell, with a welcome early birthday present. Rumour has it Jim turns the big 6-0 on Friday.

BOBSLEIGH ALSO SCORES FOR IRELAND

Bobsleigh Dream gave Pat Buckley consolation for the defeat of Ballinabola Ed when winning a supporting Open 500m contest.

Never far off the pace, she came through on the latter stages to pip Coppice Kaiser by a short head in 29.92.

NO LUCK FOR BELLA

Sadly, there was no luck for Jacktavern Bella in the Select Stayers.

She missed the start and could never get room to race from an outside draw. She eventually finished fifth behind the brilliant Space Jet, who stopped the clock in 44.34.