ROMEO CONTROL IMPRESSIVE IN THE A1 KASKO DERBY FINAL

Barry Drake

ROMEO CONTROL, trained by Graham Holland for owner David Firmager, completed a wonderful three-timer in the €6,000 to the winner A1 Kasko Derby Final at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

The October puppy displayed plenty of early speed to lead early and the 4-6 favourite was in the driving seat going around the opening corners. From there, the outcome was never in any doubt, showing plenty of pace up front, the bright prospect went on to beat Carrigoon West, by two and a half lengths, in 28.35, with a further length back to Da Dapper Flynn in third place.

Im An Exile delivered a career-best performance in the €2,500 to the winner Pat O'Driscoll Memorial A4/A5 Stake Final. Owned and trained by Andrew Lynch, the 5-4 second favourite broke in front and the strong running tracker kept finding at the head of affairs. A powerful display, clocking 28.53 and proving a length too strong for Father Jack, in 28.53.

In the €1,000 to the winner Mary O'Sullivan Memorial A2 Final, Batty Nora impressed with winning for trainer James Kelleher and owner David Manning. The 6-4 winner came away racing, showing bundles of early speed, she then stuck to her task well to beat Rafas Best, by four lengths, in 28.68.

Trainer Graham Holland was on top form, four winners on the night for the Riverside Kennels. Rebel Mars went quickest over the standard distance as the well-backed 6-4 shot displayed massive all-round speed to clock a sensational 27.96 in the opening round of the Galloping Kennels A3 Stake. Owned by Bayliss Gee, he is a serious prospect going forward.

In the same event, Silverhill Freya caught the eye when winning for Holland and owner Eugene Buckley. The 4-7 favourite posted 28.44. Untold Dollar completed the Holland four-timer when proving far too strong for his rivals in the A0 550. All one-way traffic up front, the 4-6 favourite scored easily for owners Callum Purdy and J Purdy, in 29.73.

Also in the Galloping Kennels A3 Stake, Ballyholly Bruno (6-4) just got the better of Glenduff Meena, winning by the shortest of margins, in 28.33, for trainer Tom O'Neill and the Ashgrove Trio Syndicate.

Ardrath Louis made it a great day all round for trainer John Kiely and owner Richenda Kelly when the 4-5 favourite clocked 28.82 in his opening round heat. Connections enjoyed a nice winner around Youghal, Ardrath Ali making it five wins on the trot and Louis rates a nice sort going forward after his fine victory.

Racing ended with another smart performance, this time from the Pat Kiely-trained Droopys Carbine, who was also making it back-to-back wins. Owned by Mike Kiely and Michael Ryan, the 4-6 favourite led at the opening bend and he kept on well to beat Ballycowen Conor, by a length and a half, in 28.25.

It was a night full of superb displays with a big crowd enjoying plenty of top class racing.