SUCCESSFUL BENEFIT NIGHT FOR BABY CHELSIE AT GALWAY

Peter Farrell

Galway hosted a benefit night in aid of the Jack & Jill foundation, which was in memory of baby Chelsie McDonagh, on Saturday night and the performances were fitting of a thoroughly worthy cause.

The standout run on the night came in race seven as Hanover Storm once again showed his class in dipping under the 29-second barrier. Running for Leeanne Fleming, the 2/1 favourite played second fiddle in behind Drombeg Apollo early doors, however, the son of Slippery Robert and Be Slor Dor is known for his strong-running attributes and the writing was very much on the wall at the midway point as he flew past the early leader. Upping the ante entering the third turn, the well named ‘Storm’ set a blistering gallop thereafter as he proceeded to draw clear and account for a three and a half length success over Paradise Brook in second. The time was a fine 28.97 .10s.

In the ‘Baby Chelsie A6 525’, there was another off-the-pace winner in the shape of Brilliant News, owned by Krystle McDonagh. Chasing a second career win, the 5/2 chance was headed by both Dynamic Josie and Fast Fit Rex and it was the latter who took control entering the back straight. However, ‘Brilliant’ proved just that as the son of Good News stormed up the inside at the penultimate turn before staying on stoutly to score. Two lengths in hand, the time was 29.58 .10s.

In race five, an A4 525, Baby Firefly justified even money favouritism for Margaret Bolton as the pocket-sized tracker broke her maiden tag. Owned by Kenny McGrogan, the daughter of Burgess Bucks and Bower Deise stalked Confused Kiely for the majority of this contest, however, delivered a strong finishing kick to take control in the closing stages. Crossing the line one length too strong, the time was a smart 29.16 .10s.

There was a blistering display in the ‘Baby Chelsie Novice Marathon’ as Rach Itup Reg (Explosive Boy - Bruis Talent) dominated for Michael and Owen McDonagh. Confidence was clearly high for this fawn as she went to traps as the 4/6 favourite but followers could be forgiven for being slightly concerned as she was a bad last for the first half of the contest. However, showing fine speed down the back straight, she duly took control at the fifth turn before opening a sizable lead that stretched to an impressive eighteen lengths at the line. The time was 46.99 .20s for the 810 yard distance.

Over the sprint trip, it was Kilbride Tractor that produced a masterclass of sprinting power for Frank Seery and David Hanlon. Only an October pup, this tracker was a winner of his debut in a swift 29.05 at Mullingar and his reputation only enhanced last night when proving just as effective over the two-bend trip. 7/4 in the market, the son of Dorotas Wildcat and Crokers Ruby was quickly into stride from three and although challenged by Heathlawn Best, had far too much for his rival once getting loose. Drawing clear up the home straight, this was a thoroughly impressive performance as ‘Tractor’ came home three clear to record a slick 17.99 .5s.