SAOIRSES GIRL MAKES IT BACK-TO-BACKS STAKES WINS AT LIFFORD

SAOIRSES GIRL MAKES IT BACK-TO-BACKS STAKES WINS AT LIFFORD

Peter Farrell

The final of the Fitzwilliam A3/A4 525 served as the feature at Lifford Stadium on Saturday night and it was Saoirses Girl that sealed a quick-fire sweepstake double with a comfortable victory for Eddie and Teresa Hurson.

Saoirses Girl landed a red-hot unraced sprint stake in recent months at Lifford and she certainly gave the impression that a step-up in trip would suit on that occasion. While the choicely-bred daughter of King Sheeran - Cielo may have taken her time to get accustomed to the step up to four-bends, she put it all together last night with an ultra-impressive performance to see off a number of strong rivals and win at her leisure. Drawn well in one, ‘Saoirse’ broke with intent this time around to post a rapid 2.61 sectional and leave her rivals for dust early on. In doing so, she built a commanding lead down the back as Glavin Thief set off in chase in second. The damage was already down, however. Staying on much stronger on this occasion, Saoirses Girl had built an unassailable lead at the three-quarter mark and she never looked under pressure as she comfortably raced to a three and a half length success over Glavin Thief in second. The time was a fast 29.15.

BOB QUICKEST OVER TWO-BENDS

The litter of Callaway Pro Am - Bogger Megan has proved a fruitful one and while Bogger Bob was busy scoring in a fast 29.17 around the tough Thurles circuit, Bogger Ollie also notched a first career win in the curtain raiser at Lifford.

Owned by James Campbell, Bogger Ollie was well-supported on track and he trapped best of all from trap five to give himself every chance in the opening exchanges. Challenged by Credit Note on the run to the bend, the turn came just in time for ‘Ollie’ as he swept clear of his rival on the approach to the home straight. Thereafter, the leader got stronger as the race progressed and he emerged an easy, four length winner over Credit Note in second. The time was a smart 17.66 and ‘Ollie’ looks sure to excel when stepped up in trip.