HOLLAND TREBLE THE HIGHLIGHT AT CLONMEL

Peter Farrell

The final of the Philomena Dunne Memorial ON2 525 was the feature event on last night’s Clonmel card and it went the way of Jacktavern Bella as she contributed to treble on the night for Graham Holland.

Kindly sponsored by JJ Dunne, the Philomena Dunne Memorial Unraced carried a winner’s prize of €800 and after posting a scorching 28.70 on her debut appearance, Jacktavern Bella was expected to land the spoils in the decider. Owned by the Pillar-syndicate, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Lemon Ariana found things a lot trickier last night, however, she still came out on top in what proved a troublesome affair. Running from trap two, Jacktavern Bella didn't come away too fluently and was forced to settle for second early on behind Billys Red who set the standard. Forced to check entering the back, this wasn’t to deter the Graham Holland-trained charge as the talented bitch tracked the leader until the final turn before delivering her challenge. In full control late on, Jacktavern Bella stayed on strongly thereafter to cross the line three lengths clear of Billys Red in second. The time was 29.37.

ROXY REMAINS UNBEATEN

The treble was kick-started in race four as Newinn Roxy made it three wins from as many races in the Sporting Press Online Edition A0/A1 525.

Owned by Shari-Anne O’Donnell, Newinn Roxy had impressed in previous starts at both Cork and Clonmel and she was once again paw-perfect in maintaining her flawless career record. A May 20’ daughter of Droopys Buick and Newinn Expert, the talented bitch was again swiftly into stride from trap five and she quickly outpaced her rivals in the opening exchanges. Setting a slick gallop thereafter, Newinn Roxy met a worthy opponent in the shape of Glenbervie Rosy, however, she stuck to her guns well to cross the line with a half a length in hand. The time was a fast 28.80.

IMPRESSIVE ROCCO

The treble for Graham Holland was completed in the concluding race of the night as Rathcoole Rocco secured a first career win.

Owned by the Parachute-Syndicate, Rathcoole Rocco had shown brilliant promise in earlier starts without raising a flag but he duly delivered on that potential with a runaway victory in an A3 event. Breaking well from trap two, the son of Ballymac Vic and Ballydoyle Honey had to play second best to Dublinhill Turbo early on but he displayed big speed down the far side before taking charge at the midway point. Drawing clear of the field thereafter, Rathcoole Rocco stormed up the home straight to seal a seven and a half length victory over Dublinhill Turbo in second. The time was a fast 28.81.