FOGGY DIGS IN TO WIN DUBLIN CUP THRILLER

Ian Fortune

Foggy Bottom emerged a determined winner of the A2 Dublin Cup at Shelbourne Park on Friday night, showing great bravery as well as tremendous early speed to repel the persistent challenge of Noirs Best in a fitting conclusion to what turned into a superb competition.

Sadly, for those drawn on the inside of the track, space was at a premium and none could land a blow. Instead, Lawrence Jones’ Foggy Bottom went up fast from four and, despite edging across to the fence, just held both Daring Bowie and Noirs Best into the corner.

Noirs Best quickly bettered Daring Bowie entering the back straight and this set up a wonderful tussle between the front two. Never more than a half lengths away, Noirs Best did look the more likely scorer as he had picked up and handed Foggy Bottom a beating in the semis.

The latter had very different ideas on this occasion, however. With the inside line in his favour, the son of Ballymac Best and Corduff Flame just kept digging in. The pair remained locked in battle off the final turn, where Foggy Bottom saved ground staying closer to the fence. In a driving finish, Foggy Bottom held off his rivals to score by a half-length in 28.79. Daring Bowie was a further three and a half lengths away in third.  

Brian MacNeice GRI presents the Dublin Cup to Brian Jones after Foggy Bottom's win. Also included are John and Andrew Jones, Niall Arthur, Michael Dempsy Racing Manager and Members of the DGOBA, Liam O'Connor, Jimmy O'Hanlon, Alan Redmond, Anto Dunne and Michael O'Keeffe.            Pic: Imelda Grauer 

ANOTHER MAGIC RUN

Quivers Magic took off to set a blistering standard in the semi-finals of the Barking Buzz App A3 Bitch 525.

In what was her penultimate start in A3 company for the foreseeable future, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Quivers Manor was hugely impressive for PJ and Charles Sugrue as she forced her way to the front down the back straight before stretching clear.

Apache pass set a strong pace to the second turn but really had no answer to the eventual winner. The Adam Dunford trained Quivers Magic eventually crossed the line eight lengths to the good over Apache Pass in a rapid 28.57. Darbys Berry was the third qualifier, a further length and a half adrift.

BRIDGES ADDS TO IMPRESSIVE TALLY

The opening semi-final saw Black Bridges add to her already impressive tally, although she had to work harder for her victory than many expected.

Barry and Matthew Caul’s daughter of Ballymac Best and Killeen Princess failed to match her latest flying exit and was headed into the turn by Last Savannah.

Black Bridges did force her way past to lead entering the back straight but she still had work to do. Both Laughil Jess and Sparta Princess finished well but Black Bridges held on to secure a fifth victory in just her seventh career start by two lengths in 29.25. Sparta Princess was a half length back in third.