GRACE AGAIN FASTEST IN MIDLANDS DERBY

Ian Fortune

While Bogger Hunter took the big one at Shelbourne Park, Beepers Grace also provided Ian Reilly with something to smile about at Mullingar as she again set the pace in the second round of the Kilbride Kennels Midlands Derby.

The daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Beaming Smasher was too goo for her rival in the opening heat, shooting clear into the turn before dominating throughout for a facile four length victory over Hellofaracket and Downstream Chief in 30.53 (rated .60 slow).

CUSHIE WINS WELL

Soon after, Cushie Island made it two from two for the ladies, bettering the long-time pace-setter Home Oisin into the third turn before staying on well to score.

Shady Bueno came through to take second but Morgan Crowley’s Cushie Island (Soul/ Love Island) was never going to be picked up and she stayed on to take the verdict by a length and a half in 30.12. 

JOE COMES HOME CLEAR

Vinegar Joe restored some pride for the boys, coming home clear in the last of the three heats. Seamus Reilly’s son of Droops Sydney and Kilgowan Pippa was fast into stride but took an immediate bump as he cut for the fence. He quickly recovered, however, and led from the opening bend. He proceeded to see off Drinane Sydney by two and a half lengths in 30.73.