PROLIFIC BRIDGES TAKES SHELBOURNE’S FEATURE

Ian Fortune

Over 1,000 French rugby fans journeyed to Shelbourne Park on Friday night ahead of Saturday’s Six-Nations game around the corner at the Aviva Stadium.

The noise levels would suggest they certainly enjoyed themselves, but not as much as Matthew and Barry Caul who took the feature with their prolific youngster Black Bridges.

The daughter of Ballymac Best and Killeen Princess was ideally housed on the fence in the final of the Barking Buzz App A3 Bitch 525 and produced a tremendous front-running display to land the €2,000 prize at the expense of warm favourite Quivers Magic.

Making a slick exit, Black Bridges disputed the lead into the turn alongside Apache Pass. The duo continued to battle for supremacy down the far side, although the eye was also drawn to the chasing pair of Quivers Magic and Laughil Jess.

Black Bridges finally got the better of Apache Pass on the third turn but now she had Quivers Magic to contend with. The latter was on the heels of the leader and seemed to have the race thrown to her when Black Bridges drifted wide as they turned for home.

The leader had other ideas, however. Showing a wonderfully willing attitude, Black Bridges really dug in on the run in to contain the late challenge of Quivers Magic by a head in 28.78. Sparta Princess flew home to grab third, a further two lengths adrift.

The winner, Black Bridges, seems to be improving with each run and now boasts a record of six wins from eight outings. Don’t rule out further improvement in the coming weeks.     

Michael Dempsy Racing Manager Shelbourne Park presents the trophy to Barry Caul after Black Bridges won the Barking Buzz App A3 Bitch 525 Final. Also included are Dominic, Nicole and Charley Caul.                              Pic: Imelda Grauer