A DOWLING DOUBLE IN OPENING ROUND OF THE SHELLEY FENNELLY MEMORIA

Barry Drake

BALLYMAC ART went quickest in the opening round of the Shelley Fennelly Memorial open bitch stake at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

Owned and trained by Liam Dowling, the 4-6 market leader put on a top-class performance when leading all the way, in a sensational 28.09.

Bockos Crystal ran a big race in second, showing bundles of pace, she was just three and a half lengths behind. It was the same distance back to Ballinabola Evie in third place.

DOUBLE UP

Dowling also took heat two with Ballymac Snazzy.

Second for most of the journey, the 7-4 joint-favourite was always within touching distance but she dug really deep in the closing stages to land the spoils. A smashing display to win, in 28.44, just a neck clear of Bockos Melody with a short head back to the front running Burgess Josie.

OAKS RUNNER UP BACK TO WINNING FORM

Scooby Duchess, trained by Jennifer O'Donnell for owner Steve Noble, landed the opening heat at odds of 4-5.

Ashgrove Moana showed massive early gears to win the early lead, but the impressive winner took up the running between the final corners and the recent Irish Oaks runner up pulled away to win, by two lengths, in 28.49. Half a length back to Ballymac Run in third.

SUPERB RUN

Racing ended with a superb performance from the very talented Witches Ethiopia.

Liam Twomey's lady was in front early and from there it was all one-way traffic. The 4-5 market leader scored easily, in 28.28.