HALO MAKES TOP CLASS WINNING DEBUT AT KILCOHAN PARK

Barry Drake

HALO (Laughil Blake-Murlens Maura) looks like a dog to follow going forward as the May puppy delivered a high class 28.49 winning debut run around Kilcohan Park on Saturday night. 

Weighing in at 81 pounds, he rates a really exciting sort for trainer Declan Byrne and owners Basil and Bernadette Holian. 

Showing bundles of early pace to lead, the 1-2 favourite was always in control and got his racing career off to the perfect start.

Emilys Jet also ran really well, just three lengths behind the winner. Both have bright futures ahead and they're worth following in round two of the Transcages Ireland Unraced Stake next weekend. 

BALLYMAC FREYA MAKES ALL

The opening semi-final of the Paddy and Ciara Sharkey Bookmakers and W.T.S.C A2 stake went the way of Ballymac Freya for trainer Declan Byrne and owner Karl Cullen.

In front throughout, the 4-5 market leader was two clear of Twinkle, in 31.37. A short-head back to Brynoffa Sweet back in third place.

STRONG FINISH FROM STICKMAN

In the second semi-final, Stickman ran out a great winner in 31.31.

Black Summer made a lot of the running, but the even-money favourite was much the stronger in the closing stages.

Owned by Susan James, the strong running Stickman kept on powerfully late on, a two-length success from the early leader. Four lengths back in third was Almighty Paddy.