BANBA BRIGHTSIDE ON TOP IN CLOSING STAGES OF KILCOHAN PARK FEATURE

Barry Drake

BANBA BRIGHTSIDE came out on top in the final of the €2,550 to the winner of the Gertie Power & Joyce O'Regan Memorial A2 Stake at Kilcohan Park on Saturday night.

Banba Brightside trained and owned by Fiona Goff and she is pictured receiving her prize from John and Ray O'Regan, also included were John and Stephanie Goff.

In the ownership of Fiona Goff, the pacey performer, a 3-1 shot, showed big pace throughout. It was favourite Carrigoon Mia who was in control for most of the way, but the winner has plenty of staying power and once he turned second, he was always going to be hard to hold late on. A couple of lengths to make up turning for home, the strong running winner pulled out all the stops in the closing stages to reel in the early paced Carrigoon Mia. Half a length the margin, in 28.60, with four and a half lengths back to Rathfalla Logan back in third place.

IN OTHER FEATURE RACES
Thorney Thistle landed the final of the €750 to the winner Christmas Parties @ Kilcohan Park ON2/ON3 stake for trainer Bernie Connolly and owner Hazel Hickey. A son of Ballymac Eske and Scallywag, the 3-1 shot wasn't the quickest into stirde, but he displayed plenty of early pace to win the early lead. Showing improved form, the June puppy got the better of Roanna Grout, by half a length, in 29.15.
In the final of the €1,000 to the winner W.G.O.B.A A1 Stake Final, it was Brynoffa Jenson who ran out an impressive winner for trainer Eamon Mackey and owner Hannah Mackey. The 7-2 winner came away racing and in truth, the outcome was never in any doubt. Showing plenty of speed up front, it was a 19th career success for the classy tracker, posting 28.62 and winning with plenty to spare.