FERNANDES COMPLETES COLLAR HAT TRICK TO CLAIM GOLD

Ian Fortune

Fernandes completed an unbeaten passage through the Gold Collar at Shelbourne Park on Friday night, claiming his third victory on the bounce in a thrilling finish to deny a gallant Catunda Ciaran.

This was a tremendous contest with the pair going toe to toe from halfway. All seemed to be going to plan for odds-on favourite Fernandes when he came away racing to lead into the turn but Catunda Ciaran quickly emerged from the pack to give chase. Running a tremendous second turn, Catunda Ciaran challenged Fernandes early ion the back straight and there was scarcely more than a half length between the pair thereafter.

Passing halfway, there was absolutely nothing between the pair with Catunda Ciaran just showing in front to the third turn. Importantly, Fernandes had the inside line, allowing him to assert between the last two bends.

Turning for home, Fernandes had a half length on his rival but his work was far from done. Catunda Ciaran, despite taking a bump early in the home straight, rallied and advanced all the way to the line. In an incredible finish, the pair flashed past the post locked in battle.

Thankfully for Brendan Matthews and Gert Du Plessis, Fernandes had just done enough. The son of Droopys Sydney and Follys View took the verdict by a short head in 29.79. Catunda Ciaran ran a fine race in defeat, while there was a further four length gap to Blue Rumble in third.

Mark Maguire presents the trophy to Damien Matthews after Fernandes won the final of the 2023 Gold Collar 550 at Shelbourne Park. Also included are Plunkett Matthews, Lisa Finnigan and Gervase and Katie Auder.      Pic: Imelda Grauer

SHANE POUNCES LATE

Russmur Shane denied Dubious Deluxe for the second week running to land the final of the This Runs Deep A2 525 decider for Jeremiah Murphy and trainer Stephen Dunne.

Lying third for much of the way, the son of Ballymac Best and Cabra Ash came home fast to lead late for a half length verdict in 28.85.

RAPID ROAD DOMINATES

Rowlers Road may have gone four years of age in recent weeks but he is running as well as ever.

The Gary Walsh trained son of Laughil Blake was at his very sharpest in the opening semi-final of the Jim McCann Memorial, making every inch to contain the late charge of Lima Rose by a half length in 28.85.

BOO TOO STRONG

Boothebest took the second heat for Thomas Buggy and the Eagle Ballon Syndicate.

Chasing the fast starting Lolos Rogue into the back straight, the daughter of Laughil Blake took over before the third turn before easing on to beat Knockduff Soul by two lengths in 29.01.