BUSHPARK MEL LOOKS VERY SPECIAL AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

It came as no surprise that a number of very talented youngsters have already emerged from the Lord of Charity Unraced at Enniscorthy with Monday’s opening round proving some fine displays but there was also a potential superstar in action with Bushpark Mel producing one of the greatest debuts ever seen on Irish shores in the final heat.

The run from the daughter of Malachi and Please Blossom was nothing short of perfect as she clocked an incredible 28.48, the fifth fastest time ever recorded at the Show Grounds since it was first opened in 1933. 

It also happened to be the fastest ever racing debut at a track that has produced many champions, including two English Derby winners in the past decade.

Sent to traps the 1-2 favourite for the final heat after a sprightly qualifying trial at Clonmel, Bushpark Mel would absolutely pulverise her rivals, having little more than a solo trial after a fast start from three.

Owned by the Upstairs Club Syndicate, the April ’23 whelp shot clear of her rivals into the turn before racing further and further clear. Maintaining a relentless gallop to the line, she would eventually cross the line twenty-four lengths clear.

Rices Girl was scarcely in camera shot in second. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that Bushpark Mel is something special. The display left those on the stands with their jaw dropped. There are certain to be plenty of interesting parties in the youngster and her lucky owners have a decision to make. Have no doubt, if she does line up in the second round, there will be a few extra bodies on the stands hoping to see her perform in the flesh.

JET ALSO TAKES OFF

To highlight the brilliance of Bushpark Mel’s display, the second fastest heat winner Mystical Jet was some six lengths slower on the clock. He too looks an exciting youngster for trainer Pat Buckley and owner Tim Murphy.

Flashing from three and dominating throughout, the son of Ballymac Cashout and Mystical Luna went on to beat Roanna Rambo by eight and a half lengths in a fast 28.90.

CHICO ALWAYS IN CHARGE

Bounceback Chico also justified favouritism in Heat 4, making every inch for owners Anthony Kehoe and William Byrne.

A son of Wolfe and former Irish Oaks winner Jaytee Jordan, Bounceback Chico would eventually see off Ballinabola June by seven lengths in 29.14.

YETI BARES HER TEETH

On a night when so many of the heat winners dominated from the outset, Roanna Yeti was another to make every inch in Heat 7.

Robbie O’Neill’s daughter of Malachi and Roanna Bess stretched on down the back straight to cross the line five and a half lengths clear of Kilgarran Dolly in 29.22.

BILLY BOUNCES OUT

Michael Meade sent out Ardera Billy to win Heat 5 in comfortable fashion.

A trap to line winner from trap four, the son of Confident Rankin and Ardera Love would eventually see off Wishful Peggy by four lengths in 29.31.

SPARK SHINES

Amazing Spark was the hottest favourite of the night in Heat 2 but had to dig deep to reel in Pinewood Bucko before holding the late challenge of Timeless Times in 29.27.

Maria Kennedy’s son of Signet Ace and Free From Desire was second into the back straight but took over around the last two bends to cross the line a length to the good over Timeless Times in 29.27.

TRINITY TAKES CHARGE ON THE BEND

Rubys Trinity is certainly bred to be fast and she made a bright start to her career in Heat 3, leading off the turn to better Yellow Belly.

Rubys Trinity, a daughter of Coolavanny Hoffa and Oi Oi Upenalty, would slip into a clear lead by halfway before going on to win for owners Conor Hyland and Tim Slevin by five lengths in 29.46.

IVAN TAKES OPENER

Racenight Ivan would eventually come out on top in the first of the eight heats, although he did take a couple of bumps along the way.

Stepping right at traps, Kevin O’Shea’s son of Balymac Cashout and Dunquin Anna overcame an early bump before taking another on the corner.

The Pat Buckley trained youngster would eventually force his way past Nans Lark between the last two bends to emerge a five and a half length winner over the same rival in 29.72.