DRAMA IN HEADQUARTERS DECIDER

Ian Fortune

There was a bit of drama at the Shelbourne Park on Friday night as the final of the valuable October Headquarters A3 NB 525 went the way of Aero Baltic only for Barry Clancy’s son of Coolavanny Hoffa and Swift Hazel to be suspended soon after.

Aero Baltic broke fastest from two and quickly found himself in charge. Both Gallant Princess and Ballykilduff Lad went up well in second and third but neither could contain Gallant Captain into the third turn.

The latter flew down the back straight and pressed Aero Baltic off the final turn. As Gallant Captain made his move inside the final fifty, Aero Baltic seemed to take exception. Turning in on his rival, the May ’23 whelp would hold on by short head in 28.55 only for the stewards to step in. It was an unfortunate end to what was a good competition.    

CHAMP CLAIMS DUAL DISTANCE

Grouchos Champ took the final of the RCETS App A2 Dual Distance over 575yds with a fine display of front running.

Trained by Dave Bourke for Ken O’Connell, the son of Grangeview Ten and Glideaway Magic needed the long run to the turn to assert but, once doing so, was always in charge.

Wishful Peggy emerged from the pack to give chase and did close in the second half of the contest but Grouchos Champ emerged a three and a half length winner in 31.44

IMPRESSIVE CROSSFIELD DOUBLE

Brendan O’Shea had a notable double in the opening round of the Three Steps To Victory A3 Tri-Distance.

Crossfield Roman was impressive in the opening heat, charging to the front on the turn to win by four lengths from Sperrin Boss in 28.49 but Crossfield Matt took the headlines with a stunning 28.07 return in the last of the three heats.

The son of Droopys Sydney and Crossfield Linda was flawless, flashing from three to go further and further clear for a facile fourteen length success over Peregrine Ronnie.

For the record, the other heat went the way of Thunder Dance for Jamie and John McGee as he emerged three lengths clear in 28.79.

TURBO LIVES UP TO HER NAME

Black Eyed Turbo set a strong standard in the semi-finals of the Two Steps To Victory A1 Dual Distance, posting a rapid 30.86 for the 575yd trip.

The Kevin Losty trained star, who was an Oaks finalist in the summer, dominated from the outset to win by four lengths from Zenith Gizmo. 

Snowy April forced his way to the front around the last two bends in the second heat to win for Rory McConnell. The powerful galloper raced to a comfortable seven length success over Droopys Gill in 31.34.