CUSHIE TAKES FLYT TO LAND CUSHIE UNRACED

Ian Fortune

Aside from sponsoring the Cushie Kennels Open Unraced Stake at Enniscorthy, John Codd and Diana Brodie would also take their own prize on Monday night with Cushie Takeflyt made the most of an ideal draw in the stripes.

On Springs and Ballinabola Ruth dominated the market after impressing through the early rounds but the duo would clash on more than one occasion in the early exchanges. Jewel Hope and Coolbawn Spring would both go up strongly, chased by the market leaders but the complexion of the contest would change on the corner.

Ballinabola Ruth and On Springs, after bumping at boxes, would clash again at the turn with the latter hitting the deck. Jewel Hope would find himself in front but Cushie Takeflyt ran a tremendous second bend, cutting through the pack to go second.

Only fifth to the turn, he was suddenly the one to beat as he closed on Jewel Hope. Taking charge just before halfway, Cushie Takeflyt quickly moved into a what seemed a decisive advantage. However, his stride began to shorten as they turned for home.

Jewel Hope was closing but checked up as they approached the line. This left Sunfire Sally to take second but Cushie Takeflyt would land the €1,500 prize by two and a half lengths in 29.41. Jewel Hope was a neck away in third.