EXCITING ALIYA DASHES TO SHELBOURNE SUCCESS

Ian Fortune

Daniel O’Rahilly has certainly made a name for himself in recent years, sending out Knockeen Dazzler to capture the Kirby Memorial, while also reaching the final of the Juvenile Derby with the hugely talented Droopys Faithful last month.

The latter will take her place in the semi-finals of the Galway Oaks this evening and the kennel will be buoyed by the victory of another of their stars, Knockeen Aliya, who raced to a wonderful success in the final of the Shelbourne Park Novice Dash on Thursday night.  

A daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Ballymac Cams, she has shown real acceleration and trapping ability in her short career. She had to show other qualities on Thursday, however. Headed at traps by Jacktavern Turbo and Crossfield Ed, she was soon challenging for the early lead along the fence.

ShalleeDooda displayed fine early dash to go to the front on the bend but Knockeen Aliya made full use of her draw. Running a tremendous bend, she would take over as they hit the home straight. Both Jacktavern Turbo and Gougane Buster would join in on the run in but Knockeen Aliya would dig deep to hold on for a three parts of a length success over the staying on Jacktavern Turbo in 18.86. There was just a short head to ShalleeDooda in third with Gougane Buster another half length back fourth.

ROYAL RULES IN BLINK DECIDER

The other final on the card, that of the Blink And You’ll Miss It S1 350, went the way of Saltees Royal. Representing John Delaney and Joe Anglim, the daughter of Grangeview Ten and Cosy Trend assumed control in the early yards. Heathlawn Best soon emerged as the only real threat but he could never get to the leader. Saltees Royal would go on to win by a length in 19.05.