DOLLY CREATES HISTORY IN A MOST MEMORABLE CESAREWITCH

Ian Fortune

There was an incredible finish to the TIME Irish Cesarewitch at Mullingar on Sunday afternoon with Singalong Dolly finding a way to create history by becoming just the fourth multiple winner of the midlands classic, cruelly denying a brave Radical Scoby in a most memorable contest.

In victory, she handed Pat Buckley a record sixth victory in the classic following the wins of Micks Savings, Droopys Acrobat, Paradise Maverik, Bobsleigh Dream and Singalong Dolly last year.

However, for much of the journey it seemed as though it would be Superfast Gorden who would do the business for Buckley only for him to hand his advantage away between the last two bends.

REAL DRAMA

The drama came in spades from the outset.

Warm favourite was Pennys Cailin after her brilliant semi-final run but she failed to make the start she needed from three. Phoenix Memphis, who looked the most likely pace-setter stumbled at traps, while Timmys Bucks was also slow into stride from one and would never get involved.

In contrast, each of the three outside runners would have a huge say in the contest. Radical Scoby broke fastest to lead the field in the opening yards, finding room on his inside to cut for the fence. It was only in the final strides into the bend where he was joined and headed by Superfast Gorden.

With the latter cutting the turn, Radical Scoby was forced to check slightly allowing Singalong Dolly to force her way into second spot.

GORDEN OUT FRONT

But to all the world, Superfast Gorden seemed to be in pole position.

Entering the back straight with two and a half lengths in hand on his kennel mate, he seemed a very likely winner. Radical Scoby was a further three lengths back at this point and seemingly in need of some luck.

As so often happens at Mullingar, the complexion of the race completely changed around the last two bends. Superfast Gorden was still in front but seemed to be caught out by the sharpness of the turn and checked wide, losing momentum.

ALL CHANGE BETWEEN FINAL BENDS

Suddenly, Singalong Dolly and a rapidly improving Radical Scoby were challenging with the former turning for home with a length in hand.

Radical Scoby charged up the straight and joined Singalong Dolly inside the final fifty yards.

Like two prize fighters at the end of a heavyweight clash, the pair went toe to toe. It’s hard to tell whether Radical Scoby did actually get to the front but he seemed the most likely winner inside the final twenty strides. Singalong Dolly had other ideas.

A REMARKABLE FINISH GOES THE WAY OF SINGALONG

She rallied and the pair flashed past the post locked in battle.

The judge was immediately called into action with it too close to call. The biggest surprise was the winning distance; a head. It certainly looked much closer but Singalong Dolly had done it.

The brilliant daughter of Droopys Sydney and Mydras Dawn, who is a nominee for 2024 Bitch of the Year, had defended her crown for her lucky owner Gilbert Anderson, stopping the clock in 33.62.

Radical Scoby ran his heart out in second while connections of Superfast Gorden can also feel regret with their charge finishing just a length and half further adrift in third.

It was a memorable contest but to the victor belong the spoils. Singalong Dolly joins Bonus Prince (3 times), Roan Hurricane and Definate Opinion as a multiple winner of the race. It’s been quite a start to 2025 for Gilbert Anderson’s star and it’s clear she is going to a force once again.

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CONSOLATION FOR POWERFUL BONDI

Earlier on the card, the hugely strong Crafty Bondi powered home to land the Consolation Cesarewitch by six and a half lengths in 33.71.

Never far off the pace set by Clonfert Annie despite getting held up off the second turn, Peter Divilly’s brilliant daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Coolavanny Bondi took charge into the third bend before making her power count. Fashion Model stayed on well to grab second in the closing yards.