EXTRA GAIN IN FLYING FORM AT CURRAHEEN PARK

EXTRA GAIN IN FLYING FORM AT CURRAHEEN PARK

Barry Drake

Sponsored by Eoin Ivers and Frank Flannery, the €5,000 to the winner Elite Contracting Open 575 got off to a flying start in Curraheen Park on Saturday night. 

Trained by Gerry Holian for Susan Garrahy, Extra Gain impressed when winning the opening heat. All one way traffic up front, the 4-1 shot beat Da Tapper Flynn, by five and a half lengths, in 30.89. 

In the third heat, Riverside Scotch, trained by Graham Holland for Rachel Holland, ran out a wide winner. The 4-1 winner led early and he kept finding in front as he beat Ballyhooly Bruno, by two lengths, in 30.92.

In the closing heat, Thats It Jack, trained for Patrick Guilfoyle for Liam Cahill and Tony Lacey, ran out a smart winner. I’m control early, the 6-4 second favourite came home with five lengths to spare over Footfield Violet, in 31.29.

In heat two, Aherla Rocco produced a flying finish to win for Jerome Crowley. The 5-1 outsider finished with a flourish to deny Ballyhimikin Rex, by a neck, in 31.41. 

Lemon Orla, trained by Tom O’Neill for owners TJ Lyons and Noel Crowley, delivered an outstanding performance in the opening semi final of the Ger Gubbins A2 Stake. 

Following up on last week’s winning run, the 5-4 shot found herself in front early and she galloped them into the ground. A superb 28.47 winning run, four and a half lengths clear of Satin Melody. 

In the second semi final, Newinn Nana scored for trainer Patrick O’Connell and owner David O’Connor. The 3-1 winner won the important early lead and she stayed on strongly up front to win, in 28.80, three and a half lengths clear of Da Little Rocket. 

In race seven, A0, Ballycowen Conor was on top in the closing stages when winning for trainer Dean Harpur. The Debbie Doyle owned runner turned handy and he kept on well late on, winning in 28.72, beating the unlucky in running Millridge Nadia, by three quarters of a length, at odds of 3-1.

Tipperary Hurling Manager Liam Cahill and supporters after Thats It Jack landed the closing heat of the Elite Contracting Open 575.