HAWK HOLDS ON TO LAND DUBLIN’S MONTHLY NOVICE

Ian Fortune

The feature of Thursday’s card at Shelbourne Park was the final of the November Monthly Novice ON2 525 and Greenmount Hawk did what was needed to win, although he was all out to contain Unassuming in a desperate finish.

Duffin Dermy again went up fastest but the writing was on the wall for him when Greenmount Hawk (Lenson Bocko/ For One Moment) rode an opening bend bump to challenge between the opening two bends. Unassuming was also prominent at this point but was forced to check off as she was left tight of room.

Greenmount Hawk, trained by Owen McKenna for Colin Ingram, moved on as they entered the back straight but Unassuming soon emerged a serious threat, passing Duffin Dermy at the third turn.   

Greenmount Hawk came under serious pressure but Unassuming was forced to switch wide off the final turn, costing her the victory. Greenmount Hawk dug deep to contain his fast-finishing rival by a head in 29.28.

PROMISING START FOR MCELROY

The fastest run on the card came from an unraced puppy as Crawford Ruddy’s Drumcrow Mcelroy stayed on well to pick up the long-time leader Up Quick in the ON1 opener. Up Quick displayed fine early speed to build a clear advantage, only to run out of steam.

In contrast, the Roy Ruddy trained Drumcrow Mcelroy finished off his race with purpose, getting up late to win by a half length in 28.76. It was a bright start to his carer from the son of Drumcrow Darwin and Lemon Kerri and he is clearly one to keep an eye on going forward, while the runner up is also promising.