JOE TOO GOOD IN DUBLIN CUP DECIDER

Ian Fortune

Skidrow Joe clearly read the brief ahead of his Dublin Cup assignment at Shelbourne Park on Friday night as he produced the fastest start of his career before powering his way to a deserving success in the €7,500 to the winner decider.

Sent to traps the 2-1 favourite from a tricky draw in three, the Owen McKenna trained son of Ballymac Bolger and Coolavanny Chick broke fast to lead in the opening strides with Gallant Hunter challenging on his inner. Skidrow Joe held a narrow lead on the bend but steered a middle path, allowing his challenger to slip around in front.

His lead was short lived, however. Skidrow Joe, owned by the De Buitlear Syndicate, is particularly fast down the back straight and he charged to the front as they approached the third turn. Behind the front two, Razldazl Kamaria was doing all he could to close but he could never land a blow and actually faded away.

Instead, Highview Daniel finished fastest to take third but the front two were never under any pressure. Once taking control, Skidrow Joe would coast home in front despite Gallant Hunter rallying in the closing yards. Skidrow Joe would hit the line a length clear of Gallant Hunter in 28.78 on a track conservatively rated .30 slow. Highview Daniel was a further four lengths back in third.

Dylan Brennan Racing Manager Shelbourne Park presents the trophy to Oisin De Buitlear and the De Buitlear Syndicate and Fan Club after Skidrow Joe won the 2025 Dublin Cup final. Also included is Sian McKenna wife of trainer Owen McKenna.                   Pic: Imelda Grauer

LOMBARDY RAZOR-SHARP IN GIZMO CASH DECIDER

Earlier on the card, Aidan Comerford and Marie Gilbert teamed up to win in the final of the Gizmo Cash @ Stud ON2 with the very speedy Lombardy.

It was somewhat surprising to see the son of Coolavanny Hoffa and Palermo start at odds-against but his loyal supporters were richly rewarded.

Breaking fastest from four, he would soon move into a commanding lead. Roseville Bale would emerge from the pack and finish at speed, really catching the eye in the process, but there was no stopping Lombadry, who hit the line two lengths to the good in 29.11 (.30 slow). Dots Choice was another three parts oft a length adrift in third.

Dylan Brennan Racing Manager Shelbourne Park presents the trophy to Daniel Comerford after Lombardy won the Gizmo Cash @ Stud ON2/ON3 525. Also included are owner Aidan Comerford, trainer Marie Gilbert and Des Gilbert.            Pic: Imelda Grauer