MONA LEE TOO STRONG FOR RIVALS AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

Mona Lee Monbeg came with a withering run to land the Wexford GOBA Open Unraced at Enniscorthy on Monday night, although for much of the way it seemed unlikely.

The betting suggested it was a quite an open affair with Priceless Ron and Son Of Anarchy topping the market, just ahead of Mona Lee Monbeg, although Miss Lackalea also had plenty of support.

Although not amongst the favourites in the betting, Tip Top Celt displayed the best dash into the turn to set the pace. Despite drifting a little wide, allowing Son Of Anarchy to challenge on the second bend, Tip Top Celt went back to the front early in the back straight.

But there was a queue of greyhounds just in behind, not including Mona Lee Monbeg. Indeed, the son of Glengar Bale and Monalee Ruth was only fourth to halfway and was briefly fifth into the third turn.

Priceless Ron and Son Of Anarchy pushed in second and third but the whole complexion of the contest was about to change. In the warm conditions, Tip Top Celt, who was still in front, began to tire. So too did Son Of Anarchy.

Priceless Ron now looked a serious challenger but Mona Lee Monbeg was also beginning to make a move. Finding a seam up the middle of the track, he cut through the pack to strike the front in the closing yards. Owned by Cormac Doyle and Mark Hatton, Mona Lee Monbeg hit the line two lengths to the good in 29.27. Priceless Ron was second with Miss Lackalea finishing well to take third, just a half length further adrift.