NEADY AND SLEEPER LAND LIMERICK FINALS

Peter Farrell

Limerick played host to two sweepstake finals on Saturday night, as both the Try a Trio A2 525 and the I.R.G.T. A3 525 went down for decision.

The standout final on the card was the Try a Trio A2 525, and it was landed in expert fashion by Balymartin Neady, who completed a fine hat-trick of wins after claiming both previous rounds. Owned by Sean Roche, the promising youngster has made a blistering start to her racing career, with this latest success making it three wins from just four starts. Sent off at 9/4, the daughter of Dromana Bucko and Parkview Trudi flew from trap four to lead, but was quickly challenged by market rival Kevinsfort Spice in the early stages. The pair went stride-for-stride down the back, neither giving an inch, but ‘Neady’ took control at the third bend with a terrific cornering display. From there, the March whelp powered clear up the Limerick hill to score by five and a half lengths over Kyletaun Lucky in second. The winning time was a sharp 28.59.

The final of the I.R.G.T. A3 525 saw Hellroad Sleeper spring a 4/1 surprise, coming from off the pace to land a messy contest in game fashion.

Hawkeye Express set the early fractions, opening a two-and-a-half-length lead into the back straight over the fancied Jet Symbols. However, as Jet Symbols closed in approaching the penultimate bend, the pair came together, a collision that opened the door for both Hellroad Sleeper and the favourite, Carrigmore Micah. What followed was a dramatic finish, with Hellroad Sleeper just holding off Carrigmore Micah in a blanket conclusion to score by a neck and a short head separating the first three home. Owned by Kieran Connolly and Patrick Stack, the winner stopped the clock in 29.24.