NO SURPRISE TO SEE REUNION WIN SHELBOURNE FEATURE

Ian Fortune

It was a low-key night at Shelbourne on Saturday night but there was still some entertaining fare, including in the feature the race, the final of the Best Wishes for 2025 A1 525, as Surprise Reunion dug deep to hold the late charge of Monodie Mike in a terrific finish.

Trained by Marie Gilbert for the Three Legs of Man Syndicate, Surprise Reunion seemed a certain winner when shooting from traps to dictate from the early yards but Monodie Mike was determined to test the pace-setter.

The order never actually changed, although Monodie Mike did make up plenty of ground from the final turn to force the judge into action. Surprise Reunion, a well bred son of Ballymac Cashout and Das Eadaoin, would go on to win by a head in 28.72.

Conor Matthews Racing Manager Shelbourne Park presents the trophy to Pat Flanagan of the Three Legs of Man Syndicate (Gary Perce and Andy Foster ) after Surprise Reunion won the Best Wishes For 2025 A1 final, also included are Mary Gilbert (Trainer) and Des Gilbert.            Pic: Imelda Grauer                                                   

JUSTINE FLIES TO THE TURN

The ladies came to the fore in the semi-finals of the Talking Dogs A0 525 with both Brockagh Justine and Castleivy Ginge winning their respective heats.

The former went fastest, showing electric early speed to dictate from the drop of the hat.

Trained by Maureen Finnegan for Cieran Fitzgerald, the daughter of Magical Bale and Killeen Princess was always in pole position after a flying exit from trap four. Dunnanelly Fred gave chase throughout but could never get close enough to land a telling blow. Brockagh Justine would go on to win by two and a half lengths in a fast 28.58.

GINGE A PLUCKY SCORER

Castleivy Ginge (Droopys Sydney/ Pennys Baccata) had to work considerably harder.

She forced her way to the front between the opening two bends but was soon pressed by Bymystandard. the later actually went to the front between the last two bends but Castleivy Ginge worked her way back to the front early on the run in before staying on to secure a length victory for her connections, Karol Ramsbottom and Michael Nash, in 28.98.

MYWAY IMPRESSES

There were two good displays in the semi-finals of the Bet With the Tote A1 525 with Razldazl Myway setting the standard in the second heat for Dolores Ruth.

Although headed into the turn by Coonough Aki, the son of Explosive Boy and Razldazl Mya forced his way to the front as they hit the back straight before quickly putting the result beyond doubt.

Resurgen emerged from the pack to give chase but it was futile with Razldazl Myway racing on to win by four lengths in 28.66.

TYSON TOO STRONG

The opening heat went the way of Phoenix Tyson.

Representing the father and son team of Ian and Billy Reilly, the son of Grangeview Ten and Fahy Ripley turned a close second to Aoife Artist before making his move down the back straight.

Edging his way into the lead before halfway, he would hit the third turn with a length in hand before driving clear for a comfortable five length victory over La Pepinillo in 28.74.

NORA WINS A THRILLING FINALE

Deelish Nora (Droopys Sydney/ Ballymac Orna) did what was needed to win the finale although she was forced to dig deep by Robbie Be Slick.

Sent to traps the 5-4 favourite, Deelish Nora got off the front to dictate from the outset but Robbie Be Slick closed with some purpose into the third turn.

Joining Deelish Nora briefly on the final turn, the race seemed in the balance but the long-time leader had other ideas. Trained by John McGee for John Porter, Deelish Nora kicked again on the run in to win by three parts of a length in 28.63.

AN EARLY LEAD PROVES DECISIVE

An early advantage made the difference for La Calabaza in the A2 fourth race.

Representing Michael Corr, Roy Ball and Trevor Pearson, the daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Coolavanny Chick was always in charge once turning in front and would go on to beat Jamestown Rose by three lengths in 28.94.

Irelands Eye brought his tally to seven career wins in the A4 second race, making every inch after a fast start. Margaret Doherty’s early paced son of Pestana and Last Lady raced to a facile two length victory over Airmount Sky in 29.19.

Pat Daly’s Highview Buddy (Ballymac Cashout/ Highview Lauren) won the A6 opener, leading from the first start to dominate in an eight-length success over Lolos Aki in 29.35.

Gunner Lad made every inch in the A3 third race for Rita O’Donnell. The son of Broadstrand Bono would go on to hold Hadtobejoe by a neck in 29.43.