OPINION POUNCES LATE FOR MEMORABLE 600 TRIUMPH
Ian Fortune
After going close in the past, Owen McKenna finally got over the line in the Shelbourne Open 600 at a busy Shelbourne Park on Saturday night as Mydras Opinion produced a power-packed display to get up on the line to land the €15,000 prize.
Not for the first time in recent years, the final of the final classic served up a thriller with Grouchos Gregor, Lemon Orla and Mydras Opinion all playing their part in making this such a memorable contest.
Grouchos Gregor went to traps the industry favourite at 15-8 and things seemed to be going to plan when he shot to the front on the long run to the turn. Lemon Orla also came away racing and sat in second early, while Mydras Opinion was third from the start.
Callaway Knegare and Lemon Hidalgo both found themselves playing catchup after mistiming the start.
Grouchos Gregor hit the corner with just over a length in front but increased his advantage, running a wonderful line. Lemon Orla moved off slightly, forcing Mydras Opinion to take a step to his right also.
It all meant that Grouchos Gregor entered the back straight with a commanding three and a half-length advantage and increased it to over four lengths by halfway. By all accounts, the contest seemed over but things can change quickly over the testing 600yd trip.
After halfway, Lemon Orla started to close. As they hit the third turn, the gap was down to three lengths with Lemon Orla closing fast but Mydras Opinion was also closing, just a length and a half behind Lemon Orla.
The stage was now set for a dramatic finish. Lemon Orla seemed to run a far better corner than the leader and quickly closed to join Grouchos Gregor on the final bend. By the time they straightened up on the run in, she was in front.
But Mydras Opinion was now also in full stride. Despite steering a middle to wide path, he maintained all his momentum and began to close himself. He was still over a length down halfway up the run in but was now devouring the ground.
Lemon Orla and Grouchos Gregor continued to battle on towards the inside of the track but neither could contain Mydras Opinion. The powerful son of Deerjet Sydney and Mydras Dawn got up in the final strides to hit the line a half length in front in 32.39. Lemon Orla was second with Grouchos Gregor just a length away in third.
For owner Moira Costigan it must have been a special moment. The winner is out of her own bitch Mydras Dawn and, given the way he won, he won’t be short of options in the coming months. Certainly, he has the pace and power to compete at the highest level over 550yds and beyond, but he could also stay six bends which would really open doors for him.
Margaret Dineen GRI presents the trophy to Moira Costigan after Mydras Opinion won the 2026 Shelbourne Open 600. Also included are Michael Costigan, trainer Owen Mc Kenna, Antonette Egan, Dylan Brennan Racing Manager and John McKenna. Pic: Imelda Grauer
FAME POWERS TO SUCCESS
Anthony Rooney and Owen Sweetman’s Coolemount Fame displayed both pace and power to land the final of the Shelbourne Spring Opens 525, albeit he had plenty of luck as well.
Last into the turn after a slow start, he picked his way through the pack at the turn after some scrimmaging.
Indian Mist turned in front but the writing was on the wall when Coolemount Fame moved second into the back straight. Charging down the back, he challenged and headed the leader before the final turn and then stayed on well to win by four lengths in 28.68. Exclusion Order came through for second.
SOBER AND STAR CATCH EYE IN FINALE
The final race on the card featured a couple of notable performances, not least from the winner Sober Barry as he produced a thoroughly professional display to make every inch of the running for Karol Ramsbottom and Sean Malone.
The prolific son of Skywalker Barry and Sober Pearl was lightning fast from traps and was clear by the bend. Entering the back straight with five lengths in hand, the race was over as a contest or so it seemed.
Waitingforastar was third at this point but soon hit the turbos to move second. Closing right up to the third turn, the race seemed to be in the balance only for Sober Barry to continue to gallop on with purpose.
He eventually scored by a length and a half in a stunning 28.15 but Waitingforastar certainly deserves a place in the notebook if he’s not already there. Both the winner and runner-up are set for a big 2026 and will now be targeted at the big competitions.
DROOPYS PUTTING HIMSELF ON THE MAP
Racing commenced with a top class open 575 and Droopys Map emerged a superb winner for Con Guiney.
Drawn widest of six inside seeds, the son of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Dancer was typically fluent at traps and made every inch of the running.
Plenty tried to emerge from the pack and challenge but once slipping around in front, nothing was going to worry the pace-setter. Droopys Map looks destined to stay six bends in time so it was no shock to see him stride out to the line, emerging a facile five length winner over Ballyhooly Bruno in a brilliant 30.72.
MEG IMPRESSES
Early speed was certainly the key to success in the semi-finals of the irgt.ie A0 NB 525 with both Jerrivee De Meg and Mutts Maximus dominating.
The former went up strongly from three and was in front by the corner. Foulkscourt Cody gave chase but could never get back on terms.
Trained by Paul Hennessy for Brendan Cocoman and Ian Cunningham, the son of Dromana Bucko and Outback Annie emerged a two length winner in 28.46.
MAXIMUS CONTINUES SUPERB RUN OF FORM
The Shaun Conway trained Mutts Maximus claimed a fourth victory in five starts in the second heat, again showing fine early speed to dictate from the outset.
Owned by Ann and Declan Johnson, the son of Grangeview Ten and Glory Razl held a comfortable lead down the back straight but increased his advantage throughout. Pulling right away on the run in, he eventually hit the line ten lengths clear of Vernon Mist in 28.54.
GENIE TOO GOOD
Both semi-finals of the grireland.ie A1 525 were won ion fine style but Rolo Genie went quickest when making the most of his early speed to make virtually all for Barry Clancy and John Scofield.
The son of Malachi and Distant Sal dug deep to contain the best efforts of Droopys Orator into the third turn before staying on well to record a career best 28.49. Four lengths separated Rolo Genie and Droopys Orator on the line.
SAY YOU WILL DID
There was a desperately tight finish to the second final with Say You Will (Coolavanny Calvn/ Fleeting Angel) just holding the strong late challenge of Kilcolgan Norman in 28.63.
The former flashed from three and quickly seized control but he needed the line as his rivals closed. Trained by Gerry Holian for the Dream Catchers Syndicate, Say You Will held on by a head.
LODGE HOLDS ON
The A1 second race went the way of Corcass Lodge as he made every inch to contain the late charge of Barntick Bucko.
Trained by Liam O’Rourke for Chris Bermingham, the son of Good News and Corcass Hope clung on to hold his rival by a head in 28.77.