Kerry owners make final succesful push for Clonmel ticket at Clonakilty
WITH just under three weeks to go until the National meeting gets underway at Powerstown Park, all eyes in the coursing world were firmly fixed on the Clonakilty meeting held last weekend as the chase for the last few remaining Trial Stake tickets got underway in earnest. It proved to be a highly successful meeting for Kerry owned hounds as both Trial Stakes and the All Age Cup were won by Kerry owned hounds.
Kyle Tanyard (Kyle James/tanyard Beauty) has proved to be a real surprise package this season and now looks set to take his place in this season's Champion Stakes as he collected maximum points for the second time this season with victory in the Jade's Dilemma All Age Cup. The property of Jim Mccarthy Listowel, Kyle Tanyard bounced back from two unsuccessful outings during the festive season, with a two length win over Kilcastle in the opening round. The same winning distance ensued with wins over Gurteen Oscar and Chinook Hyland to progress to the final against Southside Tess. The Listowel dog continued his winning run as he dominated proceedings in the final course to take victory with ease.
The Oaks Trial Stake went to Careful Holly (Eoin Rua/inspiring) who showed tremendous pace over the two days. Trained by Mossie O'connor and owned by Patie and Olga O Sullivan from Scartaglen, the March whelp clocked impressively throughout the stake but faced a tough task in the final as she took on the Denis O'driscoll trained Tiocfaidh Ar La who had the added bonus of the red collar which was proving signicant on the short stretch. Indeed, it was the Cork Bitch who hit the front first, but Careful Holly was back on terms within strides and was opening daylight between her and her rival by halfway, with the winning margin being two lengths at the opening turn.
Ardfert Peter (Bexhill Eoin/silent Mac) collected the Derby ticket as he defeated Spurce Mario by three and a half lengths in the final course.
Owned by Adrian Clifford, Ardfert Peter was a strong favourite throughout the stake, as he clocked well throughout the opening rounds. Although he looked tired when holding off a late bid by Fleetwood Bex in the semi-final, he recovered sufficiently to take the final course with ease. A Febuarary pup, Ardfert Peter may well prove a sticky challenger in the Derby as he possesses tremendous early pace and has it well within his capabilities to make a bold show.
Finally, Bantrys Michael Spillane is never too far away from the winners enclosure, and he took honours in the Interclub Stake with Lochbo Rock and Lochbo Pebbles who prevailed in the West Cork Derby.
