Bumper spell of success for Limerick jockeys on the track

SHANAGOLDEN jockey Chris Hayes maintained his fine start to 2023 as he partnered the Edward Lynam-trained Bonny Power to take the five-furlong maiden at Dundalk on Wednesday last.

Sporting the familiar red and white colours of Sabena Power, the 11/1 chance came from off the pace to win by a length and a half from the Andy Slattery-trained 6/5 favourite On Our Radar. Hayes rode a winner on each of his first two visits to the all-weather venue this year.

Limerick jockeys were to the fore at Dundalk on Friday night. Castlemahon rider Mark Enright was first into the winners’ enclosure as Mehman scored an easy success in the opening five-furlong handicap on the all-weather on Friday.

Curragh trainer Ger O’Leary landed a 1-2 in the race as the 7/5 favourite came through late on to head his front-running stable companion Primo Uomo inside the final furlong to win by three lengths, readily confirming recent course and distance form with the 11-year-old runner-up.

Ballingarry jockey Billy Lee was another to team up with a Curragh-based trainer as he won the eight-furlong maiden on Michael O'Callaghan’s News At Ten. Lee sat close to the pace on the 9/4 chance and led at the furlong pole as he scored a two and three-parts of a length win from the Cormac Farrell-trained Seven Hills.

Michael Halford’s good run of form at the venue continued as Doctor Grace gave Lee a second success in the seven-furlong handicap. Again, it was easy for the 5/2 shot as she got the better of Noel Meade’s Knockmore Prince by three and a quarter lengths, the first winner Halford has trainer for the long-established Dundalk Racing Club.

Chris Hayes was not to miss out and he was on the mark again as the Ado McGuinness-trained Bowerman took the 12-furlong handicap in battling fashion. The game nine-year-old came from off the pace to wear down the Tony Martin-trained 13/8 favourite Firstman well inside the final furlong to win by half a length.

Upcoming Fixtures: 

Fairyhouse – Wednesday, February 8 (First Race 12.45pm)

Thurles – Thursday, February 9 (First Race 1.30pm)

Dundalk – Friday, February 10 (First Race 4.25pm)

Naas – Saturday, February 11 (First Race 1.05pm)

Navan – Sunday, February 12 (First Race 1.40pm)