Reduced Clare challenge at Clonmel

CLARE’S representation in the National Coursing Meeting at Powerstown Park, Clonmel this weekend has been greatly reduced through the forced withdrawal of Redzer Ferrari from the Boylesports Derby, Mad Moment in the Horse and Jockey Hotel Oaks, Windfarm Ivy in the Grace Bruton Champion All-Aged Bitch Stake and Roquefort Barney, who was first reserve for the Kevin Smith Champion Stakes.

Redzer Ferrari picked up an injury at the weekend, much to the disappoinment of joint owners Pat Reddan (Killaloe) and Brendan Maunsell (Abbeydorney). He won his ticket at the Newcastlwest meeting but taking his place in Clonmel will be the runner-up, Scattery Alonso, trained by Dan Brassil for members of the Scattery Syndicate from Killimer. In the first round of the Derby, Scattery Alonso goes to slips with Nemos Django, who was a winner at Roscommon.

However, Pat Reddan and Brendan Maunsell still have Redzer Green in the Derby. The Miltown Malbay qualifier meets the New Ross winner, Jet Stream, recently acquired by Labasheeda native, John O’Sullivan, of Dublin Coaches and Glen Healy, Newbridge.

Although well represented in the Oaks in the past, Mullagh native, Dr Paddy O’Kelly, from outside Mullingar, has a Derby runner for the first time. Ride Your Bike won his ticket from Tubbercurry and meets Loyal Lar, representing Westmeath United.

Another Clare Derby hopeful is Colossal Ranger, the Castletowngeoghegan trial stake winner, trained by George Gallery Junior of Rockmount, Ennis for the Colossal Syndicate. He came out of the hat with Tory Hill Dansel, who had just one outing when winning in Dungarvan.

Tromora Mafi, who won the Ennis-Clarecastle Reserve Stake for Pakie Hogan of Quilty, is sixth reserve for the Derby.

It will be a big disapopoinment for Sharon Sexton and family travelling to Clonmel without Mad Moment, who picked up a virus. In the Oaks she was drawn to meet Lagan Marie, who won from East Donegal.

The first pair into slips in the second quarter of the Oaks will be Not Really (33/1), trained by Michael Nestor for Alphonsus Tubridy, Mullagh and the Dan Brassil-trained Isnt She Lovely (16/1), who qualified from Miltown Malbay.

Also in the second quarter, the Sean Doyle (Ennis)-owned and Paddy Marrinan (Miltown Malbay)-trained Pardon Me Boys has a first round date with the Borrisoleigh winner, Blastoff Betty.

Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey is a member of the Déise-Banner Syndicate that owns Clodagh River, the Dungarvan representative. She is also a second quarter runner against Conneen Kyle, who came out best in Charleville.

Also in this quarter is one of the Oaks favourites, Manley Girl (10/1), who was a very eye-catching winner at the Ennis-Clarecastle meeting for Kanturk owner, Denis Manley. She is due to meet another hotshot, Skellig Jewel (16/1), the Ardpatrick and Kilfinane winner.

The first pair in action in the fourth quarter will be the Gerry Meehan (Kiskeam and Sixmilebridge)-owned Oilean Diligent and Heart Strings.Oilean Diligent won in Liscannor and Heart Strings in Cavan.

Trainer Pat Curtin was hoping to have his third all-age winner in Clonmel with either Windfarm Ivy in the Grace Bruton Champion All-Age Bitch Stake, or with Roquefort Barney, who was first reserve for the Kevin Smith Champion Stakes. However, both have picked up injuries and will not be taking part.

Pat Curtin says Windfarm Ivy has now finished her racing career, while he will enter Roquefort Barney in the Irish Cup.

The usual big contingent will be travelling to Powerstown Park from Clare, when coursing starts at 11am on Friday and Saturday and at 11.30am on Sunday.

Order of running

Friday:

First round of Horse and Jockey Hotel Oaks

Interval

First Round of Boylesports Derby

First round of Dublin Coach Kitty Butler Stakes

Saturday:

First round of Stockproof Fencing Products TA Morris Stakes

Second round of Horse and Jockey Oaks

Second round of the Boylesports Derby

Interval

Second round of Dublin Coach Kitty Butler Stakes
First round of Kevin Smith Champion Stakes

Third round of Horse and Jockey Oaks

Third round of Boylesports Derby
Second round of Stockproof Fencing Producs TA Morris Stakes

Sunday:

Complete all quarter-finals in six stakes, including the Grace Bruton Champion Stakes.

Interval

Complete all semi-finals in six stakes

Interval

Complete all finals in six stakes