GORT OWNED Stick With Me and the Tulla trained Candys Widget were among the sweet winners in the limited racing schedule over the weekend.
By Michael Maher
The adverse weather got the better of multiple stadiums across the country on last weekend but, despite testing conditions at Limerick, there were some brilliant performances, none more so than Stick With Me in the Open 550.
With some top-class trackers lining out, Stick With Me was a massive 8/1 chance in the one-off contest but, in truth, once hitting the front, he was never under serious threat of being reeled in. Owned by the Mullins-Curtin-Syndicate of Gort, the heavyweight tracker is best known for his off-the-pace exploits, which is no surprise given he is an offspring of the incredible Dana Point. However, he was on point from trap six on this occasion, showing a nice turn of early speed to lead.
Allowed the freedom of the outside, Stick With Me showed plenty of early dash to nip around just clear of Your The King in second. Quickly opening a three-length advantage, the son of Grangeview Ten took the long way around throughout, but clearly had plenty up his sleeve as he emerged a three-and-a-half-length victor over Your The King. The time was a fast 30.07 on a track rated .40 slow on the night. One suspects the leger is next on the agenda for this strong-running tracker.
Race seven saw another big-priced winner as Candys Widget took his career tally into double figures for Donal Duggan of Tulla and the Any-Chance-Of-A-Kuga-Syndicate. Taking a dip in grade, ‘Widget’ was a 5/1 chance at the outset, however, he nestled in behind Tally Ho Rose early on to sit second. Allowed plenty of room to manoeuvre, the son of Skywalker Canny upped the ante between the bottom two bends before powering up the Limerick hill to win by a length from Ceekay Susie in second. The time was 29.00.40s.
Despite poor weather conditions, members of Milltown Malbay coursing club held their annual meeting over the weekend. The story of the meeting was the performance of the Declan McDonagh of Liscannor trained Moher Princess who reclaimed her title as the winner of the John Kennelly Memorial Cup, she is owned by the North Clare Ocean View Syndicate.
Sixmilebridge father and daughter Stephen and Rachel Murray collected their golden ticket for this year’s derby in Clonmel after Creevagh Spirit showed great pace to land the spoils, he is owned by the four young and old Syndicate.
In the all-age final, Banoffee Pie beat Lisahally. In the Oaks Final, Cuban Chica beat Triller Trixie. Other winners included, Rith Gan Eagla, Busy Trooper and Tromora Maxi.
