By Shaun O’Dea
THE first session of the Loughanmore point to point at Templepatrick attracted an excellent turnout and seven races.
Larne trainer Stuart Crawford and rider brother Ben claimed the first two races. Both winners received similar rides, being patiently ridden prior to their challenge.
Largy Force won the opener when readily making up ground before the straight to strike the front and score in a photo finish following a last fence mistake repelling
Wingtothelighting and is now destined for the bloodstock sales. It’s For Me was a much easier winner beating hot favourite He’s Ultimate by eight lengths and will now go out to grass for the summer prior to a decision on his future.
The Downpatrick duo trainer Pat Turley and rider Declan Lavery landed the mares maiden with Shecouldbeanything after the clear leader Annparnell, which held a substantial advantage, fell and now is another sales bound advised the rider, who also owns the winner.
The top pair of producer trainers, Cormac Doyle and Colin Bowe, claimed their respective divisions of the geldings race with Yeah Man and Sound And Fury. The latter was partnered by Irish Champion rider Barry O’Neill who opted for the local meeting, missing the mount on Vaucelet winning the prestigious O’Reilly Memorial Hunterchase at Fairyhouse.
Faith Loving took the finale for trainer Caroline McCaldin and three times Northern Champion rider Noel McParlan, who reached the milestone of 200 winners in points.
The open for mares was a non-event with only two runners and multiple Irish Champion Derek O’Connor aboard La Feline beating his sole rival in facile fashion.
Loughanmore point to point results Day One
First Race – 1st Largy Force (Ben Crawford) 6/1; 2nd Windtothelighting; 3rd Alltheroadrunning. 13 ran head – 4
Second Race – 1st It’s For Me (Ben Crawford) 10/1; 2nd He’s Ultimate; 3rd Rock My Way. 10 ran 8-2.
Third Race – 1st Shecouldbeanything (Declan Lavery) 7/4 fav; 2nd Call The Barmaid; 3rd Isabella Bee. 9 ran 13-2.
Fourth Race, Division One – 1st Yeah Man (Jack Hendrick) 7/4 fav; 2nd Inis Oirr; 3rd Northern Edge. 11 ran 1-3.
Division Two – 1st Sound And Fury (Barry O’Neill) 3/1; 2nd Cardamon; 3rd Neblin. 10 ran 4-5.
Fifth Race – 1st La Feline (Derek O’Connor) 1/3 fav; 2nd Presenting Ana. 2 ran 10 lengths.
Sixth Race – 1st Faith Loving (Noel McParlan) 5/4 fav; 2nd Tareeshar; 3rd Boro Melody. 6 ran 2-11.
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