Hat trick for O’Neill at Kirkistown

SIX times All-Ireland Champion rider Barry O’Neill dominated proceedings at the Kirkistown point to point on Saturday with a hat trick. Most interesting of the trio was the former Henry De Bromhead trained ‘Bold Enough’, now based with David Christie, who rules in the open and hunterchase scene.

The feature winner was content to track the leaders until jumping into the lead three from home, after which the race was in safe keeping, while the gallant ‘Samurai Cracker’, which had attempted to make all, filled third place.

David Christie Junior, assistant trainer, said: “We’ll look for a suitable hunterchase next – I was delighted with that performance.”

The champion rider made all in the opener aboard the Colin Bowe trained ‘Jhentong Enki’, scoring in facile fashion and is certain to attract major interest when next appearing in the Cheltenham Festival Sales ring. The Tom Dreaper trained ‘Lar’s Lass’ completed the three-timer, leading a mile from home and winning with a degree of ease in the mares winners race, while connections advised the winner will revert to the course proper and tackle a handicap chase.

‘Time Was’, trained near the course by Brian Hamilton, claimed the older mares maiden with rider Alex Harvey leading at the penultimate fence, following a trio of fallers and always in command thereafter.

‘Check The Square’, trained and partnered by Rob James, claimed the geldings maiden and will be entered for the Fairyhouse Sale later this month, while the finale supplied another local success when the Sean McParlan trained ‘Shantou Show’, under a waiting ride from Dara McGill, overhauled the long-time leader ‘Ballydesmond’ in the closing stages and will now target a winners’ contest.

RESULTS

Saturday, February 11

Kirkistown point to point

First Race: 1) Jhentong Enkai (Barry O’Neill) 2/1fav; 2) Where’s My Jet; 3) As Legends Have It. 6 ran. 6 – 15.

Second Race: 1) Time Was (Alex Harvey) 5/1; 2) Time For Joy; 3) Bayonetta. 12 ran. 9 – 10.

Third Race: 1) Check The Score (Rob James) 5/1; 2) Kilkee Royal; 3) Hugh De Lacy. 8 ran. 9 – 4.

Fourth Race: 1) Bold Enough (Barry O’Neill) 11/10 fav; 2) Saint D’Oroux; 3) Samurai Cracker. 5 ran. 2 1/2 – 9.

Fifth Race: 1) Lar’s Lass (Barry O’Neill) 7/4; 2) Elusive Mae; 3) Indiana West. 7 ran. 2 1/2 – 43.

Sixth Race: 1) Shantou Show (Dara McGill) 4/1; 2) Ballydesmond; 3) Lough Des. 10 ran. 1 1/2 – 3.