Music makes a mark in Tipperary Cup

The 2018 renewal of the Thurles Fresh Milk Tipperary Cup will dominate the racing action at Thurles over the next month as the feature event of the season at the Premier venue commenced with an exciting session of opening round heats on Saturday.

Attracting a stellar cast of entries with raiders from kennels around the country competing with more regular campaigners at Thurles, some big names will be grateful for generous qualifying conditions from the opening round which brought some minor shocks for fancied runners.

One such outright fancy however left nothing to chance as the Michael O’Donovan trained Skywalker Raffa went fastest in a brilliant 28.74 (-30) and he will justifiably carry the favourite’s tag to this weekend’s second round.

Advancing from this heat when filling fourth, Sandra Guilfoyle’s Magical Beau (Droopys Nidge/Pippy) overcame his inexperience, a poor start and some first bend bumping to reach the second round and significant progress would come as little surprise in Round Two should the September pup find a smarter break.

 

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