Ena heads O’Lone Limerick double

Following a quiet period for the Roscrea kennels of Padraig O’Lone, the shrewd handler was conspicuous by his absence from the winner’s enclosure in recent months but the past weeks have seen runners in the ownership of the O-L Syndicate back to the fore and featured a brilliant double on last Saturday’s card at Limerick.

Choosing the Open Unraced 350 Yard Stake at Limerick for the debut of Enas Dew (Droopys Jet/Ground Monitor), the June bitch pup would oblige on debut when claiming the opening round of the event in a smart 19.23. Progressing to claim her semi-final of the 24-runner event, she would remain unbeaten and take leading claims to Saturday’s final showdown when posting 19.18.

Facing a tricky draw in Trap 4, the pressure would be on for her to repeat her good starts and paw perfect at trap rise, she would be swiftly to stride when immediately duelling for the lead. Repelling a rival on her outside, she would show in front on the approach to the first turn and gratefully avoiding a bump while racing in tight quarters, began to fully assert before reaching the home-straight. A length to the good, she would gallop powerfully to the line thereafter when again progressing on the clock to post a very smart 19.08 with two lengths to spare as she set perfect figures in the stake.

Now exiting novice company, this victory will see her obliged to race in S2 grade, should Padraig O’Lone choose to remain sprinting but that level should hold no fears for a promising pup who can continue to build on this wonderful career start.