Tas mania in Kirby as brave West bows out

It was fervently hoped to preview the participation of Michael Hogan’s Grangeview West in the final of the 2019 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial this week but following a brilliant campaign, the star Lorrha youngster was forced to give best despite a brave semi-final performance on Saturday.

Housed in Trap 1, she had supporters in full voice when quickly to stride, she held a narrow advantage to the halfway point when on the inside of Deadly Storm. It appeared that just retention of her rails position to the third bend would see her safely through but she would find a flying Toolmaker Josie rushing up on her inside at just the wrong time. Sandwiched between those two rivals upon turning, Grangeview West (Zero Ten/Portumna West) would suffer a fateful bump, severely interrupting momentum which saw her shuffled backwards with runners in behind taking advantage of her misfortune. She was ultimately forced to settle for fifth place as Toolmaker Josie claimed victory in 28.63.

Her campaign, however, revealed her to be a huge prospect for Michael Hogan who can look forward to competitive participation in any and all major events going forward and all involved can be very proud of this performance in the richest juvenile race in the world.

 

To read more, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian locally or subscribe to our e-paper to access it online each Wednesday.