Bolger to the fore at Nenagh

HORSE RACING: North Tipperary Foxhounds Point to Point

 

By Michael Duggan

 

Not even Storm Dennis, heavy showers and a bitter wind could deter the North Tipperary Foxhounds, who, despite the extreme weather conditions, managed to host their annual point-to-point on the lands of Peter McCutcheon in Nenagh last Sunday.

Quite a good crowd braved the elements and were rewarded with a good day’s racing that included a double for well-known Limerick trainer Enda Bolger.

The Bruree handler paid his first visit of the afternoon to the winner’s enclosure as Saint Benedict justified favoritism in good style in the winners of one contest.

A first-ever point-to-point success for 18-year-old Cashel jockey Timmy Hyde, Saint Benedict forged to the front on the run to the final fence. The 4/6 favourite quickly sealed the issue when staying on strongly on the run-in to beat Norman Lee’s Half Shot by five lengths. 

“I’m delighted for young Timmy as that’s his first point-to-point winner,” said Enda Bolger.

“He has ridden two bumper winners, so it’s great to see him open his account between the flags. This horse actually fell in this race last year, so it’s taken us long enough to get it right with him.

“He’s a nice sort and he could well develop into a smart hunter chaser. We’ll tip away with him now and I expect he could well finish up going for something the Ladies Cup at Punchestown. He’s one we’ll have a good bit of fun with. Full marks to the organizers here for having racing on in light of the terrible weather. They deserve great credit”.

Half an hour later, Bolger completed his double when Staker Wallace, confidently handled by Clonmel jockey Liz Lalor, ran out an impressive winner of the three-runner Open Lightweight for Lady Riders.

 

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