Classic crowns sit fittingly on Ger and Zena

Contested in front of the largest crowds for many years at Powerstown Park in Clonmel, the 2023 National Coursing Meeting attracted visitors from around the globe for three stunning days of racing action and within an exhilarating concluding session on Tuesday last, returned a brace of classic champions whose exploits will be recalled amongst the greatest of the sport.

The blue-riband event of the season, the Boylesports Derby went to County Galway with Gort and Loughrea connections to the winning owners, the Griffin-Harte Syndicate, as their Masonbrook Ger (Newinn Wonder/Laurina) held sway over long-time Derby favourite Ballymac Major at final stage.

A powerful galloper who was visually stunning from halfway in every course, he contained the challenge of the impressive Tree Top Tyson at semi stage and had advanced to the position of hot favourite before exiting slips in sharp fashion for the deciding buckle. Reaching his one and three-quarter length winning margin by halfway, Masonbrook Ger contained a most gallant Ballymac Major (Watchman/Ballymac Town) while providing a sixth Derby victory for Athenry trainer Gerry Holian.

A member of a supremely talented litter, the Derby winner’s brother Simply Glorious himself reached quarterfinal stage of the main event while a third brother ran-up the Stockproof Fencing T.A. Morris Consolation when Gigantor gave best to Sore Loser (Drive On Smokey/Sullane Erin) in his final.

ZENA CROWNED QUEEN IN DOWLING’S OAKS

A footnote to the Derby and in addition to his runner-up, Ballymcelligott’s Liam Dowling was responsible for four of the last eight runners at the quarter final stage but more than making up for any disappointment in that classic, the Horse & Jockey Oaks saw the Kingdom Maestro all but dominate a wonderful renewal.

Feared and revered in equal measure, his Ballymac Zena (Boylesportsmagic/Silent Wonder) was the shortest Oaks favourite of the modern era at a near ridiculous 3/1 for the 64-runner event. However, such was the manner of her Trial Stake and Corn Na Feile victories that she enjoyed a swell of support for whom defeat was out of the question.

Repeating her early season form, Ballymac Zena was stunning while zipping her way to the semi-final stage with commanding victories while in the other half of the draw, Dowling’s Ballymac Pippin was doing similar.

Another of the season’s stand-out litters, dam Silent Wonder had three remaining at quarter final stage before Silent Angel faced Ballymac Pippin (Watchman/Ballymac Town) at the semi-final stage while attempting to thwart an all-Dowling final. However, and showing admirable mettle having had work in the previous round, Ballymac Pippin did ensure a Ballymacelligott final pairing after favourite backers got a big fright, in the course of the meeting.

Drawing ever nearer to the Dowling runners in form terms with every passing course, the Owen McKenna trained Catunda Lauren almost spoiled the party. Relishing the demands of Powerstown Park, she narrowly trailed Ballymac Zena to halfway in their semi-final clash but rallying on the rising ground, joined and briefly showed in front approaching the opening turn of a thrilling clash. However, displaying a jealous streak and immense resolve in addition to her obvious gift of speed, Ballymac Zena passed the test when refusing to be denied in a tight one-length verdict.

With Ballymac Pippin officially withdrawn from the final, the Oaks crowned a winner that will be remembered for generations to come.

Returning to the wonderful achievement of popular Ballinagar breeder Ray Conroy, his supremely talented litter which provided the Derby winner, was also responsible for one of the meeting’s most impressive runners.

Meeting Ballymac Zena in the opening round of the Oaks, a stage of affairs where the Dowling star just simply could not be beaten, connections of Amirite exited the Dublin Coach Kitty Butler Consolation Stake with dreams of what might have been following simply sublime final day performances. A three-length final winner over Granard Hail, Amirite (Newinn Wonder/Laurina) registered the fastest final performance of the meeting and must exit the festival with a reputation befitting a true star of racing.

Beating Ocean Kerrie by two-lengths at final stage, Excelerate (Needham Danger/Annual Time) claimed a dominant Champion Bitch Stake victory for Kildare’s John & Fintan Comerford in the hands of trainer Kevin Barry while the Champion Stakes also found a hugely deserving winner in the form of Christina O’Connor’s Express Razor (Drive On Smokey/Following Lights).

Further glory for the Kingdom County, a family affair under the guidance of Pat O’Connor saw him contain Aghadown Wonder by two lengths in their final clash for the popular Tarbert kennel.