Guy & the champ hold Fair claims at Mullingar

TRAPRISE

 

Exciting semi-finals in the 2019 Mullingar Agri Stores Fair Warrior could not have seen closer finishes on Saturday and claims that both our local sprint stars could progress to the final of the prestigious 400-yard event were well founded as Knockalton Guy and defending champion Rosbirr Ranger contested a photo-finish when ensuring their passage from the opening heat.

A first round scorer, Eamon O’Brien & John Byrne’s Knockalton Guy (Cracking Man/Turbine Tulip) added a second heat win in the event when the kennel stalwart made a smart break from Trap 2 and he would lead his semi-final field on the run to the opening bend. Commanding the rails position, the Byrne trained speedster would however find Paul Pardy & Christopher Delaney’s Rosbirr Ranger (Paradise Madison/Wrathchild) arriving on his shoulder upon turning.

The defending champion had made a poor start from Trap 5 and appeared to be in a very precarious position when switching for a run behind the leaders in the early stages. Retaining all of his astounding early pace however, Ranger would join the leaders and despite contesting between runners, miraculously found a clear path before forging to the front at the second bend. Skipping almost two lengths clear of Knockalton Guy, the champ would again have his stamina tested late on and in a thrilling dash for the line, he would be joined by the Byrne charge. A desperately tight photo-finish revealed a most game head verdict in favour of Knockalton Guy as Rosbirr Ranger was forced to settle for a share of second place with Random Jet in 21.98 (-20).

Final Draw: 1) Random Jet 2) Another Fib 3) Knockalton Guy 4) Cronody Tadgh 5) Rosbirr Ranger (m) 6) Wee Puma (w)

The final is a very tight affair and with the second semi on Saturday being just as tight as the first, just half a length separates all finalists on times from last week. Both sets of local connections have expressed their satisfaction with the draw however and both hold highly realistic claims of victory.

 

 

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