West claims Munster Oaks at Waterford

TRAPRISE

 

Local aspirations in the 2019 Boylesports Irish Derby suffered a knockout blow at Shelbourne Park on Saturday with both semi-finalists for trainer Pat Guilfoyle eliminated, however, compensation came in no small manner on the night when Grangeview West completed a stunning return to racing action when landing the O’Neill’s Munster Oaks at Waterford in most game fashion.

Not raced since her unlucky defeat in the semi-final of the Con & Annie Kirby at Limerick, Michael Hogan’s brilliant bitch was made to settle for third in her comeback appearance in the opening round of the event but progressing for that outing, claimed semi-final victory in 28.52.

Sandwiched between a brace of Jerry Griffin finalists, her chief threat was clearly fellow semi-final scorer Sporting Riviera but despite only a moderate start from Trap 2, Grangeview West (Zero Ten/Portumna West) would crucially outpace that rival on the run to the bend for command of the rails. Recovering a half length deficit, she would reach the corner with a length in hand before extending her advantage with a powerful gallop beyond the halfway point. Two lengths to the good approaching the final bends, she would be forced to repel a string renewed effort from Sporting Riviera close home but remained full value for her three-quarter length verdict in a fast 28.22.

Having announced herself as a real star in the Kirby, this victory confirms her place among the elite bitches in Ireland from a brilliant litter which includes the 2019 Produce Stakes winner Grangeview West.

 

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