Tipperary Racing Scene
Monasterevin trainer Peter Fahey won the bumper at Naas on Monday, December 15th with Tiktok Casey, who got the better of fellow 20-1 chance Simply Natural by a short head after rallying for Killenaule rider Adam Ryan having been headed inside the final furlong.
After a number of near misses, Coincidental Glory finally broke through at the tenth attempt for a deserved success in the 7f nursery for Dublin trainer Ado McGuiness at odds of 7/2.
Runner-up was Apiary, trained by Kevin Coleman, at 6-1. Credit is due to Fethard apprentice rider Sam Coen who was strong in the finish and got his mount to lead on the line by a head.
The opening race at Thurles on Saturday, the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase over 2m5f, was won in a canter, an easy fourteen lengths, by the 11-4 favourite Rushmount, trained by Cork-based Jonathan Sweeney. Philip Donovan, from Moneygall, enjoyed the ride.
Reese Holohan enjoyed a landmark first success in the saddle when Benavente won the 10f handicap by over a length to reward backers at 7-1.
Yet another talented graduate of the pony racing circuit, the 16-year-old’s first winner arrived for Cloughjordan trainer Denis Hogan.
He had only his first official ride under rules in September of this year.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Down Royal - Friday, December 26 (First Race, 11.40am)
Leopardstown - Friday, December 26 (First Race 12.05pm)
Limerick - Friday, December 26 (First Race 12.25pm)
Leopardstown - Saturday, December 27 (First Race 12.05pm)
Limerick - Saturday, December 27 (First Race 12.17pm)
Leopardstown - Sunday, December 28 (First Race 12.10pm)
Limerick - Sunday, December 28 (First Race 12.30pm)
Leopardstown - Monday, December 29 (First Race 11.40am)
Limerick - Monday, December 29 (First Race 12.00pm)
Punchestown - Wednesday, December 31 (First Race 12.35pm)
Tramore - Thursday, January 1 (First Race 12.05pm)
Fairyhouse - Thursday, January 1 (First Race 12.25pm)
Cork - Saturday, January 3 (First Race 12.30pm)
Naas - Sunday, January 4 (First Race 12.25pm)