All smiles after The Little Yank scores yet again, this time at Clonmel, from left: Morgan Cahalan (owner), John Ryan (trainer), John Ahearne (jockey)

Centurion Yank wins again for Ryan and Cahalan

Tipperary Racing Scene

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Making his 101st career start, The Little Yank, a credit to Templemore trainer John Ryan, ran out a game winner of the 2m4f handicap hurdle at Clonmel last Thursday.

Mitchelstown conditional jockey John Aherne impressed, taking the shortest route all the way for a half a length win at odds of 14-1. It was his first success since turning professional.

It was the eighth career success, meanwhile, for The Little Yank, just turned eleven and bred by Patrick & Morgan Cahalan. He has earned €180k in stakes and been a credit to connections, which include Father Shay Casey and the trainer’s daughter Gillian.

Cullen trainer Eamonn O’Connell enjoyed a bright start to the New Year when his Georg Zhukov led all the way in one of the mile handicaps at Dundalk last Friday.

It was a first success for the four-year-old gelding in nineteen starts, although it arrived on his first run for O’Connell since moving from Noel Meade, a source the trainer has used successfully in the past. Kanturk rider Killian Leonard was on board.

Cloughjordan trainer Denis Hogan has had a good run from Christmas into the New Year and kept the winning theme going with a success from Venetian on his second start for the stable at Dundalk last Friday.

Reese Holohan, a teenage pony racing graduate from Mountrath, was in the saddle for his second career success – the first also came via Hogan only a month ago - and he looks pretty polished for one so inexperienced in official races. The young rider’s claim will be cut from 10lbs to 7lbs after his third win and that surely can’t be too far away. He’s one to watch.

Fethard trainer Mouse Morris prepared Banter At The Bar to land the opening race at Punchestown on Sunday, the Beginners’ Chase over 2m6f.

Listowel jockey Gavin Brouder had the JP McManus gelding, a 12-1 chance, in front and travelling best on the swing from home and the pair maintained the momentum for a five-length margin. It was the winner’s first run over fences and the impression was that it might not be his last, especially if he stretches out further in distance.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Fairyhouse – Wednesday, January 14, first race 12.45pm

Fairyhouse - Thursday, January 15, first race 12.23pm

Dundalk - Friday, January 16, first race 4.15pm

Navan - Saturday, January 17, first race 12.10pm

Thurles - Sunday, January 18, first race 12.40pm

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