Seven Barrows passes Titan Derby test at Powerstown Park

Having travelled to the 100th National Coursing Meeting with high hopes of classic success, there was ultimately disappointment for our local challengers at Powerstown Park, Clonmel over last weekend where Seven Barrows (Upper Hand-Laurina) was crowned a Derby champion for Athenry trainer Gerry Holian.

Defeating Ballymac Awil in a dramatic final as the latter stumbled at halfway with the course still in the balance, Seven Barrows is nonetheless a deserving Deby winner, but he was oh so close to elimination at quarterfinal stage when he met Magical Titan.

The latter Pat Guilfoyle pup had confirmed his classic credentials in a brace of swift opening round victories and lost nothing in defeat as he and the Derby champion served up a tussle which will be recalled for many years to come.

Locked in battle and near inseparable all along Powerstown Park’s famous stretch, it was only in a final stride that Seven Barrows saved his Derby hopes while earning a judge’s decision with a turn high up the

field.

In truth, had the red flag been pulled in favour of Magical Titan, there would have been no objections, it was that close!

Agonising for the Moneygall kennel who must be lamenting what might have been, Titan remains a rare talent with an exciting career ahead.

In a special breeding performance for the sport’s leading brood bitch, Oak’s winner Daoimean Dubh is from the same litter as the Derby winner.

A leading fancy from the off for Lixnaw trainer Paudie Lyons, she defeated event favourite Cujo at final stage.

The Champion Bitch Stake also went to Kerry with trainer Dan Brassil as Aran View (Watchman-Meek And Mild) defied outside odds, lowering the colours of warm favourite Orianthi in classy final performance.

The meeting did not pass without a local achievement to cheer however, following victory for Five O Five (Watchman-Highland Kathy) in the Callaway Kennels Kevin Smith Champion Stakes.

Bred by Nenagh’s Dermot O’Donovan from his wonderful brood Highland Kathy, Five O Five built on his brace of Cup wins this season when at his very best throughout finals day on Sunday.

A short final slip could not catch him out against the sharp Kerry Watch as he powered past that gallant rival before halfway, adding to the Kerry haul for trainer Dan O’Connor of Scartaglen.