Zac books Coursing Derby ticket at Nenagh

Nenagh Coursing Club staged another high-quality renewal of their annual meeting at Ballycommon last weekend and highlight for local supporters in Sunday’s final session was the victory of Shane Lee’s Skimcoat Zac (Cool Spirit-Skimcoat Lola) when booking his ticket for the National Festival with Derby Trial Stake victory.

A first outing of the season for the January whelp as member of a hugely talented Lee bred litter, the Roscrea pup immediately gave notice of his classic credentials with a brace of slick opening round victories on Friday. Back for Sunday’s quarter finals, Skimcoat Zac was fastest of the remainder in another highly impressive passage. Made work by a playful hare then however, he was made to show steely resolve thereafter.

Tested throughout his semi-final by Boherlode Magic, the Lee winner passed the examination with a tight one length to spare and would face off against the Michael O’Donovan trained Bundle Of Fiftys in the final, who had himself made a similar impressive passage through his half of the draw.

Tight in the early exchanges, Skimcoat Zac edged clear to a one length lead passing halfway and maintaining that advantage to the opening turn, claimed victory in the manner of a very smart Derby prospect. With pace to challenge any, coupled with the admirable battling qualities displayed on Sunday, he will be a feared opponent for any in Clonmel.

Similar comments can be labelled at the Oaks Trial Stake winner on Sunday as the Well Ayled Syndicate’s Ayle Magic (Foxhollow Adios-Island Rhythm) looked a likely winner of the event from her very first course on Saturday. Her first-round clock was only surpassed by Jurossi but having accounted for that rival in the second round, the Michael O’Donovan trained winner never looked likely to be contained. Fastest in every round thereafter, Ayle Magic held a strong three lengths over the gallant Breska Storm in a classy final performance and will be amongst the leading fancies for the Oaks at Clonmel.

Feature event was the Six To Five All Age Cup and back on a galloping stretch which clearly suits ideally, Moira Roche & Edward Freeman’s Bristol Sparks (Adios Alonso-Aghadown Peaches) supplemented his Three Course Duffer victory of last season.

Accounting for last year’s Champion Stakes runner-up Kerry Watch at final stage, the Rathkeale raider ran out a snug winner for his first All Age Cup.

The Three Course Championship qualifier made its way to Loughrea with Jack Mahoney as Lakeside Charmer (Wi Can There-Brindle Lucy) impressing throughout his second outing of the season.

Smart early round performances in the 16-runner event earned a final place against Michael & PJ Cooney’s local hopeful Neds No Fool but always in command, Lakeside Charmer prevailed with three lengths to spare.

Bragging rights in the National Working Members Qualifier went to Brian & Martin Kennedy as their Kind Jake (Watchman-Masonbrook Mae) found smart progression in a hugely deserved victory.

Accounting for Weve No Say in a thrilling first test, he held a length over Glengar Hercules at the semi-final stage. Advancing to the final from the opposing half of the draw, Paul & Olivia Hogan’s Five Alley Chief did not take his place in what would likely have been a tight final decider, with Kind Jake declared the winner.

The remaining Carrow Stake saw Darragh Meagher’s Boynepark Sally (Blame The Game-Donegal Sally) accounting for Jack Duff’s Yousonofathena on Sunday afternoon.