Friendly start to Fair Warrior defence for Gem

TRAPRISE

Stormy conditions greatly affected the racing schedule over last weekend with a number of postponements nationwide. However, Saturday’s fixture at Mullingar gratefully survived as the 2026 Pat Doran Memorial Fair Warrior Open 400 Yard Stake got underway with the much-anticipated return to action of defending champion Gem Friendly (Droopys Sydney-Susie Sapphire).

A stunning winner of the prestigious sprint major with an unbeaten event campaign twelve months ago, the Vincent McKenna trained September 2023 whelp has been largely absent for all of this season. Conor McGrath’s racing star had just a sole outing when below her best back in May, however, she confirmed her well being on Saturday with a highly pleasing reintroduction at a venue she clearly appreciates.

Well-drawn in trap 6 for a warm opening assignment, Gem Friendly presented in sharp form and immediately contesting for the lead, displayed the early pace which secured her the title in 2025. Galloping to a one length lead before tackling the opening bend, the Borrisokane darling doubled her advantage to the home stretch. In behind, the Paul Hennessy trained Supa Mac reduced the lead on the long run to the finish line and under pressure close home, Gem Friendly ceded a shorthead victory in 21.46 (-20).

Defeat here will concern connections not one jot and conversely, all will be delighted with the vigour shown within a nervous return to action. The outing is certain to exact progress from the defending champion in her bid for back-to-back Fair Warrior victories!

The McKenna challenge for the Fair Warrior was without a heat win in the opening round but does remain two pronged as the champion’s litter sister, Tubber Ace (Droopys Sydney-Susie Sapphire), also advanced in defeat. She too has been quiet of late and in a first outing since June, performed with huge credit to fill a qualifying fourth behind Ridgemount Sky in 21.70 (-20) following a missed break.

Both McKenna girls remain big factors in the two-bend major which continues this Saturday.

Another local sprinting star contested the first round at Mullingar and already with a stellar runner-up performance in the Irish Sprint Cup at Dundalk from last August, the Christopher Delaney trained Rallying Billy (Ballymac Cashout-Rallying Saidso) commenced his bid for one better from the concluding heat of six.

In arguably the hottest heat of the round, the Dan Flynn owned May 2024 whelp reacted well at trap rise from a pleasing pitch on the rails but immediately suffered a minor stumble which would see him duelling for third place on the run to the opening bend. Safely negotiating the turns without complication, Rallying Billy remained in that safe qualifying spot while powerfully galloping to the line behind 21.29 (-20) winner Callaway Danny, and the established competition protagonist can confidently be expected to progress for this first Mullingar outing.

There is much to look forward to this weekend in addition to the second round at Mullingar as the 2026 Irish St Leger commences at Limerick which, without a draw to hand, will feature local challengers to follow.

Also, having fallen foul of the weather over last weekend, the 2026 BOYLE Sports Lifford Oaks 525 Yard Stake is due for a delayed start on Saturday.

A prestigious event, the kennels of Pat Guilfoyle arrived with a strong team for last season’s renewal and left with top honours as Magical Mag made off with the crown and €10,000. A similar strong squad will leave Moneygall on the long journey this week and although vastly inexperienced, Eoin Troy’s Mystical Nala may wear the captain’s armband. Registering the fastest ever Irish debut victory at Shelbourne Park on her way to novice stake success just three weeks ago, the October 2024 pup is a fascinating entry up north with just two runs under her belt.

She has been installed as 5/1 second favourite with the sponsors and faces off against the 3/1 market topper Droopys Crispy this week. The latter also makes her elite debut for Barry Clancy having scorched around Shelbourne Park in recent A1 victories, and a possible buckle between these two prodigious prospects will swell the stands at Lifford.

Joining their younger companion, Magical Fiona will contest the third heat of 4 with most to fear from Droopys Honor as a fancy for the race while Magical Be Nifty holds strong claims in the concluding qualifier, if back to her best breaking form in a likely test versus Unassuming.