Belfast, IE – There were wild celebrations in the winners enclosure at Racetime Raceway in Lisburn on Saturday when the McCullough family’s latest acquisition, Ladyford Jim, driven by Jason McCullough, won both his heat and then the grand final of the Alex Patterson Memorial Cup.
Six went to post in the first heat where Rhyds Premier won cosily from Rio Bravo and Oakwood Maverick in 2:05.8 with the distances three quarters of a length and a further four lengths. “Its been a long time between drinks” was the quote from driver Barry Dean who partnered the 11 year old gelding which was having his first visit to the winners enclosure since 2014 for local owner John Murdy.
The penultinate heat went to Ladyford Jim who overhauled longtime leader Springhill Bilzer in the dying strides to triumph in 2:05.3 from another newcomer Micks Magic Trick with the distances four lengths and a half-length. Springhill Bilzer was driven on this occasion by Garth Galway son of the late Jackie Galway and it who was making his debut in the sulky aboard the gelding.
The remaining heat had eight runners and was won by Monugs Boy in 2 mins 2.2 secs with Ceiron JD and Derrybeg filling the frame with the distances one length and the same. Driven by Greg Dean, this meant that both father and son had now won heats and would go head-to-head in the grand final.
Rio Bravo, who finished second in its heat was declared a non runner so the final only had 5 going to post. At the off Rhyds Premier was first to show but was quickly tackled and past by Springhill Bilzer who sprinted on into a six length lead pursued by Ladyford Jim and Ceiron JD.
At the three quarter pole Springhill Bilzer sent out distress signals as the blistering pace began to take its toll and sensing this Jason McCullough put Ladyford Jim into overdrive and gunned him down rounding the final bend. In the home straight Monugs Boy came with a storming late challenge but Ladyford Jim had enough in the tank to repel Greg Dean’s charge to land the spoils in 2.01.8 a seasons record for the track. Cieron JD finshed an honourable third with the margins one length and another two lengths.
Ladyford Jim by Kikcolt out of Three Men Dreamin is a recent import from the UK where he was plying his trade for Durhams Alf Swinbank who incidentally also campaigned the third placed horse Ceiron JD and in the winners enclosure the victorious driver Jason McCullough couldn’t thank Alf enough for his advice on how to bring the best out of Ladyform Jim who looks destined for the free for all ranks based on this stellar performance.
A consolation race for all unplaced runners was contested on the day giving those who felt unlucky another bite at the cherry. In this Back In Time led them a merry dance until tackled and passed by favourite Valentine Camden going down the back straight for the final time. All the while driver Hugh Friel was gradually reducing his 40 yard starting deficit aboard Vyrnwy Saddlepan and when asked for his challenge at the ¾ pole the response was instant. Quickly forging five lengths clear the 12 year old veteran stayed on gamely in the home stretch to win convincingly in 2:05.9 from Valentine Camden and the rallying Back In Time.
A square trot was also held during the afternoon and this was won by Thomas Bennett’s Bocage De Fornet in a track record of 2:32.6 for 1 ¼ miles. A winner on its debut a fortnight ago the nine year old French bred was giving all three rivals a handicap start this time around and driver Greg Dean was therefore forced to change tactics. Content to track the pace-setting Socrates Du Noyer for most of the journey Bocage De Fornet was produced late to nail the longtime leader in the shadows of the post with Avetot finishing a distance behind the main protagonists and Evan Jive bringing up the rear.
It’s a testament to the hard work of promoters that Racetime had more pacer entries than any other track operating in Ireland over this particular weekend and NISA have confirmed that racing will continue to be staged at the venue right through to the end of October with a whole host of major sponsored races being lined up for trainers to enter up for.