Annaghmore, County Armagh, Ireland – Seamus Corey is usually associated with the great pacers he developed over the years, but Wednesday at Annaghmore, he showed he has the hands for a square goer.
Corey broke the record for the “oldest winning driver” under NISA rules. The 73-year-old was sportingly cheered by former record holder Tommy Beattie, Corey’s friend, racing rival and North Belfast neighbour.
Amitie Briangault and Seamus were a 3.17 winner over the one and a half mile race from Typhee (G. Murdock) and Verdie de Crouay (N. Lucas), which did not get an easy trip.
The highest class pace on the card went to Rhyds Hall Star ( G. Murdock) who won easier than the head margin would suggest over the game Donegal runner Greentree Free Gift. The clock being 2:02 on a track reckoned to be a second or two “off”.
“He’s done that well‘’ said JP Murdock, spokesman for the owners. “This will set him up nicely for Appleby.”
Murdock also confirmed that all the big meetings in the UK are on the agenda this year for the gelded son of the Welsh based winner factory (Hasty Hall from the USA).
Elsewhere the Patrick Kane Jr. took the famous red and black colours to the winners circle as so often before. His charge Meadowbranch Dewey, showed a good turn – of – foot to see off Camden Vito (L Stewart) and Joe Sheridan’s Springhill Beauty (Martin Loughran).
In the opener Garvagh man Nigel Quigley caused something of an upset with his own Western Lover when he comprehensively dismissed the gambled on Springhill KG and Wingman. 2:04 was the winner’s time.
Alex Patterson has worked hard to invigorate the Ulster racing scene. Alex told Harnesslink.com that the meeting had drawn runners from 6 counties. The Annaghmore surface was immaculate considering the recent weather. Horsemen throughout Ireland are consistent in their admiration for the Annaghmore track. Next meeting will be 20th May 7.00 pm.
By Dan Carlin, for Harnesslink.com