On an afternoon which broke records for both attendance and horses racing, Greg Dean notched up a driving double at Racetime Raceway last Saturday aboard his own Monugs Boy and Thomas Bennett’s Bocage De Fornet.
In the highest graded handicap for Class 2/3/4 pacers Monugs Boy led them away and was never headed thereafter. Billy Bassett came with a late surge as did Michael Goggin with John Barley but Greg was able to repel all challengers to win going away in a respectable 2:02.4. Derrybeg held John Barley to claim second and the margins three quarters of a length and three lengths respectively.
Dean followed up later in the day when partnering Thomas Bennett’s latest acquisition Bocage De Fornet to a bloodless victory in the square trot. Finbarr Brickeys Socrates Du Noyer was all the rage in the betting market beforehand and although the favourite performed with great credit he simply could not get past the long time leader Bocage De Fornet who looks a useful recruit to the Racetime ranks. The time was 2:36.8 for the 1 ¼ miles and the distances 2 lengths and 20 lengths.
Frisco Hold Up who finished second on his last appearance at the track for owner-trainer-driver Darren Smith went one place better on Saturday landing the spoils in a respectable 2:05.3. The gallant Tom Wood tried in vain to catch Frisco Hold Up but try as he might Conall McGuigan couldn’t mount a serious challenge to the winner. Pandercrombie took third spot and the distances were eight lengths and a further two lengths.
Barry Reevey is a new driver to Racetime and he made his debut at the venue a winning one aboard his own Oakwood Maverick. Bred by Hasty Hall out of Catscam the three year old put in a very polished performance to triumph in 2:05.5 from the ultra-consistent Rhyds Premier. Rio Bravo ran on well to secure third place and this was an eye-catching run for Peter Lyttles mare who met trouble in running and will be winning soon.
A consolation pace was held for all non-winners on the day and this went to Francis Murphy with Ceiron JD in the fastest mile time of the day 2:02.3. Fold Mischief and On Top Blackshark filled the frame and the distances were three lengths and a further two lengths.
Next meeting at Racetime will be September 12th and entries for this are now being taken.
by Thomas Bennett, for Harnesslink