Cork jockeys make light of weather with string of wins at Ballyheigue horse and pony races
Horses and jockeys battle it out under a winter sun on Ballyheigue beach at the annual Ballyheigue Horse and Pony race meeting on New Year's Day
NORTH Cork riders offered compelling evidence of their well being with a series of splendid wins at the start of 2012 following as productive visit to the race at Ballyheigue beach on Sunday last.
Up and coming Ben Daly, Denis Linehan, Connor King and Oisin Murphy braved inclement weather to sample great wins
From the first race of the new campaign, the 12.2 pony race over six furlongs, it proved to be a day to remember for 10 year old Ben Daly from Newmarket, riding his first career winner on Tail To Tail for the Three County Syndicate. The winner jumped off in front and held off the late challenge of Caca Milis and Kilkenny jockey Mikey Sheehy by two lengths at the finishing line.
Denis Linehan from Glantane continues to go from strength to strength, embellishing his fine reputation aboard The Grey Dancer with a polished drive to take the 13.2 pony race for Tarbert owner Noelle Jones with Another Nun ridden by Danny Sheehy in second position.
Quality flowed from Kilbrin's Connor King, shortly to be crowned joint national Champion for 2011 got off the mark for 2012 when Back On Top easily winning the 12 furlong consolation race for Tipperary owner Cathy Flannery.
Oisin Murphy, from Churchtown, is another big name for the future and he got Close Encounter up in a driving finish to deny Jerry Daly's Newmarket yard a double with Euro King in the ten furlong open horse race. The winner is owned by the Mcgillycuddy family from Glenbeigh in Kerry.
Following the popular Ballyheigue meeting, all concerned take the traditional break on the southern circuit until the big Newmarket meeting on Sunday, May 13.
- John Tarrant
