MENDELSON FASTEST IN NEWBRIDGE DERBY

Ian Fortune

Thomas O’Donovan and Ger Hutton have a promising young tracker in the form of Mendelson and the son of Droopys Sydney and Ravenna set a strong standard in the opening round of the Friends Of Newbridge Derby on Friday night.

Racing in the white jacket in Heat 3, the May ’21 whelp got loose on the turn and quickly put the race to bed, eventually seeing off Barrington Ber by five lengths in 30.06.

LUCIUS LEADS LATE

Next fastest was the Ollie Bray trained Prince Lucius as he ran on strongly to collar long-time leader Lightfoot Impact on the line. The pair were separated by a neck in 30.23.

WILDE FORCED TO WORK HARD

Defending champion Toolmaker Wilde had to work hard for success but he eventually came through ot win the final heat in a tight and exciting finishing. Never too far off the pace, the Robert Gleeson trained powerhouse finally found the gap he needed off the final turn to see off All About Magic by a length in 30.68.

TIGER POUNCES

Boderan Tiger came home best to win the opening heat for Michael O’Grady. Leading in the closing yards, he got the better of Russmur Special by a short head in 30.43.

SHANE FINISHES BEST

Russmur Shane won the remaining heat for Jerry Murphy and Stephen Dunne. Forced to check early, the son of Ballymac Best was fourth for much of the way before coming home well to lead late for a neck verdict over Only A Number in 30.49.