CONSISTENT ODIN COMES OUT ON TOP IN DINNY MACKEY MEMORIAL CUP

Peter Farrell

Offering a winner’s purse of €1,800, the final of the Dinny Mackey Memorial Cup was the highlight on last night’s card at Thurles Park and there was to be a minor upset as Freedom Odin maintained his unbeaten run in the stake to emerge victorious.

Despite winning each of opening two assignments, Freedom Odin was forced to play second fiddle to Hello Jacko throughout the stake as the latter produced two outstanding performances to head into last night’s decider as the one to beat. However, Freedom Odin continues to improve and the January 21’ whelp excelled further in the finale to maintain what is a very impressive strike-rate.

A winner of his last three races heading into the feature, Freedom Odin was the 2/1 joint-second favourite behind Hello Jacko and he saved his best break for the final as he flashed from trap four to lead both Hello Jacko and Racenight Bigtom into the opening corner. Some bumping ensued for the aforementioned duo at this point and this allowed the red jacket of Kylenoe Maid to set off in chase of Freedom Odin, who had already developed a three length advantage midway down the back. Setting a strong gallop, the Denis Ryan-owned son of Good News and Freedom Dream was well on his way to landing his fourth victory from his last five starts and it was Racenight Bigtom who now emerged as his main rival as he breezed past Kylenoe Maid to go second. However, Freedom Odin was never going to be caught and he pulled away from the field in the closing stages to seal a four length victory over Racenight Bigtom in second. The time was a rapid 29.09 .30s and many thanks are extended to the Mackeys for the sponsorship of what has been a hugely competitive stake.