BARRY SOBERS RIVALS IN McCALMONT CUP DECIDER

Ian Fortune

Sober Barry was the toast of a busy Kilkenny on Friday night as he raced to a brilliant and thoroughly deserved victory in the Deadly Kennels McCalmont Cup for handler Karol Ramsbottom and owner Sean Malone.

It was clear to most that the hugely progressive son of Skywalker Barry and Sober Pearl was the one to beat in the valuable decider after going unbeaten through the prelims, whilst also displaying real improvement with each passing week.

Indeed, it was soon clear that the 11-10 on offer was too big. Carrigeen Whit was sent to traps the 9-4 clear second choice in the betting and she popped out of two to lead in the opening strides but Sober Barry was simply too hot to handle.

Showing terrific early dash from three, he quickly moved to the head of affairs. By the time they hit the second turn, he was already three lengths clear and moving with real purpose. Meanwhile, Carrigeen Whit had failed to hold her pitch into the bend with Jacktavern Storm and Oriental Prince turning closest to Sober Barry.

Oriental Prince was soon a clear second and displayed fine pace to the third turn to close the gap on the leader but Sober Barry was still moving freely. A length and a half to the good at the third turn, Sober Barry continued to gallop strongly to the line.

Despite the best efforts of Oriental Prince in second, Sober Barry raced to a famous victory, crossing the line a length to the good in a brilliant 28.81 (.20 slow) to land the €7,000 prize. Jacktavern Storm was a further two lengths back in third.

There were great scenes on the presentation area with many friends and family members joining Sean Malone and Karol Ramsbottom. It will be interesting to see where Sober Barry goes next but have no doubt he is ready for a step up to open company.

MILO AND NORTH WIN IN STYLE

Earlier in the evening the Tom Browne Memorial A3 went the way of Foyle Milo.

Never far away, John Mackey and Tom Lennon’s son of Signet Ace and Foyle Lucy struck the front on the third turn before going on to contain the big finish of Arrigle In by a length in 29.50 (.20 slow).

The final of the Friends of Kilkenny Track A2 525 saw Kilgraney North emerge a good winner for Mary and Thomas Buggy. Prominent from the opening yards, Kilgraney North forced his way to the front on the opening turn before going on to make all for a length and a half success over Chaotic Gustav in 29.31.