TRIBAL SYD CHANGES HANDS BUT STAYS WITH MURT

Ian Fortune

Tribal Syd has been one of the undoubted stars of 2024, claiming a famous victory in the Tipperary Cup, making a bold bid for Dundalk International Glory and using his stunning early speed to win a number of top-class races.

Only on Saturday night he claimed his tenth victory of the year when overcoming a poor start and dreadful conditions to win at Curraheen Park on the Laurels undercard. That happened to be his first run for his new owners, the Dubs and Culchies Syndicate.

Previously owned by Martin Costigan, he will now run for a syndicate made up of some familiar names, many of which featured in the Fleadh Saraide story (See separate story). Two of said culchies are Noel Byrne and Larry O’Shea, who are certainly used to being in partnership as part of the famous Pillar Syndicate, while Mick Moloney has also joined forces with the pair to complete the country element of the syndicate. The Dubs in said equation are Alan Quinn and Podge Devanney.

Said Noel of the deal, “He’s a right dog and we got him for a more than fair price off Martin so there was no need to convince anybody. He’s going to give us great fun. We’ll look at the Derby but there’s plenty of sport to be had with him.”

He will, of course, stay with Murt Leahy who has steered him to such great heights this year and both his handler and new owners will be hoping he can produce his best through a Derby campaign. It’s worth noting he already boasts a victory over the 550yd Derby trip at Shelbourne Park, winning in 29.32 back in mid-August.

On that occasion, he posted a sensational 16.83 sectional to the third turn, highlighting his brilliant early and back straight speed. To put that run into context, the 17 second barrier was broken just twice in the 2023 Boylesports Derby, both times by The Other Kobe with his best being 16.85 in the final.  

Best of luck to Tribal Syd and his new owners going forward.