English National next on list for Toomaline Jack
It is a very unusual occurrence but then it must be remembered that Toomaline Jack was a hot favourite for last year’s Vetsearch Irish Grand National at Harold’s Cross but had to be withdrawn before the final due to injury.
His trainer, Dolores Ruth, yesterday ruled out a bid at this year’s Ladbrokes Irish Derby, outlining his campaign as the National at Wimbledon and then the Champion Stakes at Shelbourne. “He could have raced again on Monday night but we will freshen him up now and go for the National without a trial,” said Ruth.
The National is due to commence on June 18 at Wimbledon with the final on Tuesday, June 29. Hills have introduced him as the 11-10 favourite and they have Men Of Hope as the 7-2 second favourite. Men Of Hope was of course owned until last weekend by Dolores Ruth!
Meanwhile, the draw for the Lynch Family/Paddy O’Sullivan Memorial Race of Champions will be made at Tralee today and reports from the Kingdom Stadium are that there is a top-class entry. The first round will be run on Saturday with Friday night already occupied by the final of the Lee Strand 550 and the associated sweepstake finals.
Heading the entries for the Race of Champions is recent Hegarty 600 winner Shaneboy Lee. He clocked 28.41 in a trial at the weekend and other trials from entrants included Bellewood Prince 28.48, Colorful Champ 28.55, Tyrur Giovanni 28.51, Tyrur Dylan 28.58 and Tyrur Chris 28.72.
The draw for the second round of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks at Shelbourne on Saturday has thrown up some very tasty clashes. Reigning champion Skywalker Queen must take on fastest first round winner Tooquicktoocatch and heat winners Razldazl Liza and Move On Lacey in Heat 3 while litter sisters Freedom Seacrest and Dalcash Dvinsky will be faced by no fewer than three other heat winners, Triangle Beyonce, Brave Jewel and Killacolla Glory in Heat 5.
Draw for Saturday's Oaks second round:
Heat 1: 1 Kilbannon Tess; 2 Carriglad Lady; 3 Minglers Impact; 4 Mossend Folly; 5 Baltylum Beauty; 6 Blackabbey Rose (w).
Heat 2: 1 Ballyrhan Rumble; 2 Mystique Rosa; 3 Paradise Delta; 4 Droopys Kina; 5 Shelbourne Dawn; 6 Skywalker Cindy (w).
Heat 3: 1 Tyrur Lauren; 2 Move On Lacey; 3 Tooquicktoocatch; 4 Black Hall Pearl; 5 Razldazl Liza (m); 6 Skywalker Queen (w).
Heat 4: 1 Sobbing Granny; 2 Enas Special; 3 Clearview Kelly; 4 Knockane Jade; 5 Valais Mover (m); 6 Rossa Baby (w).
Heat 5: 1 Ms Penny Apple; 2 Freedom Seacrest; 3 Dalcash Dvinsky; 4 Triangle Beyonce; 5 Brave Jewel (m); 5 Killacolla Glory (m).
Heat 6: 1 Blacluan Shauna; 2 Pony Daisy; 3 Mohane Katie; 4 Casual Steps; 5 Air Force Ellie (m); 6 Piercestown Pet (m).
Heat 7: 1 Sullys Glory; 2 Ballymac Lefanta; 3 Fridays Aries; 4 Tracys Wildberry; 5 Newlawn Martina; 6 Tyrgal Lola (m).
Heat 8: 1 Cartiers Dazzle; 2 Malbay Alex; 3 Mays Castle; 4 Doodle Doo (m); 5 Tyrur Liz (w); 6 Skywalker Kim (w).
