Leemount gets off mark in style

THE final of the Hewitt College A3 Stakes at Curraheen Park is up for grabs with only half a length separating the two semi-final winners on Saturday night.

Marginally the faster was Leemount Jackson in the second semi-final.

The John Sexton (Carrigrohane) owned and trained bitch was getting off the mark at the fifth attempt - and did so in style.

She had little trouble in making the bend in front from her wide slot and then strode clear down the back straight for a comprehensive six length success over Knockeen Gypsy in 30.36.

Sterling Bale was only four spots slower in the opening semi-final.

The winner, owned and trained by Danny Kelleher in Fermoy, asserted at the third bend to eventually see off Took The Bookies by two lengths.

A slow start saw the Pat Walsh (Ballincollig) owned and trained Hilight Classic come unstuck in his final start of 2006 but he got the New Year off to a perfect start when taking the opening semi-final of the New Year A2 Stakes in a fastest of the night 28.76. Always in control, he eased home three lengths ahead of Izzy Miake.

The Donal Leahy trained Watch Out Jess made it four wins from five runs when the Mark Drinan and Dominic Smyth (Rathcormac) owned bitch took the second semi-final in 29.66. However, she may have had luck on her side as she took advantage of interference between the leaders at the last bend to slip through for a short head success over Carbon Zola.

Paul Hennessy, who had a treble at Shelbourne, took the third semi-final with De Talisman owned by Tony Howard (Kildare).The winner kicked-on before the last bend to beat Honcho Valley by two lengths in 28.98.