Umera Wood cuts rivals down to size

UMERA WOOD, without a win since last April, bounced back to his best when taking heat 2 in the opening round of the Tyrur Ted Stakes at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

The winner led early on but was headed in the back straight by Southwind Harry. The latter held sway around the third and fourth bends, but Umera Wood rallied in the home straight and nailed his rival on the line for a short head success in a fastest of the night 28.83.

The winner was bought for his current owners, the Peddlars Rock Syndicate from Castlelyons, by trainer Mick Hoy at the June sales at the track after he won a three dog trial in 29.10.

Castlemary Ben was also a narrow winner in heat 1. In a messy affair, there was trouble at the first and second bends, Castlemary Ben, owned and trained by Aidan Barry in Midleton, came with a swooping run on the rails to grab Bower Valley in the dying strides for a neck success in 29.12.

No dramatics however in heat 3 with Black Wizard Two, trained by Pat Galvin for the Macroom based Funtime Four Syndicate, showing his rivals a clear pair of heels for a six and a half length success over Lenas Pilot in 29.19.

The Davis Whelan trained Barryroe Spud also ran out an easy winner in the final heat. The Broke Down Syndicate (Tallow) owned dog was a strong order in the ring and, clear at halfway, eventually had two lengths to spare over Compass Rose in 28.94.