Battling Honcho prevails in decider

HELLO HONCHO, a veteran of 60 previous races, sprang a shock when winning the final of the 4Homes Superstore A2 Stakes at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

Owned and trained by Ray O’Flynn (Whites Cross), the winner led at the opening bend but had to fend off a sustained challenge from Boola Fortune in the closing stages (the pair came in contact about 50 yards from the line) before prevailing by a neck in 29.18.

Hello Honcho was winning for the 14th time from 61 starts and in all has been in them money 48 times, including three sweepstake wins.

Castlemary Ben came with his usual strong late run to nail the favourite Four Fours on the line for a short head success in 28.99 in the opening semi-final of the Tyrur Ted Stakes.

Bower Valley meanwhile shot clear down the back straight after a melee at the opening bend in the other semi-final. However, his lead only lasted to the third bend where Umera Wood took it up and eased clear to beat Send It Best by five and a half lengths in 29.10.

On a generally miserable night weather wise, the last race became a victim of mechanical failure after the hare rail flooded following torrential rain. It wasn’t re-run.

Owners and trainers are asked to note that middle seeding will be in operation when the AIB Stakes kicks- off at the track on Thursday night.

The draw for the Tyrur Ted Stakes Final is: 1. Castlemary Ben, 2. Send It Best, 3. Lenas Pilot, 4. Four Fours, 5. Bower Valley, 6. Umera Wood.

Heineken 575: First Semi Final - 1. Captain Slow, 2. Blue Rince, 3. Ullid Honcho, 4. Compass Don, 5. Pallwest, 6. Scala Judy.

Second Semi Final: 1. Farran Roisin, 2. Carrigtown Boss, 3. Lemon Beverly, 4. Nomel, 5. Inside Man, 6. Flyover Lad.

All races next Saturday night.