Curtin poised for further glory

PAT CURTIN is enjoying an amazing year, thanks to the achievements of Shelbourne Aston. He is now back in another classic final, with Droopys Arsene safely qualified for next Tuesday’s William Hill St Leger at Wimbledon.

Droopys Arsene finished third behind his litter brother Bubbly Totti in the first semi-final in by far the best time of 40.85, the pair divided by Midway Skipper. Arsene’s time was actually 18 spots faster than the second semi-final winner, Lenson Earl. The big surprise here was the elimination of ante-post favourite Lenson Joker after early trouble.

Four of the six finalists in last weekend’s Cashmans Bookmakers Irish Laurels will be back in action in the Gain Waterford Masters, which starts this weekend. However, only three of them will actually run on Saturday as Derby and Laurels runner-up Slip The Lark is one of the three invited runners which will have a bye to the semi-final.