McKenna holds strong hand in Dunne Open

LAST year’s Hennerty Laurels runner-up Tubbertelly Dubh begins his build up to the Curraheen classic when he contests the opening round of the Larry Dunne Open 525 at Shelbourne on Saturday night.

Tubbertelly won at Shelbourne in his four bend comeback race last Saturday week and would be ranked one of the leading fancies to win this new open competition. He is still listed in the betting for the English Derby but his inclusion in the Shelbourne event ends that speculation.

Tubbertelly is one of four entries Owen McKenna has made for the Dunne Open, his other runners being Scottish Derby finalist Pablo Supreme, Power Charge and Allowdale Prince.

The competition will be run as a 24 stake and it promises to be a high class competition with many of our best 525 yard performers in the list. It will add the final touches to one of the greatest cards ever produced at Shelbourne outside the Derby itself. The card will comprise four heats of the Hegarty 600, four heats of the Healthcare & Transport Services Puppy Oaks and the four or five heats of the Dunne Open. Incredible quality all the way and a real treat for racegoers.

Other big names that jump out of the Dunne entries include Quick Lee, Judicial Academy, Greenane Bingo, Oakfront Aga, Ballymac Tipp, Shelbourne Geoff, Tyrur Gasco, Tyrur Valdez, Tyrur Lohan, Tolerton Crasher, Moes Tavern, Cian Abbey, Head Rock and National Record holder Leeview Jet.

By the way the Sales fixed for Shelbourne on Friday week have been cancelled due to lack of entries.