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.