Fast-ground specialist Cloneen storms home under well-judged Hannon ride

The North Kerry Harriers staged their annual Ballybunion point-to-point fixture on Saturday evening and Carrigtwohill owner/trainer Don Browne’s Cloneen Storm (11/10) lit up the seven-race session for many by registering a gallant front-running success under a well-judged ride from James Hannon in the open lightweight.

The confirmed fast-ground specialist Cloneen Storm, who made Bishop’s Lane pull out all the stops on his previous start at Bartlemy on May 13th, gave an exhibition of fencing at the head of affairs, but he seemed to have a battle on his hands when runner-up Giveabobback loomed up with every chance on the outer before the final of the 15 obstacles.

Cloneen Storm however landed much the faster here and he stayed on stoutly on the flat to beat Eugene O’Sullivan’s charge by two lengths with a 12-length break to Renewed Challenge. The likelihood is that Cloneen Storm will now contest one of the open lightweight races at Kinsale next weekend.