McKenna magic works again
The success capped a dream year for McKenna, who cemented his standing as one of the country's leading trainers by annexing the Paddy Power Derby last month with Like A Shot.
And McKenna wrote himself into the history books on the night, becoming the first trainer to complete the Derby/Laurels classic double in the same year.
It was the eighth time the McKenna family had triumphed in the Laurels, Owen's father, Ger, having won it a total of seven times during his distinguished career, the last time with Deerfield Bypass in 1996.
To win, Boherduff Light (steady 2/1) was going to have to win the battle of the early pacers on the inside. He did.
Both he and Cavecourt Jon on the rails were fast away. As had been expected, Cavecourt Jon began to edge right almost immediately. However Boherduff Light was level with him and his physical presence was enough to 'straighten' his rival.
The pair made slight contact in the process and this allowed Jesceda lad in three to edge ahead. However, his lead was short lived as Boherduff Light surged to the front passing the winning post for the first time.
He had opened up a useful lead going into the bend and kicked further ahead between bends when Tourna Star, who followed him into the opening turn, lost his place between bends and dropped back in the pack.
Boherduff Light was a little over two lengths to the good early in the back straight when market rival Farloe Pocket emerged as the danger, having started moderately.
He in turn had a similar advantage over Jesceda Lad in third at this stage with the rest struggling.
Boherduff Light had pulled three lengths clear by halfway. Farloe Pocket did reduce the deficit slightly between halfway and the third bend but Boherduff Light wasn't stopping in front and swept clear up the straight for a thoroughly convincing four lengths success in 28.14.
Farloe Pocket was a spent force at the last bend and in the end only just held off the running on Jesceda Lad for second.
Cavecourt Jon was never in it after losing the early rails battle with the winner while Rhincrew Shergar never threatened to trouble the judge after a poor start. Tourna Star, having been prominent early, faded to finish last.
Plans for the winner are fluid with trainer McKenna saying afterwards that he will have to consult with owners Salvador and Shelia Drohan from Clonmel before deciiding on a future plan of action.
Meanwhile Cashmans managing director, Paul Cashman, said yesterday that the result had been âno goodâ for them.
âWe laid the winner strongly at 10/1 antepost, including a bet of 2,000 at 10/1. He was also no good at 2/1 in the final and overall we had a losing book on the stake,â he said
The biggest bet the sponsors laid on the event was 2,000 on Farloe Pocket at 40/1. The runner-up was the biggest loser in their antepost book.
To complete a memorable night for McKenna, his two other runners on the card also won. Lughill Abbey took the sprint in 17.57 while Great Lark, a likely entry for the forthcoming Irish Examiner Munster Marathon was impressive when taking the Open 575 in 31.10.
