Third time lucky for Spruce Hunter

SPRUCE HUNTER, owned by Master Darragh Bourke from Castleisland, Co Kerry — beaten in the semi-finals of All-Aged Stakes at Castleisland and Kilflynn — made it third time lucky yesterday when taking the Jades Dilemma and Big Fella Thank Stake at Clonakilty.

Although led from slips in the final by Billy Cashman’s (Tralee) Pony Magic, he soon took it up and went on to take the vital turn by six lengths.

There was also an all-Kerry final to the Derby Trial Stake, with John Galvin taking the honours with Beaufort Flyer. In an exciting final he held on to win by a narrow margin against Pat McElligott’s (Ballyheigue) Castletown Boy.