Student passes testin style

OWEN MCKENNA, who kicked-off his annus mirabilis last year by taking the Guinness Trophy at Curraheen Park with Boherduff Light, has another major contender for this year's renewal in Student Pass who carded a fastest of the round 28.33 in heat 6 on Saturday night.

Winner of the Denis Browne Kingdom Derby at Tralee in December, Student Pass was fast away from his middle draw and, clear from the opening bend after trouble in behind, romped home a whopping 16 lengths ahead of the favourite Tyrur Daryl (in trouble a few times during the race).

Track record holder Fat Budgie turned in a moderate effort in heat 2. He was prominent early on alongside Jesceda Lad but Mountleader Gara, owned and trained by Donal O'Mahony in Millstreet, swept past the pair of them on the run to the bend. The winner was in control from before halfway and eased home three and a half lengths clear of Blonde Thunder in 28.53.