Phoenix Ice heads Hennessy one-two

WEIGHT of numbers proved decisive in the final of the Beamish 575 Stakes at Curraheen Park on Saturday night as trainer Paul Hennessy, with four of the six runners, duly filled two of the first three places with Phoenix Ice and Taming The Tiger.

Deerfield Gold, attempting to give Kerry trainer Maurice O’Connor a follow-up success hot on the heels of Nikita Billie’s Laurels win, was best away from his inside berth, but he was quickly joined and passed by Phoenix Ice.

The Hennessy runner had opened up a three lengths lead over Deerfield Gold at halfway, and still had a length in hand at the line in 31.17, his fastest time in a competition which he went through unbeaten.