Irish eyes smiling at Wimbledon
Both semi finals saw Irish winners, while next week’s final will contain three Irish trained runners and one Irish owned runner.
Tyrur Laurel set the standard in the opening semi final when posting a fast 28.55 as he overhauled Kryptonite. The latter set the pace to the second turn, but the fast starting Laurel was always close and he pounced on the back straight.
Taking charge at the second turn, the Derby, Laurels and Tote Gold Cup runner-up maintained his normal middle to wide course to allow Kryptonite challenge again at the third turn, but Tyrur Laurel loves a battle and he asserted again.
Staying on better than he had done in the earlier rounds, the Paul Hennessy trained Tyrur Laurel went on to beat his rival by a length. Rank outsider Lenson Express ran on well to claim third spot, just a shorthead down on Kryptonite.
Fifteen minutes later Loyal Honcho and Tyrur Kieran followed Tyrur Laurel into the decider. Loyal Honcho belied his advancing years to lead from the get go to stop the clock in 28.65. The Seamus Graham trained star may be getting on a bit, but in terms of mileage he is still extremely fresh and it showed on Saturday.
Last year’s English Derby runner up was again a drifter in the market but he shot from trap five to lead to the corner with Barnfield On Air and Tyrur Kieran giving chase. At the bend Barnfield On Air checked before suffering further traffic problems and this effectively ended the race as a contest.
Tyrur Kieran turned second, but Loyal Honcho had no intention of letting his lead slip and he stayed on well to secure a three and a quarter length success over Blonde Dino, who ran on well to shorthead Tyrur Kieran.
The final draw further enhanced Irish chances of lifting the trophy with Tyrur Kieran, Loyal; Honcho and Tyrur Laurel all perfectly drawn in three, four and five. The draw is: 1 Kryptonite; 2 Lenson Express; 3 Tyrur Kieran; 4 Loyal Honcho (m); 5 Tyrur Laurel (m); 6 Blonde Dino (w)
