Jaytee Valencia dominates from the front at Curraheen Park

Jaytee Valencia ensured his name was first in the draw for next weekend’s Gain Gup 2016 final when taking the opening semi-final on Saturday night at Curraheen Park. Paul Hennessy’s dog, the 4-5 favourite, was first to show, and used the rails draw to lead Star Orchard to the turn.

Lurriga Gold showed pace to take second spot racing down the back, but she could never quite get to the leader, who stayed on well to post victory in 28.45, two and a half clear of Lurriga Gold, with Newlawn Peter in third.

Oaklands Paddy, trained by Denis Fitzgerald for Billy Dunne, produced a really game display to take the second semi-final. The 3-1 chance did very well to turn in front from his outside draw, and led down the back with Greenisle Rover in chase.