Popular local winner in Bandon as Murdo McKenzie first home

BY JOHN SEXTON

THE annual Carbery Hunt Point to Point meeting at Bandon on Sunday last ran off successfully despite the inclement weather. 

One of the happiest men on the day was Patrick O’Driscoll, the land owner who saw his own horse, Murdo McKenzie, win the open lightweight race. Trained by Jimmy Mangan, Murdo took over at the top of the hill and finished with a good lead. 

Another popular winner was Rodeo Dodo, owned by Nicola McCarthy and trained by her father Patrick at the Meelin Stud near Bandon. Patrick is also chairman of the Carbery Point to Point committee. 

Another local horse, West Cork Gallen was a strong favourite for the Winners of One due to his great win at Kildorrery. 

While he stayed in company with the best of them, he took the lead coming down the hill but tired coming onto the last fence due to this race being too soon for him.

Last Sunday’s race card contained appreciations for two stalwarts of racing who passed away during the year, Willie Curtain, Castlelack, and Eric Tyner, Innishannon. 

Winners

Five-year-old Geldings Maiden: F Glynn & TJ Nagle (owners), Danse Away, EP O’Brien (jockey). Trained by TJ Nagle.      

Five-year-old Upwards Hunts Maiden: Nicola McCarthy (owner), Rodeo Dodo, Declan Queally (jockey). Trained by Patrick McCarthy.

Open Lightweight Race: Patrick O’Driscoll (owner) Murdo McKenzie, EP O’Brien (jockey). Trained by Jimmy Mangan.

Six-year-old and Upwards Geldings Maiden: DH Kelly (owner), Babytagle, W Skehan (jockey). Trained by David Harry Kelly.

Five-year-old and Upwards Mares Maiden: H Kelly (owner), Taggle Óg, D Skehan (jockey). Trained by David Harry Kelly.

Winners of One: P McDonald (owner), Free Range, B Walsh (jockey). Trained by Richard O’Keeffe.