IRISH PERFORMANCES OF THE WEEK

Brodys Magic was the star of the Irish Laurels first round. The Dundalk 400 yard track record holder covered the extra 125 yards at Cork in 28.12.

It was great to see the return to racing of Northern Irish venue Derry with its first meeting since lock down. A couple of interesting points to come out of the meeting.

Firstly, although it has yet to be recognised, we believe the 27.50 recorded by Nemesis, appears to be a new 500 yard track record – one spot inside the previous best.

Secondly, there was a great treble for Ela Ela Genie/Glenbowen Jewel litter, whose winning times were within eight spots of each other, with Sniper Ria also winning at Drumbo five nights later.

Knockboy Flight was the fastest of the week in an unraced stake at Thurles, but Coolavanny Hardy was only 10 spots slower and giving away four months.

FOY times are getting rarer as some tracks slow, so acknowledgement for Great Name That with the quickest 525 at Shelbourne Park, Westmeath Lively with the quickest 400 at Mullingar in almost two years and Hello Vickie with the best 730 yard run at Waterford in three years.

Last but not least, Tralee winner Lassa Excitement at six years and two months old. Owned by Frank O’Donnell and Michael Costello, the son of Crash qualified in December 2015, and was going to traps for race 141.