Glenanore Ace (Godsend-Marbeck Star, Jun 13) landed the year’s most lucrative two-bender, the £8,000 Bresmed Northern Sprint, for Towcester’s Kevin Hutton.
Sponsor Nic Brereton (right) presents the Bresmed Northern Sprint Trophy to Ray Cross, co-owner of Genanore Ace, held by Steve Calvin (kennelhand to Kevin Hutton). Becky Brereton is on left. Photo: Steve Nash
The slowest semi final winner went to traps as a 4-1 chance but trapped smartly and was soon in control of affairs. After an early challenged of Suirside Lea (6-4f) who was cut off at the bend, Cloncunny Ardera emerged as his biggest danger and failed by just half a length to catch the 15.94 winner. The race represented a ninth win in ten sprint races for the former 28.44 Curraheen Park performer who has won from the inside five traps.
The big race was backed up by two sensational performances. The first was a new 934m track record for Roxholme Magic (Definate Opinion-Sizzling Sarah, Dec 12).
The 1-8f was always in charge of her own destiny after selecting her own course on the first lap before pulling away for a near 15 length win in 56.28. The previous best was Barley Bussell’s 57.69!
It was her ninth win in 13 open races and her fourth track record following efforts at Doncaster, Hove and Kinsley.
15 minutes later there was a sensational performance from Domino Storm. Chasing a six-timer, the 1-2f popped the boxes in a mind-blowing 4.13 sectional and pulled away to beat Catrigg Cross by just over six lengths in 28.27 for the 500 metres. Considering the number of Lister/Parker/Draper open racers who have tackled the trip, and the previous track record held by Boher Paddy of 28.44, it must surely rate as one of the greatest performances seen by bitch in many years.
It was the 72nd race of a remarkable career and comes within five months of Storm’s fourth birthday.
