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IRISH POINTING WEEKLY
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The 2002 Pointing campaign kicked off as per usual with the traditional New Years meet at Dromahane. The meeting survived a very late inspection due to the heavy overnight frost. Part of the home straight was a little crusty for the early races resulting in some small fields. This fixture is run by the Kanturk Duhallow committee and it was fitting that one of the backbone of that committee should steal the honours. Eugene O Sullivan trained the first 3 winners, all partnered by his younger brother William. Proceedings opened with a modest confined hunt, with only 5 starters. The joint favs were the O Sullivan trained Tribal Run (7 Be My Native) and newcomer Spruce Goose (Phardante, full brother to Sublime Fellow), both sent to post at 2/1. This pair fought it out for the final mile, with the Trevor Hemmings owned Tribal Run, putting his track experience to good stead, eventually winning by 25L from Spruce Goose. The runner up will improve, and can take a point in the coming weeks. The 2nd race the 5-year-old maiden, produced a high quality field last year, including Noble Justice, Keen Leader, Ballyhampshire Boy, Moss Bawn & Druids Glen. Sadly the frosty surface kept a number of well-touted individuals in their horseboxes , with only 3 competing. The Pat Doyle trained/Timmy Hyde owned Court Award(Montelimar) & the O Sullivan trained Sweet Citizen (Supreme Leader) were the 1/1 joint favs. Sweet Citizen made all, jumping accurately, and was left clear when the chasing Court Award unshipped his pilot 4 out. The winner had 3 solid runs in the autumn pointing season, including an excellent 3rd in November over C/D behind the high class Kick For Touch (now with Hen Knight). Sweet Citizen which will no doubt win on the track, was another Hemmings owned winner. Court Award can gain compensation shortly against lesser opponents. The 6/7-year-old maiden was competitive with 11 runners. The O Sullivan camp, completed the treble here with Tuba (7 Orchestra), who beat stable companion Aughmor River by 15L. Tuba had cost Trevor Hemmings 30k as a store, and disappointed during spells in recent seasons with Nicky Richards & Sue Smith. Tuba looked rejuvenated in this contest and connections believe he is now going to take advantage of his current handicap rating when returning to the track shortly. Treasure King (6 Treasure Hunter), and newcomers Bemo One (6 Rashar) & Newratking (6 Shardari) finished well behind but shaped with encouragement.. The Open went the way of 11-year-old Brambledale who collared long time leader False Tail on the run in. The latter's stable mate No Problem (5/4) never threatened in 5th, but will improve for the run. Liz Doyle rode & trained the victor of the Winner Of 1, Sober Performance (8 Bruff Crozier). This free running sort, established a big lead and was never in danger of defeat. Welcome Hero & Kilcaskin Gold dead heated for second. Kilcaskin Gold (7 Ore) has track potential, but can click in a winners contest shortly. The closing 6 yr old mares maiden, featured a gamble on Executive Roseann (Ex Perk) but she fell at the 7th. Heather Belle (Ex Perk) & Sulemar (S Leader) subsequently dominated, with Davy Russell driving Heather Belle clear 3 out for a decisive success. The runner up Sulemar, trained by Donie O Connell will compensate her supporters shortly. Horses in Red considered future racecourse winners Dromahane----3 circuits, left handed, 15 fences. Going Good (crusty in patches) 1--Hunt Maiden 2--5 Yr Old Maiden Geldings Only 3--6/7 Yr Old Maiden Geldings Only 4--Open 5--Winners Of 1 6--6 Mares Maiden Due to the Foot & Mouth outbreak the Irish point fraternity raced out of season in the autumn. The following are a list of the noteworthy horses from Autumn 2001. Ace Of
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