Donal O'Mahony Draghunt is in a league of its own

When it comes to draghunting few can match the enjoyment that has been witnessed at Blarney for the past 25 years in the Singleton’s SuperValu Donal O’Mahony meeting.

It is basically a family day with three top draghunts and a Puppy Show that is a sight to behold with many children parading their hounds.

Over the years we have seen some wonderful performances at the north Cork venue but on Sunday last High Miss of Griffin United was simply awesome in the manner she spread-eagled the field in the Senior race.

Trained by Donal O’Donovan of Griffin United this hound has a mind of her own but cast your mind back to 2020 when she duly won the Puppy race at this meeting.

For Donal O’Donovan who has had a fair share of illness during his hound’s career, this was another day to celebrate the class his hound showed on her best day. For many months she lost her appetite for racing and on other occasions, she is capable of giving her opponents a three-field start before eventually deciding to race.

It was not a surprise that her trainer was like a man with a lottery win after the race.

“I am thrilled because deep down I do know when she decides to run there is every chance that a win is a possibility and before the race she looked in good form.

“Winning at this meeting is always special and although I was in a hospital bed when she won the Puppy draghunt her four years ago experiencing this is something very special,” said Donal O’Donovan.

Trina and Ken Long have a had a great season with their duo Blue Daisy and Blue Lad and they had to settle for second and fourth on this occasion.

In the Puppy race we saw another hound give an exhibition of finishing and for the John O’Callaghan Northern Hunt trained hound Applause it was a day to savour.

As the hounds dropped into the finish Applause only showed fourth but when the call went up she basically moved up gears and showed an incredible turn of foot to the finishing tape.

The Mayfield-trained Don’t Panic Lad showed in front into the last field but couldn’t match the pace of the winner with Ger and Jennifer Kenneally’s Knockane Jack filling third ticket.

Kerry trainer Vincey Murphy will be pleased with the display given by his Senior Maiden winner Ferry Bill who denied the Denise Rall Mayfield trained Magic’s Pride with Danganmore Spot in third place for John Crowley of Griffin United.

Just like every major draghunt that is staged a lot of work must be done and many thanks must go to Christy Keating of Kerry Pike and Mick Murphy of Blarney for getting the goodwill of the farming community whose cooperation over many years is greatly appreciated.

Also to Adam O’Sullivan and Damien Wade for their contributions. The final thanks must go to sponsor Tomas Singleton for his continued backing of this great meeting.