Duchess shows class to win Donal O’Mahony Draghunt in Blarney

Slievemish Duchess gave a lifelong top display of front running to win the Buter Technologies Donal O’Mahony Senior Draghunt before a large attendance at Blarney on Sunday.

The weather forecast was poor with thundery showers expected but what we got was glorious sunshine that had the dedicated supporters in rapture, with young and old enjoying this magnificent spectacle.

The hounds were slipped at Dawstown before heading for Killowen with a slight veering in the direction of Birch Hill.

Reports from the vantage points suggested the pace was hot with four hounds getting away from the pack as they headed back to Newcastle.

When the hounds showed on the finish before dropping in and climbing to the finish the winner looked to have a commanding lead and when the call went up she spreadeagled the pack to run out a very comfortable winner.

The Jerry Murphy and Sheila Cummins-trained Misty took second ticket ahead of Sean T from the Griffin United kennel of John and Sean O’Sullivan.

In the Senior Maiden Draghunt, there was joy for Southern/Carrigaline harriers trainers Trina and Ken Long when their charge Blue Rose romped to an impressive win.

In a driving finish, Blue Rose saw off Mexican Jet trained by Jerry Murphy and Sheila Cummins of Shanakiel Harriers with Casey Jack securing third ticket for Ger and Jennifer Kenneally.

The Puppy draghunt was a close finish with the honours going to the Mary Barrett, Shanakiel Harriers-trained Charlotte’s Lass who came as straight as an arrow to land the spoils.

As the hounds dropped into the finish the eventual runner-up Putting on the Style trained by William Freyne and Ryan Duffy of Clogheen looked to be in control.

As the hounds took the climb to the finish the Clogheen hound was still in front but coming into view he swerved and allowed the winner her chance to land the big prize.

The John and Sean O’Sullivan-trained Vicky T ran a tremendous race to snatch third ticket with One Day at a Time, Slievemish Queen and Noah’s Girl securing the minor tickets.

Amazingly, five of the six placed hounds are from the litter of Mrs. Brigg’s and Naoi and after the draghunt, the winning trainer spoke of her delight in winning such a prestigious draghunt.

“I am over the moon as Charlotte’s Lass has been running so well for us in the last month and to win is a dream come true for my family,” said Mary.

In the Puppy Maiden Draghunt, there was joy for Mayfield trainers Andrew and Gary O’Callaghan when his charge Something Else landed the honours in style.

Once again, a bunched finish saw the winner cross the tape ahead of the unlucky Gypsy King with Black Paddy securing third ticket.

The winner only landed in Ireland from Cumbria two days before the big race and his trainer couldn’t hide his delight.

“It’s great to get a win at this meeting and when you purchase a hound from Cumbria its always a chance but thankfully it all worked out for us,” said Andrew.

Results 

Butler Technologies Donal O’Mahony Senior Draghunt: 1. Slievemish Duchess (Clogheen); 2. Misty (Shanakiel harriers); 3. Sean T (Griffin United); 4. Jamie’s Rascal (Clogheen); 5. Border Mystery (Shanakiel harriers); 6. Hannah Bawn (Kerry Pike/Fair Hill harriers).

Butler Technologies Donal O’Mahony Senior Maiden: 1. Blue Rose (Southern/Carrigaline harriers); 2. Mexican Jet (Shanakiel harrers); 3. Casey Jack (Southern/Carrigaline harriers); 4. Pixie’s Mexican Dream (Shanakiel harriers); 5. Guinness Boy (Shanakiel harriers); 6. Mossgrove Rodger (Shanakiel harriers).

Butler Technologies Donal O’Mahony Puppy: 1. Charlotte’s Lass (Shanakiel harriers); 2. Putting on the Style (Clogheen); 3. Vicky T (Griffin United); 4. One day at a Time (Clogheen); 5. Slievemish Queen (Clogheen); 6. Naoi’s Girl (Shanakiel harriers).

Butler Technologies Donal O’Mahony Puppy Maiden: 1. Something Else (Mayfield); 2. Gypsy King (Northern Hunt); 3. Black Paddy (Shanakiel harriers); 4. Gypsy Ghost (Northern Hunt); 5. DNA Diva (Northern Hunt); 6. Patch (Griffin United).