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 BLUEBIRD continues to make relentless strides in her efforts to catch long-time leaders Habana and Cracking That in the race for the puppy championship.
For while the two top hounds can’t seem to keep their scoreboard ticking over Bluebird continues to notch up vital victories.
She started last week with a win at Boonwood on Wednesday although she had to work hard to beat Tell Tale (alongside) who had every chance, and who led onto the finish.
That was to complete a treble over course and distance and likewise Dairy One has retained his title hopes. His third win at Boonwood had come earlier when he beat Westgate Ruby by five lengths – the closest ruin he has been given in the three runs.
There was a good battle in the open restricted in which Mr. Jingles got the verdict by a length over Ellie Vee as seen below.
MAL WALKER takes our pictures at the trails and he was at Boonwood to see Bluebird just beating Tell Tale and Mr Jingles getting home against Ellie Vee. He also spotted this little winner below, nine-days-old Alfie Steel who was attending his first hound trailing meeting. They learn them young in west Cumbria.
Judging by his reaction he hasn't been offered very good odds by Ian Telford. Let's hope hound trailing is well and thriving when Alfie gets to Ian's age!
Mal's prints can be bought at £25 for an A4 framed and £40 for an A3 framed. Prints only are £10 A4 and £15 A3.
Mayfair had put together a strong run of winning form before hitting the proverbial wall in September but she got her head back in front at Sandale on Thursday, coming through to beat Alfresco.
Cracking That needs something as well to ignite her season. She can’t seem to catch Habana and is in danger of being overhauled by Bluebird and it was Dairy Song who proved too strong this time
Clarity, who looks like finishing third in the veterans championship, was given a run in the open restricted but had to settle for second place behind High Patrol.
Friday night meetings are pretty rare in the sport but there was one at Askam-in-Furness last week and which proved quite successful.
Show Girl is still up there battling for the senior championship and she added another vital point to her tally when she beat kennel-mate Some Girl on the finish.
Habana’s run has stalled but she was expected to get back in the groove at Askam, only to be beaten on the finish by Darling to complete a Penny and Kevin Swanton double.
Sycamore was sent-off the even money favourite for the open restricted but was left trailing in the last field by both the winner Domino and runner-up Matty Brown who had the finish to themselves.
The new veterans champion Outrageous notched up win number eleven for the season, beating the title runner-up Sandy Bay quite comfortably.
There were two meetings on Saturday – Dearham and Eskdale Show – with Westgate Kyza taking another step towards retaining the senior championship.
He ran at Dearham and again beat the locally-trained Rhinestone Cowboy for another important win.
Cracking That tried again to get her season moving but was back in third spot in the junior trail behind Toffee Supreme and White Diamond.
Night Shadow was successful on the open non-winners while Waltzing Matilda beat Rough Diamond in the open restricted.
At Eskdale Show there were reports that Westgate Ruby had a handy lead during the trail but she appeared to go wrong somewhere and it was Misty who emerged the winner. Ruby had got herself right again but was beaten by five yards.
There wasn’t much doubt about the puppy trail because Courtesy came home a long way clear, with probably 100 yards to spare over the runner-up Cinnibar.
There was a shamozzle at the end of the open maidens as the leaders ran off in the last field but when they got sorted out Maddison just had a length on Westgate Tally at the line.
In the open restricted Butterfly got the verdict, with about a length to spare over Super Hero.
The weather was lovely on Sunday at Kendal, just like a typical September day of recent years, and in actual fact was rather warm for the hounds.
In the senior trail Some Girl beat Alfresco by five lengths, and there was a good race for all the tickets.
It was close for all the leading contenders in the pups and in the end Velvet just beat My Girl and Gentle Lady for her first success. Table leader Habana was back in sixth.
In the open maidens Red Dawn came away from Bretton and Lonesome in the closing stages, and these three were well clear of the rest.
Although 22 went to the slip in the open restricted there wasn’t much doubt about the winner as Martaura won very easily.
The weather at Keswick on Monday was just the opposite to Kendal, cold and wet.
Over the old golf course trail Westgate Ruby beat Salsa by about 50 yards in the senior trail, with Huntsman's Chance a similar distance away in third place.
The puppy trail saw Courtesy a long way clear of her rivals who were headed by one of the form hounds over the last few weeks, Huntsman’s Dazzler.
It was close between four in the open restricted where Hill Breeze beat kennel-mate Westgate Jewel, with Ben's Girl and Eden Russet in close attendance.
They also raced at St. Helena on Monday where Hot Fuss led the seniors onto the finish but it was Whitby Steps who produced the best effort in the closing stages, coming from third place to win by a length and a half.
It was also very close in the puppy trail where Foxparke Lady Jean led but Bluebird, who is continuing a great run of form, came through to win by a length and maintain her interest in the championship crown.
The open non-winners provided the third top finish of the night. Amy Jo was pursued by Bushie up the finish but she prevailed by a length.
Now, I’ve been informed that the trails at Bower House on October 13 and 19 will revert to how they were last season, and in actual fact, will be run the opposite way round to where they were earlier this year.
Margaret Baxter has sent an update on the HTA points and we already have two grade winners – Bushie cannot be caught in the open maidens while Outrageous will win the veterans from Sandy Bay.
Senior Maiden - Top Man 26 (finished), Eden River 25, Sherlock and Brad the Lad 23.
Puppy Maiden - Lingbeck Shadow 14, nearest still eligible Reuben 12, Bushie and Pavarotti 10.
Open Maiden - Bushie 48, Maddison 39 (finished), nse Night Shadow 21, Valdor 20, Foxparke Lady Jean 19.
Open Non-Winner - Bushie 24, Kelly-Mac 22, Fell Dancer and Jim Dandy 15.
Open Restricted - Huntsman's Charm 100 (finished), nse Lone Star 83 (2 lives left), Butterfly 81 (1), Matty Brown 76 (2).
Veteran - Outrageous 112, Sandy Bay 83, Clarity 53.
Including this Saturday, the following number of trails are left in these classes - SM 9, PM 7, OM 4, OR 22, ONW 6, V 3.
The Team update and Top Tipster update will be given next week.
I’ve been asked to thank a few people for all the help they have given this season in putting on the Kentmere HTC trails, whether it be for pulling a rag, scouting roads, opening gates, donating money and raffle prizes, selling raffle tickets or whatever.
Lynne Pawley e-mailed to say: “We would like to thank Robert Reid, Emma Blenkharn, Les and Pat Black, Joseph Abram, Nicola McMaster, Ivor and Wendy Martin, Ian and Ann Bell, Keith and Eileen Robinson, Patrick and Jane Laidler, Lee Irwin, Yvonne and Alan Wilson, Kathryn Pawley, Jayne Petersen, Christine Brownlee, Carole Jackson, Eric Cockbain, Megan Simpson, Ronnie Bell and Michael and Dot Wilding.
“Thank you also to everyone who turned up to support the trails, and as a result of everyone’s efforts we are able to donate £100 to the Air Ambulance; £100 to Kentmere First Responders and £100 to Kentmere Institute to help towards its refurbishment.”
There was a remarkable one-two for former HTA hounds at the week-end running of the All Ireland senior draghunt which was attended by a number of HTA enthusiasts.
Black and Tan, originally trained by Alan Blacklock, beat Isitit, originally owned by Neil Brown, by a length to take the major honours.
John Coughlan sent the following report: Dreams are made of moments like this as Black and Tan of Northern Hunt was crowned the Gurranabraher Credit Union Senior All Ireland champion at Ballinagree.
Before an estimated attendance of 2,000 the scenes at the finish had to be witnessed to be believed as the training father and son partnership of Gary and Adam O’Sullivan celebrated as if they had just scooped the lottery.
Black and Tan, one of the most consistent hounds in training, had already finished second in two Senior Internationals and as the old adage of the sport goes - ‘Every hound has its day.’
When the hounds were slipped they headed to Macroom before veering in the direction of Beal Na Bharabh.
From that point it was on to Rusheen before the trail headed back to Ballinagree.
Reports from the road crossings suggested that the hounds were making no checks as the pack drove on at speed for the entire race.
When the hounds showed on the finish the 2008 champion Isitit showed narrowly in front of the eventual winner.
Most punters would have made Isitit odds on favourite to romp to glory but Black and Tan had other ideas.
As the hounds dropped in before ascending Black and Tan got to the front and had a length to spare at the tape.
Trainer Gary O’Sullivan picked his winning hound up and danced with joy watched by his tearful mother Brenda and even Uncle Sean had made the journey to Ballinagree to witness this historic day.
How many times had Black and Tan been the bridesmaid in various major draghunts but on this occasion she meant business.
Gary’s father (Gary Snr) was one of the best harrier men that this county has ever produced and no doubt he was looking down with a broad smile on his son and grandson enjoying the greatest day in their sporting lives.
The hound was originally purchased from Alan Blacklock in Cumbria and has been model of consistency since it began running in Ireland in 2004.
In any major championship there also has to be disappointments and lets spare a thought for the runner up Isitit trained by John O’Callaghan of Douglas.
After successfully winning the individual championship Isitit ran another tremendous race as his trainer reflected on being so close and yet so far.
“When he showed in front I thought God I am in with a good chance but credit to Black and Tan she finished well and deserved her win,” John said.
“It would have been nice to win but listen I cannot complain I have had a great season.”
It was also ironic that the original owner of Isitit Neil Brown had travelled from Cumbria to watch his former hound.
Neil had visited Cork for International draghunts but had never witnessed an All Ireland race before.
“I am really impressed with what I saw and although I am a little disappointed that Isitit did not win for John I think the sport was the real winner here today,” said Neil.
Mayfield, the only Cork club never to win a Senior All Ireland draghunt, will have to wait another year despite the good performances of Magic’s Choice and Westgate Storm.
Magic’s Choice trained by Denise and Leslie Kepple took the third ticket while the Timmy Healy trained Westgate Storm was a gallant fifth.
The Kerry association also had a very good day when two of their hounds finished in the tickets.
Nemo from the Glen club was a close up fourth while the Jerry O’Driscoll trained Bird finished with the sixth ticket.
Gary O’Sullivan had to hold back the tears as he tried to describe what this day meant to him.
At the beginning of the season Northern Hunt were on the verge of folding but somehow Gary managed to keep it afloat.
After watching his hound cross the winning tape in front Gary picked up his prize asset and hugged her with delight.
This was definitely a day that Gary did not think would ever happen and his delight at the finish was one of elation and shock.
“I have learned never to build up my hopes because the disappointment can be too much at times,” Gary said.
“Today I came to Ballinagree hoping to finish in the first six but to win it was past my wildest dreams.
“Looking over her career I do not think anybody could deny my hound this win because she has twice finished second in the Senior International.
“Keeping the club going was hard but Larry Duggan is determined that the Northern Hunt name never leaves drag-hunting.”
SENIOR ALL IRELAND: 1, Black and Tan (Northern Hunt); 2, Isitit (Douglas); 3, Magic’s Choice (Mayfield); 4, Nemo (Kerry); 5, Westgate Storm (Mayfield); 6, Bird (Kerry).78 ran, time 42 minutes.
Latest results in the Border Association have been as follows:-
Thursday 25th September, Spadeadam
Seniors: 1, Houxty Beck; 2, Puzzle; 3, Trust; 4, On-Line; 5, Denton Memory. 5 ran, time 25:06. Pups: 1, Summer Delight; 2, Summer Venture; 3, Gold Finger; 4, Farm Time; 5, Headline; 6, Polly. 8 ran, time 15:57.
Graded Pups: 1, Templer; 2, Denton Friendship; 3, Spring Midget; 4, Castle Corrie; 5, Houxty Bank. 5 ran, time 16:21
Open Graded: 1, Jigsaw; 2, Fire Glory; 3, Delta Dancer; 4, Amber Salsa; 5, Major; 6, Blaze. 15 ran, time 15:41.
Sunday 28th September, Sorbie’s Farm.
Seniors: 1, Houxty Beck; 2, Eagle Gill; 3, On-Line; 4, Silver Birch; 5, Major; 6, Mr Ed. 9 ran, time 24:56.
Senior Graded: 1, Fire Dream; 2, Puzzle; 3, Delta Star; 4, Spring Moss; 5, Fire Glory; 6, Newman. 16 ran, time 26:41.
Pups; 1, Gold Finger; 2, Farm Time; 3, Summer Delight; 4, Fire Ranger; 5, Spring Raider; 6, Headline. 8 ran, time 16:52
Puppy Graded: 1, Templer; 2, Spring Midget; 3, Houxty Bank; 4 Castle Corrie; 5, Cheeky Girl; 6, Denton Friendship. 6 ran, time 17:31.
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