Tom Queally continued his amazing first season in the saddle when partnering a 32/1 double with Summer Break and Dellsboy at Clonmel yesterday to establish a clear lead in the apprentice championship.
The 15-year-old from Dungarvan, Co Waterford recorded his 21st winner of the campaign - two ahead of nearest rival Declan McDonogh in the apprentice title race - when employing front-running tactics aboard Dellsboy in the September Handicap (Division 1). The Tom Foley-trained gelding, also winner of the corresponding race last year, dug deep inside the final furlong to deny favourite Kilbride King by three quarters of a length.
Queally initiated the brace half-an-hour earlier when Summer Break got up close home for a half length victory in the opening Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Claiming Race. 'She is tough, and will go hurdling soon,' said trainer Tony Mullins afterwards.
Mullins completed a treble on the day when teaming up with Charlie Swan to take both handicap hurdles. Rash Decision headed Binneas in the final strides of the Powerstown Handicap Hurdle, while the former champion gave The Bongo Man a beautifully judged ride when coming from well off the pace to cheekily land the Munster Handicap Hurdle. 'He likes that good ground, and will go next for the Smithwicks Beer Handicap Hurdle at Listowel,' said Mullins.
Super Franky warmed up for the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel by justifying good support in the two mile Rathronian Maiden. The seven-year-old gelding provided Limerick trainer Charles Byrnes with his first winner on the Flat when edging out Mist Of Magic in the final 50 yards to score by a neck.
