Triumphant Proper Heiress through to the Irish Derby semi-finals
The quarter-finals of the BoyleSports Irish Derby took place at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night and UK raider Proper Heiress scored again.
Proper job from Heiress
Proper Heiress (4/7fav) booked his place in the semi-finals of the BoyleSports Irish Derby with another victory at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night.
The Mark Wallis-trained star made full use of his draw on the rails to barge his way to the front at the first bend and lead them into the back straight.
Glengar Silent was hot in pursuit but when that rival was held up by Singalong Curly at the third bend, it allowed Proper Heiress to maintain his advantage and come a length clear in 29.78.
The fastest quarter-final winner was Cheap Sandwiches (4/7fav) as he ran riot to stop the clock at an excellent 29.27.
Last year’s runner-up was beaten to the punch by Unanimous Leo early doors but rushed up to join that rival at the corner and ran a lovely bend to lead off the second bend.
Graham Holland’s dog then proceeded to pull further and further clear and he crossed the line seven lengths ahead of the staying-on Droopys Deploy,
Magical Mag (6/4fav) got first run in the second quarter-final and wasn’t for catching, as Pat Guilfoyle’s runner came home three and a half lengths clear of Happy Jet in 29.69.
Ballyhooly Bruno sprang an 8/1 surprise in the fourth quarter with a power-packed display to score in 29.69.
Oreo Ollie put the pace to the race but Tom O’Neil’s winner loomed large down the far side before taking it up at the third bend and pulling two lengths clear of that rival.
Derby Plate
There were also three heats of the Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate and it was Magical Major who set the standard for Guilfoyle.
The 1/2 favourite made his move down the back straight and passed long-time leader Grouchos Hoffa at the third bend before staying on strongly for a three-length victory in 29.42.
Owen Mckenna had a one-two in the second heat as Sunshine Sioux (11/8fav) ran out an easy eight-length winner from Ventry Faith to strike in 29.48.
UK raider Ballymac Axel (15/8jf) flew home to win by five and a half lengths from Hopes Teddy in the third heat and Murt Leahy’s representative clocked 29.58.
