THERE were three locally trained winners on the penultimate day at the hugely successful Mr Binman Racing Festival at Greenmount Park, Patrickswell.
First in the winners’ enclosure was Eric McNamara of Rathkeale with Storm Mahler (13/2), ridden by his son Conor and owned by Michael Hannon of Ballybrown, which won in a photo finish from Rusheen the Knocklong Handicap Hurdle of €10,500.
Happy Dreams (13/2) provided owner/trainer Michael McDonagh (Cratloe) with success – his second of the festival – in the listed Campion Insurance Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Steeplechase of €45,000.
The winner was ridden by McDonagh’s grandson Mark.
Charles Byrnes’ The Story So Far (3/1), under a strong drive from Ray Barron of Athlacca, snatched the win in the concluding Woodlands House Hotel Adare Flat Race of €10,500. It was the second win of the week for Barron. He is the property of the Milkers Syndicate, who were the happiest bunch at the Festival.
“The owners are local to me in Ballingarry so it is great for them,” revealed Byrnes.
The Story So Far was also best turned-out, courtesy of groom Melissa Murphy.
