Michael Goggin steals the limelight at Racetime

Harness racing resumed in the province of Ulster last Saturday when Racetime Raceway just outside Belfast held their second meeting of the 2023 season.

Yet again the attendance was healthy and those present enjoyed an action-packed afternoon of their favorite sport with County Cork man Michael Goggin stealing the limelight once more by racking up another double with John Barley and Brynillo Caio, his second in successive meetings.

Just three pacers lined up in the feature event on the program a handicap for classes 2 to 3 but what the field lacked in quantity it certainly compensated for in quality with ex-track record holder John Barley going to post a warm order favourite. Obliging by 3 lengths Michael Goggins charge had too many guns for runner up Share A Smile and veteran Lucky Cam in 2:03.3. Although in the twilight of his career, John Barley still retains a lot of class and remains unbeaten so far in 2023.

Share A Smile began life with Shane & Claire Fletcher from Albrighton near Wolverhampton before being acquired by Joe Sheridan of the Springhill Stud in Dublin which juggles a racing stable and breeding operation. Now with Luke Kelly the gelding performed with great credit on debut, and it won’t be long before he gets his head in front at the venue.

Another who kept his unbeaten tag intact was Colin McTaggart’s GDs Blizzard who lowered the colours of Monugs Boy and Meadowbranch Roman in a very respectable time of 2:01.8. From Ballyclare, McTaggart has owned the mare for the past 3 years and has done a terrific job in nursing her back from what was a potentially career ending injury picked up when competing in Scotland. Now 2 from 2, she has repaid Colin for his patience and perseverance in spades and the Pro Bono Best bred must be a serious contender for the NISA Horse Of The Year award.

Betty M caught the eye of many fans last time out when narrowly beaten into second in a very fast time. Those that chose to bet her this time around were rewarded with a comprehensive success in the afternoon’s grades 0/1 handicap. Her time clocked was the fastest of the day 2:01.2.

What Matters took second in this, but his performance could be upgraded as he broke badly at the start of this contest. Third went to Ballycoan Major who looked in need of the race, tiring badly late on. Incidentally the breeder of the winner is David “Buster” Moncrieff from Bannockburn in Scotland and named her after his late mother Betty and she looks like a very useful type who is sure to win many more as the season progresses.

Brynillo Caio and Rock Me Mama renewed rivalry in last Saturday’s Maiden & Novices contest with the latter starting favorite on the bookies boards as punters present expected her to exact revenge on the former who beat her a short head last time they clashed.

Brynillo Caio is a rapidly improving colt however and he readily disposed of Rock me Mama to win going away – the margin of victory being a comfortable 2 lengths this time around in a mile of 2:03. Highbrooks Ignite took third spot a further 3 lengths adrift and it was a pleasing debut for the Welsh bred import who was making his Racetime debut.

The victory of Brynillo Caio completed the second leg of Micheal Goggin’s eventual double and the Cork mans stable is in rude health at present. His yard is located in Goleen, not far from Mizzen Head which is recognised as the southernmost tip of Ireland, and it must take great commitment to make the 12 hour round trip every fortnight in order to compete at the most northern track on the circuit.

Racetime Raceway will be holding meetings every fortnight right through the summer with the next race meeting scheduled for Saturday 29th July featuring one of the classic races of the season the Anto Russell Memorial Trophy. This will be a heats and final style event with the first 2 home in each heat qualifying for a grand final generously sponsored by the Russell family.

From Racetime Raceway