Darragh has best Mid-Antrim result in young bird ‘Grand National’

The Blue Riband Grand National for young birds was flown from Penzance on Wednesday 3rd September, some 2,300 birds were competing for pools and prizes exceeding £17,500.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Sep 2014, 08:00 BST
Martin Graham (Ballymena & Dist) had a super card from Penzance.Martin Graham (Ballymena & Dist) had a super card from Penzance.
Martin Graham (Ballymena & Dist) had a super card from Penzance.

The Irish Nat FC liberation was delayed due to low cloud in the release area, finally let go at 9.15am in a Lt SE wind. It was expected to be a hard race and that’s how it turned out, early arrivals in Cork City set the pace and the overall winner was among the first clocked around 1.15pm. The winner was Billy McCarthy of the Cork Federation who returned a velocity of 1318 flying approx. 175 miles.

Just 93 arrivals were confirmed on the day with the local centre in Muckamore recording 16 game birds up till dark. A large number of birds were recorded on the second day, with some excellent results.

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The top two birds into Mid Antrim came from Alan Darragh of Cullybackey at 18.42hrs and J McNeill & Son of Randalstown. Martin Graham from Ballymena & District had two birds on the day and timed another 5 on the second day. First bird for Martin was also sent back after Talbenny and his result was one of the best ever in the local area.

Muckamore Centre Penzance YB Nat – V Thom Cookstown 1193, M/M C Hayes Ballyclare 1166, M/M C Hayes 1021, A Darragh Cullybackey 1021, J McNeill & Son Randalstown 1017, V Thom 1014, M Graham Ballymena & Dist 1010, M Graham 1007, Spiers & Campbell Cookstown 1006, A Darragh 964, G F Lindsay Crumlin & Dist 927, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 927, A Darragh 870.

Mid Antrim Penzance YB Nat - A Darragh Cullybackey 1021, J McNeill & Son Randalstown 1017, M Graham Ballymena & Dist 1010, M Graham 1007, A Darragh 964, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 927, A Darragh 870, M Graham 760, J & M Milliken Rasharkin 688, J Harris Ballymena 664, M Graham 656, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 649, W Jackson Harryville 623, Stewart Bros Randalstown 603, M Graham 563, Reid Bros & McCloy 545, M Graham 535, D Dixon Rasharkin 524, M Graham 515, T Johnston & Son Harryville 490.

Club Results Penzance –

Cullybackey HPS – A Darragh 1021, 964, Reid Bros & McCloy 927, A Darragh 870, Reid Bros & McCloy 545.

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Randalstown HPS – J McNeill & Son 1017, Stewart Bros 603.

Ballymena & District 6/30 – M Graham 1010, 1007, 760, J Harris 664, M Graham 656, Blair & Rankin 649, M Graham 563, 535, 515.

Harryville HPS – W Jackson 623, T Johnston & Son 490.

Related topics:Grand National