Big Double in Dromara HPS
Dromara H.P.S. held their annual dinner and prize distribution in The Pheasant restaurant, Annahilt on Friday 12th February. Members, family and friends enjoyed a beautiful four course meal, with the staff of the Pheasant doing a wonderful job in looking after everyone. Marina and Stephen Marks, sister and brother in law of Mrs Fiona Stevenson, very kindly presented the trophies and prize cards.
Dromara HPS members before their prize distribution
As is usual in Dromara it was all very close at the top but McKinstry Bros just shaded the top prize-winner position with 4 firsts, 7 seconds, 6 thirds plus a host of other minor positions. The partnership's main wins included Fermoy O.B. 5 bird where they won the entire N.I.P.A. Open and the club members would like to add their congratulations to them. The boys, who are great workers in the club, also had a good win on the channel from Penzance. Next to collect their prize cards were N.Black & Son with 7 firsts, 3 seconds and 2 thirds plus other prizes. Their main wins being the three French races, Penzance Classic, the Yearling National and the Channel Averages. Third to the table were Russell Bros, who are never far away, taking 2 firsts, 1 second and 8 thirds plus other prizes the main win coming in Penzance Young Bird National. Next were the top partnership of Cromie & Magee & Son with 6 firsts, 8 seconds 3 thirds plus other prizes. Mr & Mrs Stevenson followed with 3 firsts, 1 second and 2 thirds plus other prizes, again they had a big win in the Fermoy young bird 5 bird where, like McKinstry Bros, they won the entire N.I.P.A. Open. This is not the first time the two partnerships have done this big double of wins as they also achieved it back in 2008. Next up to the table was Harry Silcock, the new management team have been very consistent in the National races, Harry was followed by N. Edgar & Son, H. Wilkinson, M. Jardine, A. Bradley, C & L Fryers, T.Marshall & Son, D. Aiken, J. McCleary, G. Kirkpatrick, Walker Bros, and D. McCandless. The cups and trophies were then presented, with the biggest cheers reserved for John McCleary who won a comeback Roscrea and first Talbenny; Alistair Bradley also got great applause for his win in Rosscarberry.
Marina Marks presenting Alan Black with his prizecards - Matthew Russell receiving his prize cards from Marina Marks
Stephen Marks presents Bertie Walker with his cup - Tom Marshall receiving his cards from Marina Marks
Stanley McKinstry receives his prizecards from Marina Marks
The final presentation of the night was when Marina Marks presented her sister Fiona with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of all the members, in appreciation of providing the tea and biscuits at all the race marking and meeting nights. Then the much anticipated ballot followed with some great prizes on offer, plus 8 2016 young birds from the clubs top fanciers. Unlike last year when Gordon Kilpatrick won three young birds he had to settle for a bottle of wine and a box of Milk Tray this year. As usual the ever lucky Stanley McKinstry won 2 prizes but Albert did even better with three. Mr & Mrs Stevenson won the McKinstry Bros and Russell Bros young birds, H. Silcock won Tom Marshall's, Darren Aiken won Mr & Mrs Stevenson's, Phillip Conner won Cromie & Magee & Son's. N.Black & Son, who a few members thought could do with some new blood, won L. Fryers and H. Silcock's young birds. The members would like to thank Mr & Mrs Stevenson for the use of their premises for the club rooms and also everyone who helped in any way to the successful running of the club during the year.
Fiona Stevenson with her sister Marina Marks
David Black
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