Review LISTOWEL 18TH SEP

The feature event on the first day of the Listowel festival produced a fantastic finish with Star Inside and Mica's Island sharing the spoils.

The judge was unable to split the pair after they flashed past the post together in the 40,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery.

Willie Supple was keen to lead on Mica's Island and soon got to the front.

He was challenged by Star Inside, and Declan McDonogh, early in the straight and the pair were locked together inside the final furlong.

'We'll take a dead-heat,' said Mica's Island's trainer Andrew Oliver. 'My horse was a bit green on the run-in but stuck his head out and came back near the line.'

Both jockeys involved in that driving finish recorded doubles on the card. McDonogh had struck in the preceding race aboard Miracle Ridge.

Adrian McGuinness' admirable performer was recording his sixth win of the season when kicking on two furlongs out and staying on strongly to score by a length in the Bank Of Ireland Handicap.

'He's brilliant - a super horse,' said McGuinness. 'He'll probably go for the Joe McGrath at the Curragh on October 22nd. He should get in after that win.'

Supple completed his brace in the race after the feature as Skerries dominated her field in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.

Harry Rogers' mare was soon in front and had her rivals struggling before the turn. She kept on strongly for a four-length verdict.

'She won here twice last year. My horse have been sick all year and she has just come right in time. She'll probably run again on Friday or Saturday,' said Rogers.

The punters drew first blood at the meeting with Divine Night landing a monster gamble in the opening Fillies Maiden.

David Wachman's charge was available at 16/1 in the morning but that didn't last long and she was backed from 7/1 to 4/1f on course.

Wayne Lordan sent the Danehill filly on in the straight to record an easy three-and-a-half length victory over Fly By Magic.

'She was very green first time and lost ground at the start,' explained Wachman. 'She could go for the Listed Flame Of Tara Stakes at the Curragh on October 8th.'

Officer Krupke showed the benefit of his first run over hurdles when turning around Tralee form with Haroni in the Devon Inn Hotel 3-Y-O Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh produced the Daylami gelding with a strong run at the last to beat Haroni by two-and-a-half lengths.

Gypsy Lord kept on well in the closing stages to hold the challenge of warm order Articulation (1/1f) by a length-and-a-quarter in the John F McGuire Beginners Chase.