Repairs to track leave way open

The Limerick card scheduled for yesterday has been abandoned completely and now the immediate concern is getting today's scheduled…

The Limerick card scheduled for yesterday has been abandoned completely and now the immediate concern is getting today's scheduled fixture run off. The track was pounded by high winds over Christmas which caused structural damage but the course manager Colette Henchy reported yesterday that the running rails had been put back, as had the hurdles, and racing is set to go ahead this afternoon.

One concern is that the electricity supply was not back yesterday afternoon but there were hopes it would be re-connected by last night.

"As regards the ground we should be alright and at the moment we have no inspection planned for the morning. As for the electricity, I can only assume we will be re-connected in time," said Colette Henchy.

Presuming the action goes ahead, trainer Donie Hassett, from nearby Quin in Co Clare, could saddle Fifth Generation to a fourth successive victory.

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Fifth Generation started his sequence at Clonmel last month, followed up at Thurles and then went back to Clonmel three weeks ago to beat Another Point by ten lengths.

Two and a half miles on soft ground is obviously ideal for Fifth Generation and although Another Point should finish closer this time, Fifth Generation can make it four from four.

The mares' chase, run over the same course and distance, will take a lot of getting but Newberry Rose proved when winning in a mire at Tralee during the summer that stamina is her strong point and she can outstay Stagalier.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column