The first Grand Prix detour of the 2016 Series brought the athletes out to the beautiful surroundings of Malahide Castle. Tonight`s round was the McCarrick Plate, sponsored by the Grand Prix Committee, one full loop of the Castle grounds on a variety of surfaces and a trip or two through the woods a distance of 2 and a half miles.
The race was run as a sealed handicap, meaning that the whole field started together. The winner of the McCarrick plate in the handicap will be announced and presented at a subsequent race. Tonight`s race attracted another really good entry with some 55 making it to the finish.
First across the line and therefore fastest was Sean Doran in 13.15, followed in 9 seconds later by Tom Sherlock (13.24) and Ernie Ramsey another 20 seconds later (13.44). Fastest of the women tonight was Ciara Peelo (15.53), 2nd Maura Matthews (16.10) and 3rd Aideen Brady (16.33).
Round 6 of the series will see the return to Morton Stadium for the Santry Mile on June 2nd.
(pictured: post 2016 McCarrick Plate)