Round 2 of the 2025 Grand Prix (GP) Series, attracted a strong field this Easter Sunday morning at Morton Stadium. Thankfully the rain deluge of the past few days cleared to give ideal conditions for this 4 Mile handicap. This was the first occasion a GP race was held on a Sunday morning.
Fastest times
Maurice Ahern set the runners on their was at 0:09:30. Lee Duddy set the early pace closely followed by Mick McMahon. However, as the race progressed towards the finish Mick McMahon made the decisive break to take the lead finishing with the fastest time of 0:23:21. Lee Duddy came second in 0:23:40. Running a strong race and coming third was Steve McCann with a time of 00:25:20.
Full results (actual times):
In an equally competitive women’s race Aisling Andrews came home first in 0:27:46. In close pursuit in second place was Maura Matthews in 0:27:51 while Catherine Harvey took third place with a time of 0:28:28.
Steve McCann wins McDonald Cup
This was a very competitive GP race. When all the race calculations were completed the winner of the McDonald Cup for 2025 was Steve McCann who had the third fastest time of the day. In second place with a time of 0:32:19 was Brid Beausang. In third place was Aisling Andrews who had the fastest women’s time of the day. Congratulations to all three who received their prizes at the post-race reception in the Clonliffe Club House.
Our race sponsor for the McDonald Cup was our Lady Captain Ciara O’Regan. Many thanks to Ciara for sponsoring the race and presenting the prizes.
Many thanks to all the Club members who officiated at the race. A special word of thanks to Paddy Tuite, Gladys Cooper and her granddaughter Leigh who provided the much appreciated post-race seasonal refreshments of hot crossed buns and Easter eggs.
Next Race
The McCarrick Plate 2.5 miles on Thursday 8th May 2025 in Malahide.