Mag still Lifford Oaks favourite with the sponsor despite defeat

MAGICAL MAG, who was promoted to outright favouritism for the BOYLE Sports Lifford Oaks following the withdrawal of Droopys Kathleen, retains that position with the sponsor despite a narrow round one defeat.

Pat Guilfoyle's Irish Derby finalist was collared close home by Pat Buckley's unexposed Singalong Polly (28.56sec) in the fastest of the heats in the €10,000 competition with the pair kept apart in this weekend's semi-finals.

The revival of the Lifford Oaks represents the most prestigious event to take place at the Donegal venue since its reopening in 2023 with the live-on-SIS final on Saturday 1st November.

BOYLE Sports (Lifford Oaks): 7/4 Magical Mag, 5 Hackney Tango, Westway Rossa, 6 Singalong Polly, 10 Magical Sapphire, 16 Durrow Star, Innfield Riddle, Magical Poppet, 25 Daleroad Mya, 33 Ashmar Una, Blue Belle, Fridays April (e-w 1/4 1,2,3).