Another Meath winner as Stigh Collain scores

Stigh Collain made a winning debut for Meath businessman and GAA supporters Peter Timmons when winning the mares' flat race at Downpatrick yesterday. Stigh Collain, Irish for Stackallen which is located between Navan and Slane and close to where the owner has his Meath Farm Machinery business at Kilberry, was due to run at Roscommon last week but missed that assignment due to sore shins. Trained by Noel Meade, Stigh Collain was ridden by Nina Carberry and kept on well once in front from over a furlong out. Stigh Collain's owner is also heavily involved in the local GAA scene and this year the Meath Senior Football Championship is known as the Meath Farm Machinery SFC. Mr Timmons agreed a deal to support the championship with nearby neighbour and Co Board chairman Barney Allen who was otherwise occupied over the last couple of days with matters arising out of the Leinster SFC final. Stigh Collain beat another Meath horse with a local place name - Athronan - which is close to Dunsany where trainer Clare Mac Mahon is based. Athronan finished strongly to claim the runner-up position.