BY TIM KELLEHER

JAMIE Hurley was the star of the show on the opening day of the 2026 West Cork harness racing season.

The Reenasceena-based driver had four winners at Harbour View Beach on Sunday.

Fandango De Nile set the ball rolling for Hurley in the Grade G & F trot. 

The winner led from the gate ahead of Brutenor and was always in control, eventually finishing two lengths clear of Kieran Scott. The horse is owned by Hurley’s partner, Hannah Richardson from Dublin.

Next up, Benny The Legend justified favouritism in the Grade F Pace. Yankee George led for the opening half-mile from Christy Brown before Christy Brown took over down the back straight, followed by Benny The Legend. At the two-furlong pole, Benny The Legend was forced to check but, once clear turning for home, ran out a comfortable winner to give Hurley a double.

Hippie Sisu leads the way in the Grade F Trot. (Photo: Lydia Kelleher)

A four-runner Grade E & D Trot followed, with Hippie Sisu making the early running and leading the opening lap. No driver showed their hand too early and the order remained unchanged until two furlongs from home. Hotesse Du Chassin then made his move, hit the front turning for home and proved too strong for the gallant Hippie Sisu, while Joy Street finished strongly to claim third. It was another winner for Hurley, who also drove three winners at this fixture 12 months ago.

Hurley completed his four-timer in the Grade E to A Trot with Graal Du Dollar for Goleen-based owner John O’Sullivan.

Sent off at prohibitive odds of 1/3 and carrying a 30-yard handicap, Graal Du Dollar quickly made light of the extra burden. Homa led from the gate, but Graal Du Dollar swept to the front after three furlongs and from there produced an exhibition performance, winning by 17 lengths from Fairplay Briolais.

‘It is common knowledge that we train our horses at the beach here in Harbour View, but with tidal factors it’s hard to get the timing right when to come here,’ Hurley said.

‘The beach was at its very best today. Fair play to the lads for getting it ready. I know I had four winners today, but there’s a long season ahead.’

Benny Camden and Wayne McNevin winning the Grade E To B Pace. (Photo: Lydia Kelleher)

Wayne McNevin made the journey from Dublin and took the honours in the Grade E to B Pace with Benny Camden.

Meanwhile, Magical Bailey, a home-bred son of Pro Bono Best, gave Matthew O’Reilly the distinction of driving the opening winner of the new season. Coalford Belief made the early running, but Magical Bailey led at halfway and stayed on well. Bet On Me launched a late challenge, but Magical Bailey held on to take the spoils.

Racing continues this Sunday at Cornfield Oval, with a 2.30pm start.