Sheik Bartholomew on annual pilgrimage

ANY truth in the rumour that blinkers have been ordered by the 'Kilbeacanty Kid’ and 'Gurteen Wonder’ connections for the annual Fianna Fail knees-up at Ballybrit this week?Both 'The Kid’ (the Frank Fahey string) and 'The Wonder’ (Noel Treacy stable) ran well in The West Galway Plate and the East Galway Hurdle respectively, but were then withdrawn from that stroll in the park known as The Half Car Minister for State Stakes (€140,000 and a free car added) by racing magnate Sheik Bartholomew of Drumcondra.Word is that The Sheik felt they had had 'a good innings’ and he then made the surprise move of giving the nod to 'The Comeback Kid’ (from the triumphant Kitt string who had three winners in one week) in the Half Car event. This was after 'The Kid’s’ comeback in the East Galway Hurdle.The Kilbeacanty and Gurteen connections may be a little off their oats in the aftermath .... hence the rumours of blinkers when meeting His Highness of Drumcondra and other top retainers from the FF Stables.In the meantime, at Ballybrit, it will be all eyes on the performance of 'Bohermore Boy’ (The Michael Crowe string) – a great fav with Sheik Bartholomew, narrowly out of the placings in the West Galway Plate, and, along with perennial big winner 'Dev Óg’ (West Galway Plate and Prix de Ministers multiple winner from the O Cuiv gallops in Cornamona), the ones in favour with The Sheik. The word is though that the FF connections may be on the lookout for more talent among the stable’s juveniles, and I wouldn’t discount…..