Philip Cassidy, 1999 FBD Milk Ras winner, yesterday took his first win of 2001 in the Ben McKenna Memorial race in Balbriggan, decisively outsprinted Usher IRC's Shane Baker at the end of the 63 mile, rain-swept race.

Baker had been part of a 10man breakaway which broke clear on the second of five laps, but these were caught by a small chasing group containing Cassidy, Gary McQuaid (Emerald), David Peelo of Usher IRC and Brendan Doherty of Provison. Cassidy and Baker jumped clear shortly afterwards and quickly eked out a lead of over one minute, but this advantage began to diminish as a general regrouping took place behind. However, the leading duo had enough of a margin to hold on to the finish, where Cassidy led out the sprint and pulled clear of a tiring Baker.

"I am delighted to win," said Cassidy afterwards, "especially as I was taking the start of the season a bit easier this year and didn't plan to be in this position for a while yet. Shane (Baker) was stronger when we first got away and had me under a bit of pressure, but as time went on I started to feel better."

Meanwhile, veteran Sean Bracken (Usher IRC) proved fastest at the end of the Christy McManus Memorial race in Roundwood on Saturday. In the dash for the line, Declan Hanrahan (Premier) pulled his foot out of the pedal, clearing the way for Bracken to sprint to a comfortable win.