ONE COOL BABY
Monday, August 23rd
Cool It Baby duly landed the final of the Nobooth For Gary Unraced Bitch Stake at Enniscorthy on Monday night when producing another foot perfect performance for owner Trevor Cummins.
The January ’09 daughter of Top Savings and Martinstown Sal went off the 4-6 favourite and did things by the number one route. She broke fast from four and took the bend from Sugar Lady. By the third bend Archaton Linda had taken up the chase and she finished strongly but Cool It Baby still had two lengths in hand at the line in 28.98. It was then another four lengths to Piercestown Bag in third.
PABLO GOES QUICKEST
Monday, August 23rd
Lorraine Moore’s Pablo Supreme (Hallucinate/ Race On Katie) was quickest in the opening round of the Catunda Harry Champion Stakes at Youghal on Monday. The Owen McKenna trained early pacer had five lengths in hand of Rising Magic in 30.04.
The other heats were won by Paul and Willie O’Sullivan’s Da Dancer (Westmead Hawk/ Creamery Dancer) in 30.17, Tom O’Neill’s Kevins Star (Ballymac Kewell/ Ashville Katie) in 30.25 and David Harrington’s Fleetwood Nick (Droopys Kewell/ Nikita Bill ) in 30.28.
VERA’S DARTREY IS FASTEST
Thursday, August 19th
The opening round of the Ladbrokes.com Derby Plate was run at Shelbourne on Thursday night and it got off to a right shocker as 7-1 chance Dartrey Spring (Premier Fantasy/ Spring Edition) shot out of traps and was never seen, in the process completing a quick 47-1 double for Fermanagh trainer Vera Croarkin.
Dartrey was clear around the bend from Royal Tornado and Kingo and he actually extended his advantage from the final bend, winning by five and a half lengths from Royal Tornado in a very smart 29.70. Ballymac Mitsy was just a short head back third with Kingo a neck fourth. A race earlier Croarkin’s Tahina Jamie (Hallucinate/ Droopys Bunton) had led all to win by a head from Daring Lee in 28.89 for the 525 yards.
There was another upset in the second heat where Brian McCann’s 5-1 chance Kerrydale Farloe (Droopys Scolari/ Farloe Batch) broke fast from the outside box and led all the way to win in 29.90. He was challenged strongly from the third bend by Tyrur Dougie but held that one off by three parts of a length.
THRILLING BATTLE
There was a thrilling race in Heat 3 with the Fraser Black trained favourite Westmead Bolt (Droopys Scolari/ Mega Delight) getting up close in to win by a neck in 29.78. Cartiers Dazzle led to the run-in but Westmead forged ahead close home with Kiowa Myth finishing fast to be just a short head third.
Jerry Griffin’s St Louis Spirit (Droopys Scholes/ Owens Rover) bounced back to form in Heat 4 when overcoming a hefty first bend bump to win by five and a half lengths in 29.90. St Louis went to the bend with Baytown Boss just ahead of Slippery Dave but there was a major bump here and Tyrur Dylan hit the deck. St Louis Spirit still led and went on to win by five and a half lengths from Coolcastle Jet in 29.90 with Slippery Dave three lengths back in third.
The great bitch Skywalker Queen (Razldazl Billy/ Nifty Princess) gained another impressive victory as she won Heat 5 in 29.87. Frances O’Donnell’s great servant rocketed out of the six box and led all the way for a six length verdict over Three One Three.
Ned From Donard (Droopys Scolari/ Farloe Batch) completed a fine double for Brian McCann when leading all the way in the final heat. He was clear down the far side and held the big late run of Ballyfeard Brave by a length and a half in 29.88.
MALONE TOASTS RED MILLS
Thursday, July 29th
Having scored his initial career victory in the semi-final, Michael Malone’s Typical Toast (Razldazl Billy/ Graigues Echo) displayed his new found confidence when scoring a runaway victory in the final of the €3,500 Red Mills & Micheal Foley Memorial 600 at Enniscorthy on Thursday.
When the Athy dog came away fast from four and showed in front from Ballyverry Lee the writing really was on the wall. He led by a couple of lengths into the far side and then used his pace to scorch into a four length lead down the back.
Moreton Mercury went second at halfway and ran on gallantly but could make little inroads on Typical Toast which raced on to win by four lengths from Moreton Mercury in an excellent 32.72. It was another four and a half lengths to Lightning Liam in third.
Fastest in the semi-finals of the Pettitts A3/4 Stake was Michael Delahunty’s Cleaboy Darren (Droopys Kewell/ Screen Goddess) with a 28.80 run, while the other heat winners were Richard Walsh’s Lemon Ashton (Top Honcho/ Lemon Sophie) and Tom Byrne’s Mulrankin Rock (Mulrankin Man/ Lochview Lady) in 29.18.
TIGER ON A PLATE
Thursday, July 29th
John Quinn’s Fast Fit Tiger (Royal Impact/ Fast Fit Nikita) was an all the way winner of the €4,500 Flaherty Markets Corrib Plate final at Galway on Thursday night.
The 2-1 second favourite came away smartly from the inside trap and immediately moved wide to close off the fancied Nationwide Dash in the early yards. Fast Fit Tiger led up narrowly from Cute Tara with Dunarus Scolari in third.
But once Fast Fit Tiger was in front he wasn’t going to be caught and raced on strongly to win by two and a half lengths from the persistent Cute Tara in 28.86 with Rith Royal almost four lengths adrift in third.
BIG TWO STILL RULE IN SPRINT
Monday, July 26th
The two market leaders Sheepwalk Mac and Target Classic again dominated the second round of the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup at Dundalk on Monday night when they returned the fastest times of the competition.
First into action was Craig Dawson’s Target Classic (Big Daddy Cool/ Drumna Charm) in Heat 5 and he was always in control as he led home Slick City by almost four lengths in 21.19.
The Michael Taggart trained Sheepwalk Mac (Ballymac Maeve/ Crazy Jane) was in action in the very next heat and he again dominated the contest and had three lengths in hand of Coldwater Penny in 21.21.
There was also a 21.21 run from Brian Robinson’s Taz Mania (Tyrur Ted/ Cathy Ann) in winning Heat 4 where he came home over two lengths clear of Cumann Carling.
The other heat winners were: Cabra Champ (Big Daddy Cool/ Cabra Star) in 21.31, Carlows Pride (Top Savings/ Movealong Rose) 21.32, Mythical Light (Boherduff Light/ Coldwar Baby) 21.34, Yes Boss (Crash/ Cabin Rose) 21.48 and Burn Em Up (Hallucinate/ Race On Katie) 21.43.
MITSY ON SONG
Monday, July 26th
Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Mitsy (Royal Impact/ Mitsubishi Flyer) posted the fastest time in the semi-finals of the Premier Fantasy Southern Oaks at Youghal on Monday. She led all the way when beating Borna Talent by a length in 28.94 with Rathronan Snowy two and a half lengths back in third.
The opening heat saw the Rachel Wheeler trained Inshaarla (Yeah Man/ Maxgrove Mist) produce a huge burst of pace from halfway to win by four lengths from Clearview Kelly in 28.97 with Tooquicktoocatch a length and a half adrift in third.
KELLY IN SOUTHERN
Monday, July 19th
So impressive when third in the Sporting Press Oaks final, Michael Frayne’s Clearview Kelly (Hotshow Ben/ Bedtime) continued her great run of form when fastest in the opening round of the Premier Fantasy Southern Oaks at Youghal on Monday. Borna Talent cut out the running but Clearview Kelly came through strongly to win by two lengths from Ballymac Linda in 29.14.
There was just two spots covering the three other heat winners with Owen McKenna’s Tooquicktoocatch (Droopys Scolari/ Maxgrove Mist) having two lengths in hand of Blackabbey Rose in 29.36. The same time was posted by Rachel Wheeler’s Inshaarla (Yeah Man/ Varra Minnie) as she finished strongly to win the final heat by a neck and the same from Borna Del and Triangle Beyonce.
The opening heat saw Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Mitsy (Royal Impact/ Mitsubishi Flyer) come from behind for a length margin over Rathronan Snowy in 29.38.
SEMI FINAL DRAW
Heat 1: 1 Ballymac Linda; 2 Line Ball; 3 Tooquicktoocatch; 4 Inshaarla; 5 Clearview Kelly (m); 6 Blackabbey Rose (m).
Heat 2: 1 Triangle Beyonce; 2 Ballymac Mitsy; 3 Rathronan Snowy; 4 Borna Del; 5 Zarkava; 6 Borna Talent (w).
* Draw and full form in Events.
CLASSIC ON THE MARK
Monday, July 19th
The Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup got underway at Dundalk tonight and Scottish raider Target Classic (Big Daddy Cool/ Drumna Charm) was an easy winner of the opening heat. Craig Dawson’s recent winner of the Williamhill.com Classic at Sunderland raced to a three length victory over Your Only Joking in 21.23.
Best time of the night was the 21.12 recorded by Richard Gilroy’s flying machine Sheepwalk Mac (Ballymac Maeve/ Crazy Jane) in winning Heat 7. The Michael Taggart trained speedster was bringing his career record to eleven wins from nineteen outings when leading home Mountjoy Rock by almost three lengths.
Another smart winner was Pat Buckley’s Slick Citi (Honcho Classic/ Cooly Pantera) as he led home Cumann Carling by three parts of a length in 21.33.
Last year’s runner-up Yes Boss (Crash/ Cabin Rose), trained by Eoin O’Neill, showed that he will be a major contender again as he raced to a comfortable four length victory over Cabra Legend in 21.37. Another to clock 21.37 was Tommy Bolton’s Exotic Diamond (Tucks Mein/ Musical Sandwich) as he beat UK raider Union Jak Jakson by 3 lengths.
Reigning champion Inny Blue fell at the first hurdle when knocked over behind Tony Nugent’s Greenane Bingo (Honcho Classic/ Ambience Lady) in 21.46
Other heat winners were Rising Smoke (Droopys Vieri/ Rising Ocean) 21.50, Urney Twins (Hotshow Ben/ Urney Tiger) 21.74; Burn Em Up (Hallucinate/ Race On Katie) 21.55; Mythical Light (Boherduff Light/ Coldwar Baby) 21.59; Pesoto (Brett Lee/ Miggs) 21.55 and Drumcrow Obama (Droopys Scolari/ Drumcrow Marina) 21.59.
ENNISCORTHY DEAD HEAT
Thursday, July 1st
There was a dead-heat in the Ladbrokes Derby Trial Stake at Enniscorthy on Thursday night when he camera failed to divide rank outsiders Oliver Lott’s Mottee Denis (Crash/ Ballinclare Keri) and Phelim Gorman’s Hipower Turbo (Head Bound/ Graigues Haze) n 30.54.
Both dogs battled it out virtually all the way with Hipower having a slight advantage down the back and up the straight. But Mottee closed to the line and the dogs were very close together as they broke the ray. It was a length to Notre Pere in third but the favourite Fatboyz Nodrog trailed in at the rear after totally missing the start from the inside box.
Earlier Sean Drohan’s Mallogs Allblack (Hondo Black/ Mallogs Penny) won the €2,000 McCauleys Chemist A4 final when arriving late after running very wide on the final bend to beat pace setting Lord Black by a length in 29.20 with Kamara Gold two lengths third.
BARRY A PROSPECT
Thursday, July 1st
Winner of his debut run around the track, Catunda Barry returned to Shelbourne tonight and produced a top drawer effort when a very easy and impressive winner of an A2 semi final in 28.75.
Now trained by Owen McKenna for Larry O’Rourke, the son of Flying Penske and Catunda Rumble showed a smashing dash of early to take the bend from fast starting Deixa Comigo and raced away to win by six and a half lengths from the eye-catching Air Force Hawk. The other heat winners were Music Belle in 29.26 and Baconstown Crash in 29.35.
The final of the A4 525 was won by the Dave and Tom Weadick owned Pookies Larry (Tyrur Ted/ Fast Slipaway) which was fast into stride and led all the way for a length and a half margin over always second Townspark Eric in 29.15.
DALTON’S WISE SIGNAL
Wednesday, June 23rd
There was a very interesting line-up for the final of the €750 Open Unraced and it resulted in an impressive victory for the Pat Dalton owned and trained Wise Signal (Go Wild Teddy/ Wise Actress) in 28.78.
His conqueror from the previous round Melodys Royal made a mess of the start from one and was then involved in a major bump with Starcash Barney. But Wise Signal flashed out and was clear all the way, coming home four lengths to the good from Croom Upper with Neon Tiger almost a length back in third.
Earlier Gerry Merriman’s Highview Shadow (Crash/ Highview Desire) was a convincing all the way winner of the €1,400 Bernard Barry Cycle To Paris A1 550. Slippery Bob was an absentee following a vehicle breakdown close to Shelbourne but Highview Shadow needed no assistance in the race as he led all the way for a three length verdict over slow starting favourite Cappakeel Bound in 30.11.
The favourite was on the mark in the Shelbourne A6 final where Ronan O’Shea’s Explosive (Yean Man/ Exultant) flew from three and was clear to the bend. Asisola made up steady ground but Explosive held him by a length and a half in 29.07.
ANOTHER CABRA STAR
Thursday, June 17th
The Scally family from Thurles has enjoyed great success over the past couple of years with their Cabra dogs and they have unearthed a new star in the form of Cabra Legend (Big Daddy Cool/ Cabra Star) which raced away with the A4 525 final at Shelbourne on Thursday night in a blistering 28.67.
The Graham Holland trained September ’08 puppy got away smartly from the inside and led all the way for a six length victory over the clearly very useful Siberian Express, which was bumped on the first bend but ran on very strongly to be runner-up.
Teresa McCarthy’s Boymac Queen (Razldazl Billy/ Springwell Sue) got the better of a thrilling battle with Baconstown Crash to win the A3 525 final in 29.27. Baconstown showed in front from traps but the Marie Gilbert trained Boymac Queen soon showed ahead. They were neck and neck to the third bend where Boymac went on and then held the renewed effort of Baconstown by three parts of a length.
The third final was the A3 575 where the favourites never figured and Marie Gilbert completed a quick final double as Charlie Corr’s Paddy The Black (Ace Hi Rumble/ Chocolate Flake) ran out an easy winner in 31.81. With Tyrur Shane taking a heavy tumble on the opening bend, Paddy The Black showed the way from Delicate Ronaldo and it was very close to the fourth bend. Here Paddy asserted and pulled away for a six length margin.
Marie Gilbert completed a treble when Richard Flanagan’s Oneco Ace (Hondo Black/ Longvalley Patch) opened his account when leading virtually all the way to win in 29.37.
The last of the four finals was the A1 525 and here Mick O’Donovan’s Smooth Ray (Brett Lee/ Merry Droopys) did it the handiest way. He flashed out of three box and led all the way to beat the staying Move ON Highway by a couple of lengths in 29.15.
A CABRA LEGEND
Friday, June 11th
Louise Scally has enjoyed great luck over the past number of years with her Cabra greyhounds and she has unearthed a fine young prospect in Cabra Legend which was a most impressive winner on his Shelbourne debut on Thursday.
Trained by Graham Holland, the son of Big Daddy Cool and Cabra Star was contesting his fourth race and he opened his account with real aplomb. He flew from the four box and raced away to win by six lengths from Mohane Eile in 28.71.
This was the second semi of an A4 525 and the first heat had been won by the reserve, the Kieran Morgan trained Siberian Express (Top Honcho/ Quanns Lady) in 28.95. She got away smartly on the inside and raced away to win by eleven lengths from Jakes Flyer.
The Davy Reynolds trained Olivers Twist (Head Bound/ Kewell Irony) gained an impressive two length victory over Tyrur Shane in an A3 575 semi in 31.50 while the other heat went to Joe Day’s Lochbo Smiley (Droopys Corelli/ Lochbo Cedar) in 32.07.
Conor and P.J. Fahy combined for a double with Tyrur Nama (Tyrur Ted/ Minnies Miranda) leading all the way to win the open 525 by four and a half lengths from the promising Cabra Champ in 28.78. In the following race, Tyrur Gerado (Tyrur Ted/ Agent Goodnight) made a winning six bend debut when landing the novice 750 in 42.36.
BLAISE ON TARGET
Monday, June 7th
The Carmel Finnegan trained Tamna Blaise was a game winner of the €1,740 Plunkett Foyle Memorial A5 at Longford on Monday night.
Charlie Grant’s daughter of Honcho Classic and Tamna Mistress was up front all the way, challenging Fagans Zuzu to near the third bend. At this stage Tamna just edged ahead when Faganz Zuzu took a crashing fall and hampered the close Amoodler and Hush Money.
Now Tamna dashed clear and won by almost three lengths from Kill Glory in 29.59 with the slow starting Castleroggy Gold staying on really strongly to be a neck third.
JAY’S GOLD BAR
Thursday, June 3rd
Jay Ryan derived great pleasure from Gold Bar Man’s victory in the final of the €2,500 Compass Kennels A5 Stake at Enniscorthy on Thursday. For good measure he also had the fourth placed Gold Bars Nomore which was actually the shorter price of the two.
The Brian Madigan trained Gold Bar Man (Honcho Classic/ Jandk Bismark) was led out by Gypsy Biker but showed a lovely touch of early pace to soon show in front and he was two lengths clear into the back.
From here he was never in danger of defeat and, despite running wide off the final bend, raced on strongly to win by three lengths from Ballina Bob in 28.94. Gypsy Biker was a length back in third.
CHEF SETS THE PACE
Thursday, June 3rd
The Paul Hennessy trained Priceless Chef (Brett Lee/ Late Delivery) got the Supporters Club Munster Derby off to a flying start at Clonmel on Thursday when he led all the way for a three length margin over Kick For Touch in 28.70.
Catunda Barry (Flying Penske/ Catunda Rumble) had his first run for trainer Owen McKenna and could hardly have been more impressive as he won in 29.18. He missed the break, was last to the bend and then produced a stunning burst of pace down the far side to lead turning for home. He went on to win by a length and a half from Belindas Lee.
The stake opened with the Graham Holland trained Toms Cailin (Yeah Man/ Glasha Belle) leading from the second bend for a three length verdict over Back To Shannon in 29.19. The remaining heat was won by the Peter Cronin handled Must Be Chaos (Top Honcho/ Dairyland Sue) as he just made the bend and went on to beat Fatboyz Cracker by three lengths in 29.09.
The Supporters Club A8 Stake unearthed a fine young prospect in Kathleen Casey-O’Connell’s Friendandcomrade (Ace Hi Rumble/ Golf) and the May whelp made it four wins on the trot when taking the final in 29.15. He was slowly away but led on the third bend and won by five lengths from Bricanna Molly.
FREEDOM AN EARLY STAR
Friday, May 27th
Fraser Black had a winning start to a major weekend when the Barry O’Sullivan owned Sullys Glory (Brett Lee/ Natural Energy) won the opening heat in 28.91. She got away fast but had a neck and neck battle with Blackabbey Rose to the third bend. From here Sullys Glory ran on to win by two lengths from Mays Castle with Blackabbey in third.
The classic was set alight in Heat 2 when the Michael Pomfret trained Freedom Seacrest (Ace Hi Rumble/ Dalcash Diva) was in spectacular form as she won a great neck and neck battle with Cartiers Dazzle. The latter was the marginal leader to the third bend but Freedom Seacrest then nosed ahead and raced away for a two length margin over Cartiers Dazzle in 28.57, with Rossa Baby another two lengths back in third.
In the third race James Magee’s Tyrgal Lola (Droopys Kewell/ Farloe Frown) showed a nice dash of early to lead up and she was clear after trouble saw favourite Burnt Oak Jenny badly baulked. From here it was all Tyrgal and she won by three and a half lengths from Newlawn Martina in 28.87.
The fourth heat saw Sobbing Granny dash off in front and she was clear into the back from Mossend Folly and Carriglad Lady (Yeah Man/ Coppeen Flyer). The latter moved up strongly to hit the front on the fourth bend and she raced on impressively for a two and a half length verdict over Sobbing Granny in 28.65.
LACEY MOVES ON
On to Heat 5 where the Paudie Ryan trained Move On Lacey (Razldazl Billy/ Move Lace) took a flier from three and led all the way. She was chased throughout by Kilbannon Tess but contained that strong challenge by a length in 28.71 with the debutant Paradise Delta performing well to qualify in third some seven lengths adrift.
Mystic Mega was a shock elimination from Heat 6 where she was bumped on the second bend and then forced to check around the bottom bends. Mohane Katie led from the second bend but was then headed by the Dolores Ruth trained Razldazl Liza (Razldazl Billy/ Razldazl Pearl) around the bottom bends and she held the renewed effort of Mohane Katie by a neck in 28.85.
There was another huge run in Heat 7 as the Brian King trained Shelbourne Dawn (Boherduff Light/ Queen Survivor) led from the first bend to win convincingly by three lengths in a blistering 28.58. Droopys Kina walked out of the inside trap but ran on with gusto to claim second place some three parts of a length in front of Black Hall Pearl.
The Oaks action ended with an all the way success for Brian Robinson’s Brave Jewel (Hondo Black/ Moss Haze) as he flew clear and raced to a five length victory over Malbay Alex in 28.90 with Enas Special less than a length back in third.
A FLYING DALCASH
Wednesday, May 26th
It has been quite a time recently for the Dalcash prefix and the David Buckley trained Dalcash Cardosa (Ace Hi Rumble/ Dalcash Diva) again looked quite special when winning a semi-final of an A5 Stake at Shelbourne on Wednesday.
A 28.78 winner in the first round last week, the Jack Meade owned Cardosa flew from traps and opened a five length lead into the back. Cornamaddy Tiger ran on in eye-catching fashion but Dalcash Cardosa held his effort by two lengths in a brilliant 28.66. The other heat winners were the Betty Syndicate’s Fane Snowball (Crash/ Condolleezza) in 29.38 and Gerry Whyte’s Farley Ted (Tyrur Ted/ Gracious Lee) in 29.04.
There were three finals on the card. The first of the Shelbourne A3 deciders saw Willie White’s Ballyrhan Rumble (Ace Hi Rumble/ Come On Sally) make a very fast start and she led all for a five length margin over Slip The Summons in 28.85. This completed a double for White who earlier trained Ballybunion Edge (Premier Fantasy/ Nice Gift) to win a heat of an A6 in 29.59.
The second A3 525 final provided a 1-2 for owner Aidan Comerford, trainer Marie Gilbert and the Brett Lee/ Bluebell Fantasy litter. Park Hill got away fast and led all to beat litter sister Doodle Doo by a length in 28.96 with Amazing Jack a closing neck third.
The final race was an A2 525 final and here there was a 1-3 for P.J. Fahy and son Conor as Tyrur Richie (Hades Rocket/ Tyrur Margaret) shot from traps and led all to win by three lengths from Traps Wood in 28.80 with very slow starting Tyrur Lucky a length and a half third.
FLIGHT GOES FASTEST IN PEGGY KELLYS SPRINT
Tuesday, May 18th
Many of Ireland’s top sprinters took to the stage at Harold’s Cross on Monday night as the Peggys Kellys Islandbridge Sprint got underway. There were some fine displays, although top billing went to Eddie Dunne’s Kevitt Flight as he set the standard in the opening heat coming home clear of Rock Of Lacala in 17.44.
Carlows Pride was another to impress as he saw off the progressive Diligent Dodger in 17.55 in Heat 2. Youghal’s Southern Sprint winner Seanachie Serena was a plucky winner of Heat 4 as she overhauled Compass Mikey and Kilmoney Paul to lead late in 17.67, while Cliodhnas Gold took advantage of an opening bend pile up to win Heat 3 in 17.77.
Defending champion Malouda got up in the final stride in Heat 5 to collar big outsider Town Planner by a head in 17.79. Warm favourite Yes Boss qualified in third in this heat. The second round will feature on Friday’s card at the Cross.
BAZIL’S UNRACED
Thursday, May 13th
The Fatboyz prefix has enjoyed plenty of success at Shelbourne in the past year or more and there was another at Thursday’s meeting where Fatboyz Bazil was a good winner of the Cocktail Deal Open Unraced Stake final in 28.78.
The Pat Gordon trained son of Droopys Maldini and Forest Ghost got the better of market rival Rockabilly Magic on the run to the bend and enjoyed a lead of almost three lengths at halfway. Rockabilly Magic stuck to his task well and closed the gap up the straight, but Fatboyz held him by two lengths with the fast finishing Droopys Helen a similar distance back in third.
SIZZLING PADDY
Wednesday, May 12th
The talk of Shelbourne on Wednesday night was Rita Downey’s Coolbrook Paddy after he had clocked a sensational 28.51 in winning the ninth race, an A1 525.
Runaway winner of his first two races around Dundalk over the 400 distance in 21.47 and 21.58, the son of Crash and Oasis Now had finished fifth on his Shelbourne debut behind Graigues Classic a week earlier. However this time he flashed from traps and the further he went, the further he pulled clear to eventually win by nine lengths from Kilbannon Tess. The runner up had clocked an estimated 28.95 in defeat the previous week and had earlier made a 28.96 debut around Galway.
Also on Wednesday night’s card the final of the A5 525 was won by Larry Dunne’s Slippery Sparky (Top Honcho/ Steamy Windows) as he hit the front on the fourth bend and then held the late run of Typical Toast by three parts of a length in 29.00.
HE’S THE BOSS
Thursday, May 6th
Baytown Boss is a name to remember as the son of Razldazl Billy and Springwell Sue looks a dog with a very big future for owner and track bookmaker Yvonne Barry.
The May puppy was in front virtually all the way when winning Wednesday’s A1 Stake final at Shelbourne Park in a brilliant 28.63. Bound Ahead was a close second to the final bend but Baytown extended the advantage up the straight for an impressive victory.
The Ger Barber trained Forest Squire (Royal Impact/ Smooth Rhythm) caught the pace setting Tyrur Audrey close home to win the A1 575 final by a length and a half in 31.65 while Matt O’Donnell’s The Other Triger (Royal Impact/ The Other Domino) got up late for a three parts of a length victory over Tempt Me Boy in 28.96 in the A2 525 final.
The other final on the card was an N1 525 and here Eamonn Cronin’s Soviet Nailer (Boherduff Light/ Droopys Mynah) showed a nice dash of early pace to grab control and he won by two lengths from Mohane Savage in 29.36.
THE BOSS PREVAILS
Monday, April 27th
Just a month after winning the Kudos Supersprint at Curraheen Park, Yes Boss landed another sprint competition when winning the final of the Oldcastle Open 400 at Dundalk on Monday night.
In a keenly anticipated final, the Eoin O’Neill trained Yes Boss (Crash/ Cabin Rose) reversed last year’s Irish Sprint Cup final placings with Inny Blue when getting the better of his latest meeting between the pair.
Yes Boss came home two lengths clear of Inny Blue in 21.25 with Judicial Devil a neck away in third.
OULART TOPS
Monday, April 27th
The final of the A4 Stake at Enniscorthy on Monday night saw Oulart Lee claim the €2,000 winner’s prize.
Owned by the P.O’C Syndicate, the son of Brett Lee and that smashing staying bitch Templenacro Dubhn finished strongly to overhaul Baileys Breeze close home for a three parts of a length verdict in 29.20. It was another six lengths to Ashwood Finbarr in third.
A MEGA RUN
Thursday, April 22nd
David Hoey’s Mystic Mega (Westmead Hawk/ Droopys Stacey) produced a sensational career best performance when winning an A1 525 at Shelbourne on Thursday night in 28.39.
The Ian Reilly trained bitch had a previous 28.50 run to her credit last August but this run must constitute one of the fastest ever in an A1 contest at the track. She led all the way to win by twelve and a half lengths from Royal Ruler.
P.J. Fahy’s Tyrur Big Mike (Brett Lee/ Tyrur Temptress) was the fastest winner in the first round of the
ECC Timber Open Puppy 550 when he displayed awesome pace to overtake Fatboyz Tyson on the run up and ran on strongly to win by two and a half lengths from that rival in 29.84.
In the first heat Martin Murray’s Clonkeen Stan (Top Honcho/ Good Luck) led from the opening bend to win by two lengths from Makeshift in 30.15.
There was trouble on the opening bend in the second heat and Nipsu led down the back but the Paul Hennessy trained Priceless Chef (Brett Lee/ Late Delivery) led on the third bend and won by three parts of a length from Farley Turbo in 29.97.
Fastest in the second round of the Olympic Bee Puppy Oaks was Alan Quinn’s Classy Gem (Droopys Scolari/ Lunar Princess) as she led all the way to win the first heat in 28.80 by three lengths from Muingwee Girl.
Frances O’Donnell completed a heat double as litter comrades Skywalker Kim and Hollys Wish (Skywalker Magic/ Thornley Mist) as they won in 28.85 and 28.97. The final heat saw Paul Hennessy’s Air Force Ellie (Droopys Maldini/ Forest Ghost) get up late for a three parts of a length victory over kennel companion Priceless Jasmin in 29.14.
CARLOWS SPARKLES
Tuesday, April 20th
The Jim Morrissey trained Carlows Pride (Top Savings/ Movealong Rose) won the eagerly awaited opening semi in the Oldcastle 400 at Dundalk on Monday night.
The betting was tight between the big three of Irish sprinting but Carlows Pride took command on the opening bend and ran on well to win by a length from Inny Blue in 21.26, with Yes Boss a couple of lengths adrift in third.
The Michael Taggart trained Sheepwalk Mac (Ballymac Maeve/ Crazy Jane) confirmed his status as one of our top sprinters when the August youngster won the second heat in a flying 21.18. The 4-7 chance was bringing his career record to five wins from nine outings and here he led on the opening bend and won by three and a half lengths from Judicial Deal with Kryptonite also making the final.
FREEDOM FLYER
Thursday, April 15th
The Michael Pomfrey trained Freedom Seacrest (Ace Hi Rumble/ Dalcash Diva) created a huge boost when running away with her first round heat of the Olympic Bee Puppy Oaks at Shelbourne Park on Thursday night.
The September ’08 bitch took a flier from traps and led all the way for an eight length victory in a brilliant 28.59. The runner-up Dalcash Dvinsky also ran a big race in defeat.
The Sean Meaney trained Produce Stakes quarter finalist Cooladerry Fizz (Phoenix Paddy/ Frisby Fizz) produced an astonishing performance in winning Heat 6 in 29.28. She absolutely walked out and came from the next parish to snatch a late three parts of a length victory over Triangle Beyonce in 29.28.
The other sub 29 winner was the Ian Reilly trained Muingwee Girl (Ballymac Maeve/ Mauras Aughrim) in 28.98. The other heat winners were Evas Gold (Westmead Hawk/ Amidus Laura) 29.50, Classy Gem (Droopys Scolari/ Lunar Princess) 29.16 Tracys Wildberry (Top Honcho/ Tracys Hero) 29.36 and Air Force Ellie (Droopys Maldini/ Forest Ghost) 29.00.
BIG DUNDALK CLASH
Tuesday, April 13th
The current big three of Irish sprinting are set to clash in what promises to be an absolutely intriguing semi-final of the Oldcastle Open 400 at Dundalk next Monday night.
The first round heats were run last night and Inny Blue, Yes Boss and Carlows Pride were decisive and impressive winners of the three qualifiers. But the subsequent draw for the semi-finals – four qualified from each of last night’s heats – has thrown the three of them into opposition in the??? semi next Monday. The final will then be run the following Monday.
Last year’s Sprinter of the Year Inny Blue (Honcho Classic/ Sydney Swan) was fastest when finishing strongly to win by two and a quarter lengths from Sheepwalk Mac in 21.13. Yes Boss (Crash/ Cabin Rose), the Irish Sprint Cup runner-up to Inny Blue, led all for a near four length victory over On Ya Boyo in 21.27.
Jim Morrissey’s Carlows Pride (Top Savings/ Movealong Rose), the Irish Sprint Cup Consolation winner, led at the opening bend when beating 2008 English Derby finalist Kryptonite by almost two lengths in 21.33.
A FEW ASTON CRACKERS
Thursday, April 8th
The entry for the Shelbourne Aston Open Unraced Stake may have been a little disappointing from a quantity viewpoint but there is certainly little wrong with the standard. We were served up two smashing performances in the semi-finals at Shelbourne on Thursday night as Razldazl Lord and Bite Sighs both won in style.
The Michael Murphy trained Bite Sighs (Hondo Black/ Lemon Mandy) posted a brilliant 28.78 when taking the second qualifier in highly impressive fashion. The favourite Slippery Dave missed the kick and was then in trouble but Longmeadow Dude and Liz McCabe’s Bite Sighs made no mistake and they dominated the battle up front.
Longmeadow led to near the third bend where Bite Sighs proved the stronger and he then pulled away for a three and a half length verdict with Slippery Dave taking the third final spot.
The opening heat was an exciting affair throughout. Casual Steps just led up from Clonkeen Star with the Dolores Ruth and Roy Nicholl owned Razldazl Lord (Razldazl Billy/ Coolmakee Mist) making rapid progress into the bend.
Razldazl Lord nosed through here to lead into the back by a couple of lengths from Clonkeen Star. That’s how it remained as Razldazl Lord held the best efforts of Clonkeen Stan by a length in 28.94.
Also on the card was the final of the Shelbourne A2 Stake and here John Wilson’s Annual Degree (Droopys Maldini/ Holmes Again) reversed semi-final placings with Caletta Venture as he won by two lengths in 28.94. It was really decided at traprise as Annual Degree came away well and immediately led up. Calettta moved second around the bend but just could not get to the all the way winner.
We saw another fine performance as the Murt Leahy trained Lemon Jet (Tyrur Ted/ Lemon Post) won the first semi-final of the Shelbourne A3 Stake in 28.77. He broke fast and led up from Monleek Legend. That’s how it remained with Lemon winning by three lengths in a very nippy 28.77.
The second semi saw P.J. Fahy’s Tyrur Keady (Droopys Kewell/ Tyrur Mary) come from well off the pace to beat the pace setting Luminous Court by a length in 29.12.
HOLLAND’S DOUBLE
Wednesday, March 24th
Following his fine treble in the opening round the previous week, Graham Holland was again the man to follow in the second round of the KGOBA Open 550 at Tralee on Tuesday night.
Holland had a double while his third runner was third in one of those heats to provide him with a quarter of the runners in the semi-finals. His first winner was Carib King in the opening heat as he led from the second bend to win in 30.14 from Rebel Ted.
Next up it was the turn of Ardera Power to lead all the way for a length and a half verdict over Aer Bus in 29.97, with Titan Tyrone qualifying in third.
Fastest of the evening was Liam Dowling’s Three One Three as he had three lengths to spare over Ardrahan Rotunda in 29.96. The final heat went to Pat O’Connor’s Gold Slipalong as he led on the third bend en route to a two and a half length victory over Headleys Jake in 30.13.
GEORGIE AGAIN
Thursday, February 25th
Pat Gordon made it four winners in the week at Shelbourne when Farboyz Georgie (Yeah Man/ Droopys Roberta) maintained his unbeaten record in the competition with an impressive 28.81 run in Heat 2 on Thursday night. He headed Let Him Tarry into the first bend, quickly went clear and had four and a half lengths to spare over Ballyfeard Brave.
Stephen Bourke’s Side Plate (Brett Lee/ Side Saga) also remained unbeaten as he was a comfortable leader into the back but was all out to hold Faypoint Lad by a short head in 28.85.
There was a very tight finish to Heat 3 with Ollie Bray’s Brett Lee/ Three Star Girl) leading all the way and holding off the big late run of Tyrur O’Shea by a short head in 28.90.
Early pace also decided the concluding heat as the Nick Turner trained Tulla Spark (Daves Mentor/ Tari Side) followed up last week’s victory, leading all the way for a two and a half length margin over Olympic Sunrise in 28.93.
Trainer Ian Reilly had a great hat-trick on the night, highlighted on the night by Hee Haws Arazi (Droopys Kewell/ Greenville Light) in the concluding Open 525. He led from the opening bend in beating the strong staying Tipp Fab by five and a half lengths in 28.72.
O’Reilly’s first winner was Lolos Chief as he bolted from traps to win an A1 525 in 28.87, winning by five lengths from Holly Polly. The middle leg was then supplied by Deanridge Gooner (Boherduff Light/ Droopys Sporty) as he also led all the way to take the A1 final in 29.18, just holding off Gentlygentlytom by a short head.
BRADLEY A PROSPECT
Wednesday, February 25th
Dan Butler’s Droopys Bradley (Droopys Kewell/ Droopys Mo) looked a real prospect when winning the final of the A6 525 at Shelbourne on Wednesday night.
His chance looked gone when he was slowly into stride but he flew down the back, burst his way to the front around the bottom and then surged clear for a five and a half length margin over Fastaway Flash in 29.00.
Paddy Byrne looks to have come up with another gem in Catunda Barry (Flying Penske/ Catunda Rumble) which was a runaway winner of a heat of an A7 525 on his debut. He bolted from traps and came home alone in 28.99. Remember the name!
SOX FOR PATRICIA
Tuesday, February 2nd
Four finals were run on Monday’s card at Clonmel track and the solitary open competition, the Phelan & Callow Open 575, was won by Patricia Tobin’s Granada Sox (Boherduff Light/ Granada Girl) in 31.40. The 5-2 chance was prominent throughout as he beat Kiltrea Kev and Lightning Liam by a length and a half and the same.
Neil Bruce’s Grayslands Bubba (Hallucinate/ Grayslands Flo) sprang a 10-1 upset in the T.J’s Cabs A2 50 final. Trained by Tom O’Neill he strode home seven and a half lengths clear of Lemon Cha in 30.04.
Another surprise was the order of the night in the final of the Cabra Cool A3 Stake where Marie Duggan’s Cavecourt Rocket (Hades Rocket/ Mutts Jude) popped up at 6-1, winning by two lengths from Riverside Ella in 29.20.
The first final was the Hewitt College A5 575 and here Padraig Hickey’s Millbank Movita (Tyrur Ted/ Spaner Dancer) justified favouritism when beating Black Beast by two and a half lengths in 31.71.
NANS THE IGB PACE SETTER
Thursday, January 22nd
Mary and Maurice Whittle’s Nans Pride (Ballymac Maeve/ Shaneboy Dorie) emerged as the fastest second round heat winner in the IGB Open Unraced Stake at Clonmel on Thursday. Kid Billzer raced clear in the third heat but Nans Pride went in pursuit down the back and got up close home for a half length verdict in 28.93.
Fastest first round winner Boggan (Royal Impact/ Smooth Rhythm) had to overcome early bother to win an untidy second heat. The inside runner and favourite Burn Em Up moved wide all the way to the bend, causing trouble for every other runner in the race. On the corner Ken Foley’s Boggan nipped up the inside to take over from Brave Blake and he had to pull out the stops to hold off the big run of Broadstrand Lad by a length in 29.44, while they were more than ten lengths clear of Brave Blake in third.
The opening heat saw the Peter Cronin trained Peggys Way (Droopys Kewell/ O Learys Peggy) justify favouritism when taking over from Knockrua Hawk kon the bend and racing on for a three length verdict over Riverside Greg in 29.13.
The final heat saw the Stephen Bourke trained Mustang Ossie (Cool Performance/ Spiral Ebb) pop away smartly and lead all the way for a very convincing four and a half length victory over the staying Mallogs Allblack in 29.20.
* Full draw and form for next Thursday’s semi-finals in Events (Upcoming Racecards).
TURBO LIVES UP TO HIS NAME
Thursday, January 21st
Farley Turbo certainly lived up to his name when a runaway winner of the opening A5 contest at Shelbourne on Thursday night when stopping the clock in 28.90.
Having finished third in his only previous race, a sprint contest at Lifford back in October, Anthony Loughrey’s Farley Turbo (Hondo Black/ Blue Honey) went off at 4/7 and after a tardy start he shot to the front off the second bend and drew right away to win by thirteen lengths from Robeen Rogue.
SMART SHELBOURNE PUPPIES
Wednesday, December 9th
One thing you can guarantee about any Open Unraced competition at Shelbourne is that it will throw up some very fast trackers. The competition which commenced on Wednesday night
Brendan O’Shea’s Crossfield Shane (Ballymac Maeve/ Crossfield Tex) looked a really smart prospect in the opening heat where he took it up from the early paced Razldazl William off the second bend and then went away to win by seven lengths from the strong staying Priceless Jasmin in a very smart 28.75.
In the second heat we had a good battle before P.J. Fahy’s Tyrur McGuire (Tyrur Ted/ Lemon Post) asserted to win in 28.85. Coldwater Penny showed nice early and led to beyond halfway where he was joined by his two pursuers. Tyrur McGuire led into the third bend and resisted the strong challenge of Nighthawk Boy by a length and a half, with Coldwater Penny some four lengths adrift in third.
Trap draw for next Wednesday’s final: 1 Coldwater Penny; 2 Nighthawk Boy; 3 Razldazl William; 4 Tyrur McGuire; 5 Priceless Jasmin; 6 Crossfield Shane.
EDEN CROWNED CHAMPION
Friday, November 27th
The John McRoberts owned Eden Brett (Brett Lee/ Crazy Jane) gained his anticipated victory in the £5,000 Sporting Press Ulster Champion Stakes at Drumbo Park on Thursday night when just getting the betting of his main rival Superb Course after a thrilling contest.
Superb Course assumed control on the opening bend but the Willie Atcheson trained Eden Brett was quickly in pursuit. It was still Superb Course in front turning for home but 5-4 favourite Eden Brett wore him down on the run-in for a half length winning margin in 29.91, with Droopys Lee some three lengths adrift in third place.
ENDA IS REAL STAR QUALITY
Thursday, October 29th
In a year that we have been privileged to see some outstanding puppy runs at Shelbourne, we were treated to another exhibition at Shelbourne Park on Thursday night as Brendan Gervin’s Regards To Enda flew around the circuit when winning the Shelbourne A3 525 in a fabulous 28.32.
The son of Razldazl Billy and Regards To Alice had been hugely impressive in his two earlier outings when clocking 28.67 and 28.41 but he looked even better this time. He was smartly away and then a few classy sprinters for dead on the run to the bend.
He dominated all the way and drew away to win by six and a half lengths from Hillside Bandit, with Minglers Merc another two lengths third.
ROVER LANDS DERBY
Thursday, October 29th
Ciaran Breen’s Forest Rover (Top Honcho/ Coolavanny Posh) landed the €4,000 Richie Walsh & Kehoe Accoustics Derby at Enniscorthy on Thursday when scoring in a near record 29.85 for the 550 yards.
The Derek Kehoe Forest Rover was fast into stride and led all the way for a length and a half margin over Welesbourne Dan with Marked Urgent some four lengths adrift in third.
Also on the card was the final of the €2,000 Paddy Sharkey 750 and this was won by the Seamus Kennedy and Sean Leahy owned Newlands Seanie (Ace Hi Rumble/ Quit It) which was prominent throughout and won by a length from Rockmount Pride in 42.75 with Orange Blackie a neck further back in third.
SAXON UPSETS JESTER
Thursday, October 22nd
After posting a sizzling 28.59 in his debut last week, all eyes were on Larry Dunne’s Jester Can Run in the final of the Open Unraced 525 at Shelbourne on Thursday night, but odds-on backers were left deflated as Slick Saxon emerged triumphant.
After a fast start, the son of Top Honcho raced prominently to the turn, but he took a hefty bump at this point as Keith Allsop’s Slick Saxon forced his way through on the fence. Jester Can Run found himself three lengths adrift in second as they entered the back but he could never get back on terms.
Instead the Pat Buckley trained Slick Saxon (Westmead Hawk/ Classic Wings) stayed on strongly himself to take the verdict by two and a half lengths in a fast 28.63. Incidentally the winner only found himself in the final after two runners were disqualified for being mistakenly seeded in the opening round.
Remarkably that wasn’t the fastest run on the card. Fifteen minutes later the very promising Regards To Enda (Razldazl Billy/ Regards To Alice) produced a stunning display in the second round of the A3 525. Leading early he drew further and further clear to stop the clock in a superb 28.41. The winner is owned and bred by Brendan Gervin in Coalisland and had clocked 28.67 when winning his first round heat.
A MERC RALLY
The second heat was won by the Maria Nierobiaz owned Minglers Merc (Head Bound/ Minglers Ripple) which led from halfway to near the third bend and then rallied to collar Hillside Bandit by a short head in 28.78.
The other final on the card, the Mick Scully A1 525, saw the Liam Ramsbottom trained Bide Your Time (Honcho Classic/ Sandyhill Flash) lead all the way in 28.94. Clearview Lad ran on strongly but was still a length and a half adrift of the Dan Dunne and Liam Ramsbottom owned Bide Your Time.
Another fine run on the card saw the Kevin Losty trained Dinnys Brightone (Roanokee/ Minnies Ferrina) contest his last A1 for some time when leading all the way for a four and a half length verdict over Sandyhill Selina in 28.60.
There was another sub 29 run from PJ Fahy’s Tyrur Egan (Tyrur Lomu/ Tyrur Kitten) in the A2 535 as he displayed fine early pace to ride a bump on the opening bend en route to a six length margin over Swords Tosh in 28.94.
The sub 29 runs continued in the A1 ninth where Kahal Monerawela’s Kahils Pal (Droopys Maldini/ Alle Grease) gained his first victory in some time with an all the way three parts of a length victory over the staying Knockrour Tapped in 28.90.
Cliodna O’Gaora’s Cliodhnas Gold (Droopys Scholes/ Wee Ranger) returned to Shelbourne after quite an absence and turned in a good effort when winning the open 525 in 28.79. He took over from Woodhurst Crash around the opening bend and went on to win by two and a half lengths from Caz Diamond.
LEGEND SIZZLES AS LANCELOT IS BEATEN
Monday, October 19th
Reigning champion Distant Legend showed that he is going to be the one to beat in the Vetsearch Irish Grand National after delivering a powerful first round performance at Harold’s Cross on Monday night. He took it up from Cranley Bound on the second bend and went on for a very easy success over the staying Shelbourne Lola in 29.09.
The Dolores Ruth trained Toomaline Jack set a hot pace in the first heat when he ran out a most impressive winner of the opening heat in a brilliant 29.12. The Laura and Cillian Crowley owned son of Hallucinate and Mercury Queen didn’t break the best but flew to the bend where he hit the front and went on to win by three lengths from the strong finishing Nebuchadnezzar in 29.12.
The much hyped UK raider Platinumlancelot failed to deliver in Heat 2 where he took up the running on the opening bend but was run out of it from the last hurdle by Julie Power’s Lisacaha King (Droopys Vieri/ Westmead Kiwi) in 29.25. Lisacaha won by a length and a half with Fortfield Meg a close third.
There was another mighty run from Liam Butler’s Junior Mac (Large Mac/ Slick Mona) in Heat 7 when he led from the first bend and held the persistent challenge of The Other State by in 29.22.
Eugene Gleeson’s Winning Spirit (Honcho Classic/ Hannahs Fancy) was an easy winner of Heat 3 where she took it up at halfway and went on to win by five lengths from Giddy Half Hour in 29.55.
Flat star Cashen Zig made a bold bid in Heat 4 when he hit the front on the third bend but was beaten half a length by the Sally Williams owned Time Me (Flying Penske/ Oneco Amanda) in 29.44.
The Martin Lanney trained Little Boy (Honcho Classic/ Any Time Soon) was the easiest winner of the night when he was left a mile clear with the fall of Cranley Squire at halfway and won by ten lengths from Plane Daddy in 29.39.
Michael Mulleady’s Bigstrongpup (Honcho Classic/ Ms Burberry) had a good battle with Love Lynx in Heat 6 when leading from the second bend. It was close around the bottom bends but Bigstrongpup won by two lengths in 29.30.
MURTY A FUTURE STAR
Friday, October 2nd
There was a huge turn-out at Enniscorthy track on Thursday night to witness what promised to be a tremendous final of the Future Champion Unraced Stake. They weren’t disappointed and enjoyed a brilliant performance from local hope Fatboyz Murty as he claimed the €10,000 prize for owner/ trainer Pat Gordon.
Continuing a marvellous year for Enniscorthy based trainer Gordon, Fatboyz Murty went second behind fast starting Kingsmill Honcho out of the second bend and hit the front on the third corner. From here he stayed on strongly to hold the challenge of Colorful Champ by a length in 28.65 with Kingsmill Honcho another length back in third. The favourite Pocan Fada walked from traps before checking wide on the first bend and losing his chance. Fatboyz Murty is a September ’07 son of Royal Impact and Aclamon Rosie.
The Track Supporters Diamond Stake for dogs beaten in the Future Champion produced a most impressive winner in Michael Galway’s Misterin Bob (Elite State/ Ashtown Debbie) as he won in 28.78. The Pat Whelan trained youngster flashed out of the three box and led all the way for a most emphatic six length margin over Orlando Dawn.
A third valuable final on the card was the Tomjoe Morrissey A6 Stake and here trainer Harry Seery had a great 1-2 with litter comrades. Annaldins (Droopys Maldini/ Annes Honcho) gained a pillar to post success for owners Peter Rider and William McCluskey when beating litter brother Directors Bar by three lengths in 28.86.