John J Casey Open 575 – Saturday, 03 January 2009
ASTON RETURNS IN STYLE
Shelbourne Aston returned to the scene of his remarkable 2008 successes on Saturday and showed that he retains all his famed power and pace as he stormed to victory in Heat 7 of the John J. Casey Open 575 in 31.38. He wasn’t fastest on the night however, as both Kilkenny Lonjack and Blackstone Gene went faster.
The Pat Curtin trained Shelbourne Aston (Just The Best/ Queen Survivor) broke smartly from five and was third to the bend behind Tyrur Laurel and Lemon Fionn. Shelbourne went second early in the back straight and got up the inside of Tyrur to lead on the fourth corner. He then powered up the straight for a two and a half length margin over Tyrur Laurel with Lemon Fionn two lengths back in third.
Former rated UK racer Kilkenny Lonjack produced a most impressive performance in winning Heat 8 in 31.26. Derby finalist Headleys Bridge headed Farloe Tucker well before the opening bend but was challenged and headed by Kilkenny Lonjack early in the back. Headleys got back on terms on the third bend but was forced to check and the Graham Holland trained Kilkenny Lonjack raced on to win by two and a half lengths from Headleys Bridge with Accordello a short head back in third.
Pat Sinnott’s Blackstone Gene (Hallucinate/ Black Stone Lace) was a hot favourite for Heat 4 and really set a strong pace for others to follow. Riverside King led up by the Owen McKenna trained Blackstone Gene shot past on the second bend and quickly opened a gap. Staying on stoutly he won by three lengths from Riverside King in a flying 31.27, with Titan Tyrone four lengths adrift in third.
LARRY’S FLYER
Larry Dunne’s flying bitch Kildallon Maid (Premier Fantasy/ Linger) got the stake off to a flying start when winning the opening heat in 31.39. Oran Classic set a hot gallop here from Romance Alsation but Kildallon moved second at halfway and closed rapidly. Hitting the front on the run-in, Kildallon went on to win by a length and a half from Oran Classic with Romance Alsation some three lengths back in third.
Lleytons Dote (Come On Lleyton/ Avoid The Queue), owned jointly by Susan Hennessy and Michael Freshwater, came in as a reserve for kennel companion Daleys Buzz in the second heat and duly did the job. The Paul Hennessy trained Lleytons got away smartly and led up from Frisky Fantasy. Florida Rooster forced his way into second around the bottom but Lleytons Dote had it sewn up and won by two lengths in 31.68. Frisky Fantasy was just a short head adrift of Florida Rooster in third.
Recent National Puppy Stake winner Tip And Tin (Crash/ Tinas Glory) gained his anticipated victory in Heat 3 for owners Peggy Barrett and Joe Carey. Compass Seamus set the pace here with Tip And Tin going second on the opening bend where the fancied Springmount Loco was badly baulked. Tip And Tin challenged around the bottom and raced on strongly for a two and a half length margin over Compass Seamus in 31.71, with reserve Wollombi two lengths away in third.
Matt O’Donnell’s The Other Achill (Big Daddy Cool/ Toss Twilight) didn’t have the biggest strike rate coming into Heat 5 but he improved it by fifty per cent with a most impressive late, late show. Nawhobberthadda set the gallop here from Compass Don but Dundrum Minor went second at halfway and challenged on the third bend. Suddenly The Other Achill came flying around the outside on the bottom bends and he swept to the front to win by two and a half from Nawhobberthadda in 31.58, with Dundrum Minor three parts of a length third.
O’Donnell went ever so close to a quick double in Heat 6 where Skywalker Night’s challenge failed by just a head. The Dawn Richards owned Doitfordawn (Black Shaw/ Chestnut Lotty) set a strong gallop and was four lengths clear from Shades Of Jonah at halfway. Then Skywalker Night began his move, went second before the third bend and closed rapidly. However Doitfordawn held on for a head verdict over Skywalker in 31.60.
Graham Holland, who had won Heat 8 with Kilkenny Lonjack, completed a quick double when Greta Scotland’s Carib King won Heat 9. Most of the field virtually hit the bend together but the inside drawn Carib King forced his way through and was clear into the back. He never looked like being caught and held the strong running Banbas Vieri by three and a half lengths in 31.57.
OTHER RACES
The Seamus Graham trained Coldwater Joe (Westmead Joe/ Cyprus Tara) bounced back to top form when producing a big run in the opening A1/2 525. He flew from traps and had the race sewn up early but what really impressed was the way he powered up the home straight to extend his advantage to seven lengths over Heavenly Day in a career best 28.72.
The second race was an open 525 and here the Brian Madigan trained Swords Prince (Head Bound/ Katie King) was a good winner in 28.89. Compass Mikey was fast away but was stalked down the back by Swords Prince who took it up on the third bend and went on to win by two lengths from the slow starting Step Out in 28.89.
Cork Action – Saturday, 03 January 2009
JOHN’S BANDIT
The final of the Instant Waste Disposal A2 550 Stake was the top contest at Curraheen Park on Saturday and the 1,200 Euro prize was claimed by John Healy’s Bookies Bandit (Droopys Corelli/ Canadian Annie) as he improved significantly on previous form when stopping the clock in an impressive 29.64.
The 4-1 chance broke smartly and was always up front, eventually coming home three and a half lengths in front of Concur with slow starting Oranmore Blonde two lengths back in third.
Top run for the 525 yards was turned in by the John Linehan trained Everybody Saidso (Droopys Scholes/ You Said So) as he got the better of a close run to the bend and went on to beat always second Chicken Supper by three lengths in 28.49. Evons Murralli, the main sufferer in early crowding, was a four and a half length third.
Dundalk Finals – Saturday, 03 January 2009
TINA A HOT RESERVE
Tracey Muldoon’s Tinas Mist (Premier Fantasy/ Tinas Crazy) came in from the reserves at Dundalk on Saturday and duly ran out a clear cut winner of the 1,100 Euro Christmas Carol A2 525 final.
Having been beaten in both previous rounds by Fox River, Tinas Mist made the most of her opportunity when breaking fast from three and leading all the way to beat the favourite Fox River by almost three lengths in 28.94, with Swots Emma a length third.
Also on the card was the final of the 1,000 Euro Christmas Present S2 400 and the betting solely concerned Yesterdays Dream at evens and Shutterfly at 6-4. The race followed the same pattern but it was Sean Behan’s Shutterfly (Ballymac Maeve/ Blackbirdstealth) which was in complete command. The John Feane trained Shutterfly scampered to a four length winning margin over Yesterdays Dream in 21.33.
ELSEWHERE ….. – Saturday, 03 January 2009
Pat O’Connor’s Rocking Rolo (Knockabout Wok/ Getaway Jordan) was in quite a hurry at Limerick on Saturday.
The Denis O’Malley trained Rolo was gaining a ninth career focus from fifteen outings when leading all the way to win the concluding open 525 by six lengths from Lethal Ruby in a scorching 28.24.
Droopys Stud Munster Oaks - Saturday, December 27th
LOUISE’S TINY OAKS WINNER
Louise Scally’s Cabra Tiny captured the last big prize of the year when winning the 8,500 Euro Droopys Stud Munster Oaks at Waterford on Saturday.
A member of the Big Daddy Cool and Cabra Dancer litter that had produced a few high fliers during the year for the Scally family and trainer Pat Buckley, Cabra Tiny showed a nice dash of early to lead on the opening bend and from there she was never going to be beaten.
The favourite Minnies Alainn wasn’t the smartest at traps but ran well to take second place, three and a half lengths adrift of the impressive 28.62 winner. Taking third money another two and a half lengths adrift was Clash Harmony.
The Supporting Card
Michael Bagge’s progressive bitch Shine And Rise made it three from five when winning the Happy Moments Bitch 550 in a smart 29.99. She led from the bend for a two length margin over Compass Honey.
Mary Kenny’s Group Skater had a length in hand of the staying Rough Quest in 45.51 in the Droopys Maldini Open 815. Hereyesare Blue was prominent all the way and finished a length and a half back in third.
Track bookmaker Richie Walsh sponsored a couple of finals and he certainly got the right result as Johnny Kavanagh’s 6-1 chance Taris Best led from the second bend when beating Riverside Honcho by half a length in 31.56.
But it was a different story in the A2 575 final where the Timmy O’Donovan trained Freddy Mac, a 2-1 joint favourite, ran on strongly to beat Knocknagun Spud by a length and a half in 31.44.
The night ended with an open 550 and here Liam Butler’s Kitestown Boy led from the second bend when beating Dun Jon by three lengths in 30.11.
Bernard Barry Gala Night - Saturday, December 27th
SO HE WAS CRAZY
The going was very slow at Shelbourne Park on Saturday and was rated between .60s and .75s slow for the distances ranging from 525 to 600 yards. Thus the 29.45 run from Donal Moloney’s So Your Crazy in the Bernard Barry Bookmaker Open 525 final was all the more meritorious.
So Your Crazy (Droopys Vieri/ So Small) broke fast and led Tyrur Jay and Ascot Podge to the bend. The last named pair tangled early in the back straight and So Your Crazy sailed clear to win by seven lengths from Regina Boy.
Jenny O’Driscoll’s Lady Glenard was a shock 8-1 winner of the Bernard Barry Open Bitch 525 but it was a thoroughly deserved success. With the favourites Kildallon Maid and Shingaun Stan not making the best of starts, the Mick O’Donovan trained Lady Glenard was quickly into stride and led all the way to beat Ballyhill Beauty by a length in 29.57.
The Paul Hennessy trained Jemmy Doodlebeag won the final of the Barry Open 600 in 33.52, leading on the opening bend and storming to a six and a half length margin over Swinford Mylo.
Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake – Saturday, December 20th
TIP AND TIN RACES TO GLORY
The Joe Carey trained Tip And Tip was a convincing winner of the 20,000 Euro Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake at Shelbourne on Saturday and looks to be a dog with a huge future, perhaps over further than the 525 yards.
It was very level to the bend with four dogs virtually in a line, the exception being Droopys Lee. The race was shaped dramatically here as Cape Time squeezed around in front from Banjo but the favourite Ja Mann found himself short of room. He checked wide and crashed into Droopys Lee, ending the chances of both dogs.
Now into the far side it was Cape Time showing the way by a length to Banjo with Tip And Tin in an ideal third place. Down the far side Tip And Tin moved strongly, going second before the third bend and challenging for the lead.
Coming off the final bend Tip And Tin headed Cape Time and powered up the straight to win by two and a half lengths from Cape Time in 28.86 with Banjo some two lengths back in third. It was a further length to the unlucky Droopys Lee in third.
This was a most emphatic performance from Tip And Tin, a January ’07 son of Crash and Tinys Glory owned by Peggy Barrett and the trainer Joe Carey.
The Supporting Card
MUSTANG 1-2 IN CONSOLATION
There was a prize of 1,500 Euro for the Consolation final and it resulted in a 1-2 for Stephen Bourke as Mustang Bolt led home Mustang Mission in 28.76.
The story of this race is easily told as Ann Bourke’s Mustang Bolt (Mustang Zapper/ Synone Bella) flew from six and led up. When he was clear of Fane Basher into the back it was clear he wouldn’t be beaten and the strong galloper raced on to win by 3 lengths from the strong finishing Mustang Mission with Lifes Funny running on late to finish a six length third.
Fatboyz Nodrog, so impressive when on his second outing back in October, enhanced a glowing reputation with a sensational run in the Old Gravediggers Open 525. In a race where the betting was dinated by Swords Prince and Blackstone Gene, the Pat Gordon trained Fatboyz Nodrog (Crash/ Whitefort Pride) was led early by Deanridge Zeus but was in front by the bend and then left his rivals for dead.
Sizzling pace down the back saw Fatboyz Nodrog draw clear and he raced to a hugely impressive five length victory over Deanridge Zeus in 28.47, with Romance Alsation some two and a half lengths back in third.
BRILLIANT MAID
It was a night of quite outstanding racing and we were served up another big run by Larry Dunne’s great bitch Kildallon Maid (Premier Fantasy/ Linger) in the first heat of the Bernard Barry Open Bitch 525. Shingaun Stan set a hectic pace but the writing was on the wall when Kildallon Maid moved past Ballyhill Beauty on the opening bend.
Kildallon closed steadily down the far side and worked her way up the inside of Shingaun on the third bend. Showing in front between the final bends, Kildallon then raced away to win by two lengths from Shingaun Stan in a very smart 28.61.
There was another top class effort in the second heat where Michael Dwan’s Borna Del (Droopys Kewell/ Borna Magic) made a hugely impressive Dublin debut. She ran the track like a veteran after being last to the bend but she flew the inside down the back to lead at halfway. From here she proved too strong for Laytown Lady as she won by two and and a half lengths in 28.71, with Lady Glenard three lengths back in third.
NICK’S BLUEBOY
Brian Madigan provided the winner of the Comerford Cakes Open 525 final as the Barbara Lowndes owned Strawberry Leaf (Premier Fantasy/ Maybe Baby) led all to take the 950 Euro prize in 28.89. The favourite Chieftain missed the kick and was then baulked on the bend. But Strawberry Leaf was off to a flier and raced to a three length victory over Lleytons Dote.
There was also a prize of 950 Euro for the Comerford Cakes A1 525 final and here early pace again proved decisive as the Nick Turner trained Kentucky Blueboy (Larkhill Jo/ Mt Leinster Beck) raced to victory in 29.01. From a pretty level start, Kentucky Blueboy was too good to the bend and then held the persistent challenge of Tromora Kid by a head.
The first of the Bernard Barry Stakes was an A3 525 and there was a brilliant run from Yvonne Barry’s Ibettergoback (Razldazl Billy/ Springwell Sue) in the second semi-final. The March ’07 bitch puppy absolutely flew from the three box and enjoyed a big lead hitting the back. She never let up as she sped to a twelve and a half length victory over Toll Tiger in 28.81.
In the first heat Kathleen Pomfret’s Freedom Bond (Brett Lee/ Any Time Soon) ran out a five length winner in 29.24. Tchau led up but was clipped on the bend and Miss Lucifer took it up. However the Paul Hennessy trained Freedom Bond moved rapidly to lead on the third bend and went on for an easy victory.
The programme ended with the semi-finals of the Bernard Barry Open 600 and in the first heat Rita Downey’s Forest Buster (Top Honcho/ Colorado Tina) came back to winning ways when clocking 32.95. This strapping tracker led before the bend and then held the run of Ballyard Timmy by three parts of a length.
The Larry Mason trained Titan Tyrone (Premier County/ Shalome) was a hot favourite for the second heat and was rather fortunate to win in 33.13. He wasn’t away that well but avoided some crowding on the opening bend to shoot clear into the back straight. Titan was then all out to hold the strong finishing Swinford Mylo by a neck.
Greyhound & Petworld Kingdom Derby – Saturday, December 20th
BULL IN A MAD RUSH
Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Bull gave the track record a real shaking when turning the final of the Greyhound & Petworld Kingdom Derby into a procession at Tralee on Saturday.
The big son of Ballymac Maeve and Ballymac Minnie flashed out of the six box and raced in front to the bend where Fermoyle Honcho, Attykitt Admiral and Everybody Saidno were all involved in crowding.
Compass Smash gave chase down the back but the Shane Dowling owned Ballymac Bull was in total command and powered his way to a five length winning margin in a sensational 28.15, just one spot adrift of Deerfield Mover’s track record. Compass Smash finished second with Fermoyle Honcho some three and a half lengths adrift in third.
Compass Smash’s owner Stephen Wadsworth had a 1-2 in the final of the Kingdom Derby Purse where Compass Mikey flew from traps to beat kennel companion Compass Don by a length and a half in 28.50.
The Consolation Derby saw the Jerry Murray trained Evons Murralli (Top Honcho/ Free Access) lead all for a two length victory over College Finsceal in 28.64.
Also on the card was the final of the Dave Cremin & Petworld 525 and this went to Pat O’Connor trained Lystoll Eagle (Larkhill Jo/ Gold Droopy) which had seven lengths in hand of Perles Bay in 28.74.
Harold’s Cross – Saturday, December 20th
OAKFRONT IS SPOT ON
There was a fine run from Oakfront Spot On (Droopys Vieri/ Oakfront Best) as she led all the way to win the 800 Euro DGO BA D4 750 final. Oakfront Spot On timed the start to perfection and the race was as good as over as she led by lengths past the stand. From here she dominated and raced away to beat Bould Beauty by eight and a half lengths in a slick 41.96. She is a really decent stayer in the making.
There was a prize of 600 Euro for the S3 Sprint final and here the Michelle Bray owned Maritas Gold (Tyrur Ted/ Tyrur Marita) produced a very impressive performance when clocking 17.50. Trained by dad Ollie, Maritas Gold broke fast from six and led Perfect Price all the way for a very convincing victory.
Following her spectacular effort the previous Monday night, Sean Dunphy’s Droopys Moira (Droopys Scholes/ Westmead Joy) produced another stunning performance when winning the final of the 750 Euro Try A Trio A6 570. The Ian Reilly trained Jly ’07 puppy took it up on the opening bend and raced right away to win by ten and a half lengths from Blacksmith Ma in 31.23. She looks a real star act.
The final of the Fundraising Night A8 525 was won by the Seamus Costello owned Ballymorefin Meg (Top Honcho/ Deans List) in 29.40. The favourite Josie The Bush missed the kick and was always struggling as Ballymorefin Meg led all the way for a two and a half length margin over Curryhills Storm.
The other final on the card was the 1,000 Euro New Year Restaurant Special A4 525 and here the Tony Byrne trained Shelbourne Lola (Ballymac Pires/ Expert View) came with a big late run to catch Bunlahy Bend and win by a couple of lengths in 29.36.
Droopys Stud Munster Oaks – Saturday, December 20th
MINNIES & ORAN LEAD THE WAY
The Nicola Downes owned Minnies Alainn (Head Bound/ Minnies Sparkler) produced a really top drawer performance when winning the opening semi of the Droopys Stud Munster Oaks at Waterford on Saturday. Hitting the front on the second bend, Minnies Alainn drew away to lead home Cabra Tiny and Blasket Music by two and a half lengths and the same in 28.33.
The other heat saw the Des Whyte owned Oran Crystal (Tucks Mein/ Steffis Delight) lead from the first bend when beating Clash Harmony by a length and a half in 28.84. Lughill Jewell ran on strongly to finish a three quarter length third.
Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake – Saturday, December 13th
SHOCKS AS CAPE AND LEE TRIUMPH
The favourites were turned over in both semi-finals of the Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake at Shelbourne on Saturday and the scene is set for a mighty open decider next Saturday night.
In the first semi-final the winner was Alan Silvester’s Cape Time as he made full use of his inside draw to lead all the way in 28.80. This Hugh McKendry trained son of Westmead Hawk and Swift Time broke fast and raced up with Tip And Tin, the pair showing just ahead of Banjo. The favourite Soviet Bugatti broke slowly and worse was to come when he drifted wide on the bend and crashed into Mustang Bolt. In the incident he also clipped Tip And Tin which lost valuable ground and dropped back to third.
Cape Time now led down the back from Banjo but Tip And Tin began to close again into the third bend. Cape Time led by a couple of lengths turning for home but Tip And Tin produced a big finish and at the line Cape Time won by a length with Banjo some two and a half lengths back claiming the third spot in next week’s final.
On to the second semi-final where Soviet Maldini looked the likely winner when hitting the front on the second bend and striking for home. Ja Mann had led up the inside but Soviet Maldini headed him entering the back and went a few lengths clear while Droopys Lee moved into third as there was trouble behind.
Soviet was still two lengths to the good between the final bends but Droopys Lee (Westmead Hawk/ Droopys Maddy) was now in second and motoring. Droopys Lee really flew up the straight and went past Soviet to win by two lengths in 28.89. It was mighty close for second with Soviet holding on by half a length and the same from Ja Mann and Lifes Funny.
TRAP DRAW -* Final next Saturday at Shelbourne
1 Ja Mann
2 Droopys Lee
3 Cape Time
4 Banjo (m)
5 Soviet Maldini (w)
6 Tip And Tin (w)
TINYS BUD OPEN 550 - Saturday, December 14th
CALLUMS FOR KIELY
John Kiely had the perfect ending to a satisfactory 2008 season when he won the Tinys Bud Open 550 final at Curraheen Park on Saturday and then added on one of the contests in the Greyhound & Petworld Inter Track Challenge for good measure.
Callums Lad (Droopys Vieri/ Montecasino), owned jointly by Tim Scannell and Jason O’Connor, was the 2-1 favourite ahead of Palmetto Dunes at 5-2 and they proceeded to dominate the contest. Really it was decided when Callums Lad broke fast and took the early lead from Palmetto Dunes. From here Callums Lad was also in control and at the line had three lengths in hand of Palmetto Dunes in 29.68 with Carib King a staying third, a length back.
The card also featured the five legged Greyhound & Petworld Inter Track Challenge and as mentioned, trainer Kiely collected the 550 event as Sean Twomey owned Chicken Supper (Tucks Mein/ Greenfield Gift) led all the way to beat Queens Rock by a length and a half in 29.79.
The opening leg was a 330 yard open and this was claimed by the Pat O’Connor trained Praematurus (Ballymac Maeve/ Saleen Dawn) in 17.77. Owned by Louise O’Neill, Praematurus led all the way to beat Compass Mikey by a length and a half.
Next there was the 750 contest where favourite Compass Danny missed the start and never figured. The Pat Collins owned Melodys Comet (Top Honcho/ Talita Beauty) took it up on the fifth bend and went on to beat Inslips Deal by three and a half lengths in 42.21.
There was quite a battle in the 575 leg with Barry Cullinane’s Rebel Brett taking it in 31.50. The Eddie Wade trained Rebel Brett (Brett Lee/ Rebel Babe) showed fine early here and held the challenge of the favourite Keoghs King by a neck with Steeple Rd Roco three parts of a length back in third.
The 2-1 joint favourites dominated the 525 yard contest with victory going to Declan Lordan’s Frances Fantasy in 28.63. This Shane Murphy trained son of Premier Fantasy and Frances Zidane proved too strong at the finish for early paced Eye Eye Pickle and won by two lengths.
Droopys Stud Munster Oaks - Saturday, December 14th
BLASKET CALLS THE TUNE
The times were well back when the second round of the Droopys Stud Munster Oaks was run at Kilcohan Park on Saturday and just one of the four heat winners managed to dip under the 29 second barrier.
That honour went to Larry O’Shea’s Blasket Music (Droopys Kewell/ Blasket Breeze) as this Jim Morrissey trained bitch led all the way for a half length margin over fastest first round winner Minnies Alainn in 28.97. The runner up stumbled at traprise and did well to finish so close while it was a length and a half to Lughill Jewel in third.
The opening heat saw Bernadette Hoban’s On Stage Peig (On Stage Jim/ On Stage Lucy) come out on top in a pretty incident packed race. Most of the runners were involved in trouble but On Stage Peig emerged as a length and a half winner from Shine And Rise in 29.30 with Tullow Lee a two and a half length third.
In the second heat it was a case of 3-1 the field and Des Whyte’s Oran Crystal (Tucks Mein/ Steffis Delight ran on strongly to win by a length and the same from Roxholme Sue and Shaneboy Maria in 29.05.
Continuing a fine season for the Scully kennels in Thurles, Cabra Tiny (Big Daddy Cool/ Cabra Dancer) won the other heat. Louise Scully’s bitch went up fast and just held the big run of Woodhill Spark by a neck in 29.03, with Clash Harmony some four lengths adrift in third.
Also on the Kilcohan card, the final of the 1,400 Euro Swan Sung Hero A2 was won by Johnny Kavanagh’s Taris Best (Pinewood Blue/ Tari Ranger) as he led from the first bend for a three length margin over Newline Honey in 29.22.
Mardoc Holdings Golden Jacket - Saturday, December 6th
VETERAN LEE CONTINUES TO SPARKLE
Not even the harsh weather could put a stop to Tyrur Lee’s amazing journey through the Mardoc Holdings Golden Jacket at Galway on Saturday. With the conditions worsening by the minute, the stewards elected to cut the interval between races to ten minutes, while they also took the step of moving the two big semi-finals a race forward on the programme.
It was all very sensible management, if somewhat unusual, and it cleared the way for next Sunday’s televised final to go ahead as originally planned. Locals also enjoyed it all immensely as they saw three local dogs march impressively through to the final.
The incredible veteran Tyrur Lee put himself in pole position to win the 35,000 prize following another stunning performance. P.J. Fahy’s son of Brett Lee and Tyrur Dee is four and a half years old but is running like a puppy as he displayed emphatically when claiming the 34th victory of his career in the second semi-final.
In the first semi-final Mardocs O Shea and Tyrur Laurel went off the 2-1 joint favourites and they raced neck and neck to the third bend. Here the Frances O’Donnell trained Mardocs O Shea asserted and then held the late run of Kerrydale Celt by a length in 31.46, with Tyrur Laurel some two lengths adrift in third.
Tyrur Lee was a clear evens favourite for the second semi and he never left a doubt as he flew from traps and dominated all the sway. He was three lengths to the good from Slick Spiral on the opening turn but then galloped his rivals into the ground as he came home five and a half lengths clear of Black Spiral in a fast 31.16, while it was another two and a half lengths to Full Bloom in third.
The draw for next Sunday’s final is: 1 Full Bloom; 2 Tyrur Laurel; 3 Slick Spiral; 4 Mardocs O Shea; 5 Kerrydale Celt; 6 Tyrur Lee.
Track Bookmakers Champion Bitch - Saturday, December 6th
JOSIE DOES THE DOUBLE
Hillcroft Josie’s love affair with Thurles track continued on Saturday when Paddy Corrigan’s star tracker made it back to back successes in the Track Bookmakers Champion Bitch Stake.
The defending champion went off the 4-5 favourite to claim the 7,100 Euro prize and she did so with the minimum of fuss.
The John McGee trained daughter of Larkhill Jo and Shanless Rose was fast into stride and led all the way for a most emphatic six length victory over Sadie Vieri in 28.50. It was another length back to recent Newbridge Oaks winner Danmar Pudsy in third.
Tinys Bud Open 550 - Saturday, December 6th
DUNES SETS THE PACE
Following the week’s delay, the semi-finals of the Tinys Bud Open 550 were run at Curraheen Park on Saturday and the honour of being fastest qualifier was claimed by the Denis Fitzgerald trained Palmetto Dunes.
The Andrew and Jessica McCarthy owned son of Droopys Maldini and Great Dancer broke fast from three and led all the way for a three length margin over Callums Lad in 29.60. Saint Luke also made it through some two and a half lengths further adrift.
Decent Prospect was the favourite for the second heat but the Graham Holland trained Carib King (Top Honcho/ May Said So) proved too good on this occasion. The Greta Scotland owned Carib King was fast into stride and was chased all the way by Decent Prospect, coming home two and a half lengths in front in 29.62, with Good Boy Errol some three lengths third.
ELSEWHERE …..
Saturday, December 6th
The Nicola Downes owned Minnies Alainn posted the fastest time in the opening round of the Droopys Stud Munster Oaks at Kilcohan Park on Saturday when beating Tullow Lee by four and a half lengths in 28.63. Other heat winners were: Kathryns Fern 28.96, On Stage Peig 29.03, Roxholme Sue 29.11, Shine And Rise 28.65 and Wilcos Sonia 28.77.
Meanwhile, at Harold’s Cross, the remaining two heats of the Tote Gold Collar were run at Harold’s Cross on Saturday. Heat 6 saw the Peter Cronin trained Liquid Sunshine lead all the way for a two length margin over Gas Magee in 30.25.
The final heat saw the Davy Reynolds trained Ball Of Twine fly from traps on her way to a four length margin over Florida Rooster in 30.17.
Shelbourne Action - 6/12/2008
A SUPER SOVIET PUPPY DOUBLE
* Track rated .50 sec slow for 525, .55sec slow for 550 and .60sec slow for 575 yards.
Limerick’s Eamonn Cronin was on Cloud 9 at Shelbourne on Saturday as his two flying puppies Soviet Maldini and Soviet Bugatti scored a hugely impressive double in the quarter finals of the Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake. The track was running very slowly but both litter comrades displayed huge pace in recording their victories.
One had to be impressed with Soviet Maldini’s performance in the third quarter final. He didn’t break well but showed good early and really accelerated between the opening bends to head fast starting Dilton Swift on the second corner. He quickly shot into a three length lead from Dilton with Tip And Tin in third.
Tip And Tin moved second at the third bend and began to close rapidly. However Soviet Maldini (Droopys Maldini/ Soviet Georgia) kept on bravely to win by a length from Tip And Tin in 29.10, with Droopys Pio some five lengths adrift in third.
Then it was the turn of Soviet Bugatti in Heat 4 and he was also third to the bend behind Cape Time and Fane Basher. However, just like his brother, Bugatti accelerated most impressively to hit the front on the second bend and dashed clear down the far side with a big surge of pace.
Cape Time continued to give pursuit to the home straight where Mustang Bolt came on the scene. However Soviet Bugatti ran on with determination to win by 2 lengths from Mustang in 29.13 and it was a half length to Cape Time in third.
Larry O’Rourke’s fastest first round winner Droopys Lee (Westmead Hawk/ Droopys Maddy) turned in another superb performance when winning the first heat in 29.18. It was Banjo that set the pace with Eye Eye Pickle, Droopys Lee and River Billy disputing second to the bend.
River Billy took a bad bump on the bend and dropped back to fifth. Eye Eye Pickle continued to lead but was headed by the Ian Reilly trained Droopys Lee on the third bend and this fellow then pulled clear to win by 3 lengths from Banjo. River Billy performed magnificently to be a strong finishing two and a half length third.
The Owen McKenna trained Ja Mann was a strong favourite for the second heat and he gave his supporters some anxious moments before claiming victory. He was moderately away and was only third to the bend behind Bright Side and Mustang Mission. However the latter pair bumped on the bend and Ja Mann (Brett Lee/ Black Stone Lace) shot to the front.
Ja Mann led by three lengths at halfway from Mustang Mission but the latter wasn’t done with yet. Mustang ran on with gusto and at the line there was just a neck between them as Ja Mann won in 29.39. It was another three lengths to Lifes Funny in third.
DONAL’S CRAZY WINNER
The first of the open contests, over 525 yards, produced a thrilling finish. Roskei set a big gallop but tired from the third bend and Donal Moloney’s So Your Crazy (Droopys Vieri/ So Small) took it up on the run-in before holding the flying late run of Eskimo Blue by half a length in 29.51. It was a length to Croghan Dixie in third.
The other open 525 produced a quicker run as the Barbara Lowndes owned Swords Prince (Head Bound/ Katie King) raced home in 29.38. It was a fine performance from this Brian Madigan trained tracker as he gained his eighth career victory from fifteen outings. He hit the front off the second bend and went on to win by 3 lengths from the staying Titan Tyrone.
There was a prize of 1,000 Euro for the final of the A1 525 and here the Regina McNamara owned Regina Boy (Climate Control/ Highview Desire) made sure of the top prize with a smart start. The Gerry Merriman trained Regina Boy led by three lengths down the back but had to pull out all the stops to hold Dynamite Hero by half a length in29.38 with Gunner two lengths back in third.
The card commenced with two semi-finals of the A1 575 and the fastest time was posted by James Robinson’s Mountjoy Joe (Top Savings/ Snowflake) as he flew clear to the bend and then went on to win by a length and a half from the staying Forest Pat in 31.99.
The opening heat saw Stephen Bourke’s Mustang Knight (Just The Best/ Mustang Mega) hit the front on the third bend as he went on to win by 2 lengths from Highview Honcho in 32.32.
BIKO TREND BOUNCED BACK
Having run prominently on his last outing behind Tolerton Smasher, the Brian Madigan trained Biko Trend bounced back to winning ways in the Open 550. He was fast into stride and gamely resisted the strong challenge of Swan Sung Hero by a length in 31.17.
The night ended with an emphatic performance from the Marie Gilbert trained Shades Of Jonah in the Open 575. He was quickly in front and never looked like relinquishing the advance as he raced to a three length victory over Highview Champ in 32.04.
PUPPY DRAW
Draw for the semi-finals of the Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake to be run next Saturday:
HEAT 1
1 Cape Time
2 Soviet Bugatti (m)
3 Droopys Pio (m)
4 Banjo (m)
5 Tip And Tin (w)
6 Mustang Bolt (w)
HEAT 2
1 Mustang Mission
2 Droopys Lee
3 Ja Mann
4 River Bill y (m)
5 Lifes Funny (m)
6 Soviet Maldini (w)
COMERFORD CAKES NATIONAL PUPPY STAKE – November, 29th
SHOCKS GALORE IN NATIONAL PUPPY
The Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake continued at Shelbourne Park on Saturday evening and the shocks came thick and fast. Due to the threat of heavy frost, the ground staff had to work miracles to ensure racing even took place and as a result the going was running .30 slow.
The second round kicked off with the much hyped battle of Fawn Express and Soviet Maldini, but it failed to materialise. Instead Droopys Lee produced his very best form to emerge on top in a fastest of the round 28.86.
The latter led from the drop of the hat to emerge a four and a half length winner over the always second Soviet Maldini. Fawn Express missed the kick for the first time in his career and never landed a blow before finally finishing fourth.
In Heat 2 Inny Blue was sent to traps a warm favourite ahead of Lifes Funny, but the inexperienced Soviet Bugatti produced a wonderful display to open hiss account. In what was only his second start, the Eamon Cronin trained youngster took charge down the back before powering his way to an impressive 5 length victory over Lifes Funny in 29.05.
Ja Mann was one of the few favourites to actually emerge triumphant and he did so in Heat 3. The powerful black duly obliged after taking charge in the opening yards. Maintaining a clear advantage throughout, he hit the line five and a half lengths clear of the fast finishing Mustang Mission in 29.27
River Billy displayed real determination to win the fourth heat, powering his way through on the third turn to take over from the early leader Dilton Swift. Droopys Pio did come with a late charge, but River Billy held on by the minimum margin in 29.36. The clear favourite was Razldazl Em, but he failed to qualify, finishing a further length back in fourth.
Skywalker Queen is clearly one bitch to keep an eye on in the coming months and she continued her rapid progress up the ranks in the four-dog Heat 5. here Tip And Tin was sent to boxes the warm favourite, but Skywalker Queen was electric. Leading from the start after a slick exit, she made all to account for Tip And Tin by five and a half lengths in 28.92.
Despite his obvious talent and exceptional record, Romance Alsation was sent to traps a 7-1 chance in Heat 6, but his supporters were left smiling after he ran out one of the most impressive winners of the evening.
Taking control early in the back straight he simply destroyed his rivals, going clear to hit the line four and a half lengths to the good over Eye Eye Pickle in 28.90. Faypoint Man was the biog name casualty in this heat after finishing fifth.
There was no let up to the shocks in Heat 7 where Springwell Sindy made every inch despite tiring badly on the run in. In a tight finish, Sindy held on by a head to see off the fast finishing Bright Side by a neck in 29.26.
The round finished with yet another shock elimination, this time of Deanridge Zeus (Formerly Pennys Oberon). Here Cape Time flashed from traps to make every inch for a cosy four and a half length victory over Iveseenenough in 29.01.
MARDOCS HOLDINGS GOLDEN JACKET - Saturday, November 22nd
ASTON OUT AS BROADACRES TURBOS CLEAR
Shelbourne Aston won’t be adding the Mardocs Holdings Golden Jacket title to his Derby and Champion Stakes victories after crashing out of the event at Galway on Saturday evening. The brilliant brindle was expected to qualify with some ease, but opening bend traffic problems ended his hopes.
Instead Broadacres Turbo continued his tremendous run of form by posting yet another exceptionally fast time in winning Heat 3.
The Cox Cup, Guinness Trophy and TRF Open 575 winner was simply awesome as he raced to an easy success, in turn giving the track record of Si Senor a bit of a fright for the second week running. After a good start, the Grahan Holland trained Broadacres took charge on the run to the corner and once avoiding the pile up that saw Shelbourne Aston Target Kewell fail to qualify, he eased right away.
In the end the victory of Broadacres Turbo was a facile one. Maintaining a sensational gallop throughout, he came home seven and three quarters of a length to the good over Skywalker Dream in 31.06, just .09 off the track record.
For the second week running sponsor, Denis O’Connell and his son Cian had reason to smile as they again recorded a wonderful double. Mardocs Heinze initiated the double in the opening heat. Racing prominently from the start, Heinze really turned the screw in the latter stages of the contest. Finishing with a flourish he hit the line with 5 lengths in hand on the talented Nawhobberthadda in 31.25.
Remarkably Mardocs O Shea clocked the exact same time when running out an easy winner of the very next heat. Mardocs O Shea is seen as one of the most exciting prospects for 2009 and it is easy to see why. He sat behind the early pace-setter Droopys Teabag before pouncing at the third turn. From that point O Shea pulled right away for a 6 length victory in 31.25.
PJ Fahy also recorded a double with the ever consistent Tyrur Laurel and sprightly veteran Tyrur Lee winning their respective heats. Laurel had to work hard for victory in Heat 4, but he has no shortage of guts and he finally got the better of Slick Spiral by a neck in 31.37, while Tyrur Lee belied his advancing years by making all in the final heat to emerge a two and a half length scorer over Oakleaf Tom in 31.21. Full Bloom won the remaining heat in pillar to post style, beating Imaal Master by four and a half lengths in 31.31.
COMERFORD CAKES NATIONAL PUPPY STAKE – Saturday, November 22nd
AN EXPRESS FAWN
Ante-post favourite Soviet Maldini justified his lofty position in the in the opening round of the Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night, but he failed to take the headlines with that honour instead going to the Larry Mason trained Fawn Express as he maintained his unbeaten career record with a sensational 28.55 return.
Fawn Express had won an A5 competition at Shelbourne on Wednesday night in a fast 28.71, but on this occasion he lifted his game to beat far better company. In a race containing the likes of Ja Mann, Eye Eye Pickle and River Billy, Fawn Express was facing his toughest test by some margin, but he made light work of his task. Shooting from boxes he led around the turn before going on to beat Eye Eye Pickle by 3 lengths.
Soviet Maldini looked likely to match that run when leading at the corner in Heat 10, but he did tire a little in the dying stages. Despite this he held on for an impressive length and a half success over Lifes Burble in 28.67. Coldwater Joe was his nearest rival for much of the way, but he checked badly on the run in before failing to qualify.
The Owen McKenna trained Faypoint Man was another to impress, in turn maintaining his unbeaten career record in Heat 6. The son of Yeah Man came to Dublin with a hefty reputation coming to Dublin and he justified favouritism with a power-packed display.
Leading from the opening turn, the well-balanced black powered clear down the back straight before crossing the line six and a half lengths to the good over Springwell Sindy in a superb 28.58.
Dilton Swift made his early speed count to win Heat 8 with a convincing trap to line display. The Johnny O’Sullivan trained son of Droopys Scholes shot from trap four to lead around the turn and while Faypoint Lad did close in the dying strides, the early leader held on to take the honours by a neck in 28.79.
There was a shock result in Heat 9 where the betting was dominated by Razldazl Em. Here Droopys Lee and Tip And Tin were expected to give the favourite most to worry about, but after a fast start it was the John McGee trained Inny Blue that made every inch.
Razldazl Em recovered after a slow start to go second off the opening turn, but he could never get back on terms. Instead Inny Blue stuck gamely to his task to land the spoils by three parts of a length in 28.87.
John McGee later completed a double in the final heat with Oran Empire emerging on top. Here Droopys Pio was a fast finishing second, but Oran Empire held on to score by the minimum margin in 29.17.
MARDOC HOLDINGS GOLDEN JACKET - Saturday, November 15th
NO COLLEGE BUT SPONSOR DOES THE DOUBLE
Derby winner Shelbourne Aston got his challenge for the Mardoc Holdings Golden Jacket at Galway off to the perfect start when winning his first round heat on Saturday in 31.29. Sponsor Denis O’Connell had a first round double while the run of the night was produced by Broadacres Turbo as he coasted home in 31.10.
Shelbourne Aston was always up with the pace and hit the front on the fourth bend en route to a three length victory over The Other Sonic, with Slick Spiral two lengths back in third.
As Talking Dogs clients would have been aware, College Causeway did not take his place in Heat 10 and in his absence Nawhobberthadda (Top Honcho/ Maroochydore) completed a double for owner P.J. Fahy when beating Kerrydale Bhoy by a length in 31.78 with Toledo James just over two lengths back in third.
The great old veteran Tyrur Lee (Brett Lee/ Tyrur Dee) was the first winner for Fahy when leading all the way to win the second heat in a fast 31.23. Tyrur Dee was fast into stride and led all the way for a near six length verdict over Riverside Honcho with Elouisa taking third spot.
Run of the night was produced by the Graham Holland trained Broadacres Turbo (Top Honcho/ Riverside Bella) in Heat 8. The strong running black was fast into stride and proved five lengths too strong for Tyrur Laurel in a brilliant 31.10.
HOLLAND DOUBLE
Holland was also on the mark with Full Bloom when the son of Late Late Show and Tamna Rose got up late to win Heat 6 in 31.46. Shelbourne Denny cut out the running but Full Bloom came through fast to snatch victory by three parts of a length. It was over six lengths back to Mardocs Nani in third.
Sponsor Denis O’Connell had the perfect start to his stake when, along with son Cian, he had a first round double. First winner for them was Mardocs Heinze (Top Honcho/ Hoffmans Ticks) in Heat 4. He grabbed an early advantage and led all to beat Ask Amy by two and a half lengths in 31.40, with Shaneboy Sophia a length back in third.
Then, Mardocs O Shea (Go Wild Teddy/ Hoffmans Ticks) won what was billed as the race of the night, Heat 7, in 31.50. Target Kewell cut out the running but Mardocs O Shea powered past on the fourth bend and went on to beat the staying Lemon Zamora and Target Kewell by a length and the same.
The event started with the Gerry O’Donoghue trained Sherie (Droopys Kewell/ Clonreddan Mist) taking the opening heat. She led from the opening bend for a neck verdict over The Other Achill in 31.81, with Doonbeg Crash a half length back in third.
Ollie Bray’s 2007 Puppy Derby hero Royal Treason (Top Honcho/ Three Star Girl) was a decisive winner of Heat 3. He took it up on the third bend and went on to beat Skywalker Dream and Droopys Teabag in 31.25.
Recent Irish Grand National winner Distant Legend proved his versatility with an impressive run in Heat 5. Julie Power’s dog broke fast and always led when beating reserve Skywalkers Angel by a length and three parts in 31.36. Just over a length back in third came Swinford Mylo.
CHAMPION BITCH STAKE - Saturday, November 15th
JOSIE MAKES FLYING START
The Gerry Holian trained Rising Smoke (Droopys Vieri/ Affleck Patsy) was fastest in the opening round of Track Bookmakers Champion Bitch Stake at Thurles on Saturday when covering the 525 trip in a brilliant 28.64.
Fast into stride, Rising Smoke led all the way and came home eight lengths clear of last year’s runner-up Zip Fastener with Christys Lass two lengths back in third.
Danny Potter’s Newbridge Oaks winner Danmar Pudsy (Droopys Scholes/ Tyrur Fiona) again showed her class when winning Heat 8 in a nippy 28.72. She was fast into stride and led all the way to beat the strong finishing Home Belle by five and a half lengths with Her Eyesare Blue a half length third.
Defending champion Hillcroft Josie got her repeat bid off to the best possible start when winning the opening heat in 28.78. Pat Corrigan’s daughter of Larkhill Jo and Shanless Rose went off the evens favourite and duly trotted up by five and a half lengths from Speak Out Amy with Kilgraney Poppy two lengths back in third.
In the second heat the Shane Murphy trained Wilcos Sonia (Crash/ Miss Sadie) led all the way in 28.94. Tony Wilson’s bitch gained her tenth career victory when leading home Woodhill Spark by three lengths with Lead The Way two and a half lengths back in third.
SADIE WINS
A finalist in the Newbridge Oaks the previous weekend, John Brennan’s Sadie Vieri (Droopys Vieri/ Turbo Flight) came out on top in Heat 3 as she held the big late run of Borna Del by half a length in 28.89, with Semolina some five lengths adrift in third.
The flying Cork bitch Light Shift (Tucks Mein/ Ballyvocoke Lady) was an all the way winner of Heat 4 in 29.01. The John Linehan trained bitch was fast into stride and held Pencray Lass and Maireads Fantasy by a length and a half and half a length.
Peter O’Kelly’s Plan was a convincing winner of Heat 5. The Michael O’Donovan trained daughter of Brett Lee and Beaming Heart broke smartly and always led in beating Lassa Experience by two lengths in 28.78, with Donna Dolly some three lengths back in third.
The Nicola Downes owned Minnies Alainn (Head Bound/ Minnies Sparkler) produced a really big run when winning Heat 6. In just her seventh race, she was away fast in the red jacket and powered her way to a highly impressive nine length victory over reserve Lemon Razza in 28.75, with Cruise Code taking the third qualifying spot.
The Jerry Griffin trained Cooraclare Rose (Honcho Classic/ Nebraska) just held Graigues Toss in a thrilling final heat. Cooraclare Rose was out fast and held the strong finishing Graigues Toss by a short head in 28.96, with Unbridled Mini a length and a half third.
* The second round of the Champion Bitch Stake will be run on Friday night next due to the big Tipperary County Board which is being staged on Saturday.
SHELBOURNE FARE - Saturday, November 15th
DRUMNA’S REVIEW UPSET
There was a big surprise in the final of the Irish Greyhound Review Puppy 525 at Shelbourne on Saturday where Judy McCusker’s Drumna Willow landed the 1,000 Euro prize in 29.07.
The favourite River Billy charged the traps early and trailed the field until running on late. But the Seamus McGarry trained Drumna Willow (Big Daddy Cool/ Drumna Charm) chased Dilton Swift down the back before taking it up off the final bend. Drumna went on to win by a length from Dilton Swift with Bright Side a fast finishing neck third.
Things went much more as expected in the final of the 1,000 Euro Christmas Cracker A1 525 as the semi-final winners filled the first two placings. It didn’t look as if it would turn out that way as Allen Style cut out the running while Teflon Tom was in last position.
However, Peter Sheridan’s Pretty Imperial (Droopys Kewell/ Legal Jan), trained by John McGee, took it up on the third bend and went on to win by three lengths in 28.81, with Teflon Tom finishing fast to grab second spot in the final strides.
Owen McKenna has a nice prospect in Ja Mann (Brett Lee/ Black Stone Lace) which turned in a fine performance in winning an open 525 in 28.68. After totally missing the start on his previous visit, Ja Mann made no mistakes this time as he broke smartly from the inside trap and led all the way to beat the promising Whitty John by two lengths in 28.68.
There was a big run from the Barbara Lowndes owned Swords Prince (Head Bound/ Katie King) in winning the opening semi-final of the Lundsbrunn Express Open 525. Danmagroo cut out the running but the Brian Madigan trained Swords Prince hit the front on the third bend and went on to win by three lengths from Springwell Fifty in 28.63.
BRYAN’S DOTE
The second heat was won by Bryan Murphy’s Lleytons Dote (Come On Lleyton/ Avoid The Queue) in 28.72. Oran Crystal led out by the Paul Hennessy trained Lleytons Dote was in front before the bend and went on for a three and a half length verdict over the strong staying Dundrum Minor in 28.72.
The Liam Hughes trained Cuil Class (Mineola Farloe/ Nifty Princess) was the winner of the Aisling O’Rourke Open 525 in 28.94. Ketama cut out the running but Cuil Class took it up turning for home and held the late rush of slow starting Razldazl Em by a length and a half with Ketama a neck back in third.
There was a brilliant run from the Johnny O’Sullivan trained Eye Eye Pickle (Droopys Kewell/ Cherry Sparkler) in the third contest. East River cut out the running but Eye Eye Pickle picked him up before the third bend and ran on strongly for a two length verdict in 28.65.
Earlier the Shane Murphy trained Cyclers Lark (Larkhill Jo/ Selsey Tess) showed a welcome return to form when winning an A2 525 in 28.74. He flew from traps and was in command all the way, comfortably holding the strong run of Imps Duke by two and a half lengths.
Reggie Roberts has his runners in fine form at the moment and Night Vision (Disguised/ Candy Floss) was another for the Rathangan handler in the first semi-final of the Shelbourne A1 525. He headed fast starting Brigids Bullet on the run up and opened a six length gap by halfway. Despite fading on the run-in, Night Vision held on by a length and a half from strong finishing Grayslands Tiger in 28.84.
There was a surprise in the second heat where the Jerry Melia trained Uncle Bert (Blackjack Tom/ Kittys Blackbird) flashed out of traps and led all the way to beat Flying Torpedo in 28.80.
Gain Waterford Masters - Saturday, November 8th
LARK FINALLY GETS IT RIGHT IN MASTERS FINAL
Slip The Lark finally got it right when winning Saturday’s Gain Waterford Masters final at Kilcohan Park and it helped to banish memories of those desperately late defeats in both the Irish Derby and Irish Laurels.
The Masters final was reduced to just four runners when Dysert Poldark and Cabra Cool were withdrawn on the morning of the race due to injuries but it still developed into a very close betting affair between Slip The Lark and Ballymac Under – and the race itself proved similar.
Slip The Lark and Ballymac Under were both fast away, as was Lemon Zamora, but the race looked at the mercy of Ballymac Under when he showed marginally in front into the opening bend as Slip The Lark maintained his middle to wide course.
But, just as it looked as though Ballymac Under would go clear out of the second bend, he seemed to check and Slip The Lark powered past to take it up. Ballymac Under tried to challenge into the third bend but Slip The Lark held him off and led by almost two lengths turning for home.
Despite obviously tiring in front, Slip The Lark held off the challengers in a desperate finish, holding Ballymac Under by half a length with the flying Lemon Zamora just a neck back in third. Indeed, Lemon was in front very shortly after the line.
But few could begrudge Slip The Lark this great success, following on from his inches defeats in both the Derby and Laurels. The son of Larkhill Jo and Slip The Posse had now won the 20,000 Euro prize for owner Keith Allsop and trainer Pat Buckley.
The winning trainer was clearly delighted after the disappointment of the morning when he had to withdraw Cabra Cool due to a hip problem, seemingly incurred in a kennel accident. He said: “He has been a great servant and kept producing the goods in the big events