Shannon syndicate Buttsys Blackie blitzed the field in the opening round of the Limerick and Clare GOBA A3 525 stake.
The opening round of the Limerick and Clare GOBA A3 525 Stake got underway at the Limerick Track on Saturday night last, this always proves to be a very hotly contested stake and the 2020 renewal is set to be no different. The standout performance from the five heats came in the opening heat as Buttsys Blackie blitzed the field to record a sizzling 28.42.
Owned by the Buttsys-Buckos syndicate of Shannon and trained by Gerry Holian, this son of Pinpoint Maxi and Killeacle Tammy started his career winning a small sprint stake in Galway but it is clear he has gone on to bigger and better things. Belting out in front from trap one, Buttsys Blackie never saw another tail as he outpaced his rivals throughout to emerge a seven length winner. The time, as stated, was a flying 28.42 and at this even at this early stage it is clear that this greyhound is the one to beat.
In Galway, there was little doubt surrounding the outcome of the S9 graded sprint contest as from traps the John Quinn and Kate Cantwell of Gort owned Fast Fit Hallie was very smartly into her stride to lead Willows Dream and Another Shadow on the run towards the opening bend. Rounding the bend the daughter of Over Limit & Fast Fit Maeve led by three lengths as Drimeen Heights tried to get involved out wide but Fast Fit Hallie was in command as she eased home a length and a half clear of Another Shadow in 19.79.
The A4 graded 525 yards contest went in impressive fashion to the Donal Duggan of Tulla trained Banner Chops who railed superbly throughout to defeat Hanover Power by six and a half lengths in 29.26. The Pat and Gerard McMahon of Newmarket-on-Fergus owned runner was outpaced to the bend by Cragbrien Benjy towards the outside but as that rival maintained a wide berth between the opening two bends Banner Chops railed well to take two lengths out of his rival. Racing down the back Banner Chops extend his advantage to over five lengths as Hanover Power moved second at the third bend but out front Banner Chops was home and hosed as he galloped all the way to the line.
In the early strides of the A4 graded 550 Yards contest Kilbannon Lilly showed pace to lead from Campclone Blaze who switched inside the leader on the run towards the opening bend and took over at the head of affairs. Turning down the back Campclone Blaze kicked on and at halfway led Kilbannon Lilly and Blackberry Blaze by over four lengths and looked set for an easy success. From the crown of the home bend though the leader began to come back to his rivals and close home the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained No-Turbo Syndicate owned Campclone Blaze was all out to see off Blackberry Nessy by a length in 31.03.
