Three opening round heats of the Colin Barry Memorial Novice 350 Yards Stake at the Galway Greyhound Stadium on Friday night last generously sponsored by NC Paints and Moroneys Bar Ennis was one of the main attractions of last weekend’s greyhound racing.
By Michael Maher
In the opening heat, Burnpark Sue was best away towards the inner with Pirate Robert and Ballybride Charm also involved as they settled down to race towards the opening bend. Approaching the turn Burnpark Sue took command of the contest as she opened up a two length advantage over Ballybride Charm and with crowding behind the pair were clear turning for home. On the run home the Alanna Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Sue (Pat C Sabbath-Burnpark Leanne) stayed on well to prevail by a length and three parts in 19.55.
The most impressive performance of the round came in the concluding heat as the John Browne of Ballyea trained Brioscai Gloire routed his rivals by upwards of seven lengths in 19.20. Away smartly in company with Bobtailbuttercup and Lisk Falcon the Notions-Fifteen-Syndicate of Ennis owned son of Droopys Jet and Paper Doll really went through the gears approaching the opening bend to lead by over two lengths from Lisk Falcon. Tracking well the winner extended his advantage to over five lengths turning for home and looks well on course to take all the beating going forward.
Browne was back in the winners enclosure after the concluding S2 graded sprint contest saw when he teamed up with the John Collins to see Brickhill Paulio record his eighth career success as he made all the running to defeat Marlay Star by three and a half lengths in 19.21. Very smartly into his stride the son of Laughill Blake and Rathmeehan Holly quickly opened a two length advantage over Marlay Star and Some Boy Whack approaching the opening bend. Tracking well out front Brickhill Paulio extended his advantage as Marlay Star continued to give chase but at the line Brickhill Paulio was three and a half lengths to the good in 19.21.
In trouble at the second bend on debut, the Collins Dream Syndicate owned Newhall Spice made no mistake in this A6 graded 525 yards contest as he made virtually all the running to defeat French Banshee by four and a half lengths in 29.28. Headed by Bumblebee Jordan from traps the son of Droopys Sydney and Coolavanny Spice really longed his stride on the run to the opening bend where he led Rockalong Paloma by over two lengths. Turning down the back the winner set sail for home as Rockalong Paloma and French Banshee gave chase but tee John Browne trained winner was one beyond recall from the halfway mark.
Last Thursday night at Limerick Greyhound Stadium there was twelve graded races on offer. Inislosky Isabel got the Clare flag flying for Mary Crotty from O’Briensbridge in the fourth race, Isabel a daughter of Droopys Roddick and Cailin Pol recorded a second career success in 29.28.
The ever-consistent Finnure Storm recorded a twenty third career win for the Kelly clan from Mullagh, not far off his fifth birthday this son of Shaneboy Spencer and Brickfield Roxy stopped the clock at 29.17.
Upland Glen owned by Cratloe’s Harry Galvin, finished strongly to land the spoils in 29.73, this was this son of Good News and Star Princess’s sixth career success.
Last Friday evening, Joe Keane from Carrigaholt made the ferry crossing to Tralee a fruitful one with his charge Jumping John who ran on strongly to claim the honours in 29.17, this was a second career win for this son of Peregrine Falcon and dream Delight.
