NOEL HEHIR’S Ivy Hill Jaguar roared to life in Galway claiming the top graded contest of the night in Galway last Thursday.
By Michael Maher
Thursday nights nine race card at Galway Greyhound Stadium was an all graded programme with the concluding A3 525 yards contest the top graded event of the night. The night certainly came to life in race six, a Novice 525 yards contest as the Noel Hehir of Inagh owned Ivy Hill Jaguar routed his rivals by upwards of twelve lengths in a sizzling 28.78.
All six runners were away in terms but on the run towards the opening bend the son of Droopys Sydney and Affane Beauty showed plenty of pace to eat by three lengths taking the turn from Da Ultimate and Foxwood Diva. Tracking well the winner really lengthened his stride racing along the back straight and from halfway it was just a matter of how far as he powered clear with every stride for a very impressive success.
At the ninth time of asking the Grove Syndicate owned of Roslevan Groves Joy (Droopys Sydney-Astro Abby) who had not enjoyed much luck in running on a few occasions finally got his reward in race eight as he led at the halfway mark on his way to a length and three quarter victory over Erril Daithi in 29.93. The Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained winner tracked the early paced Croaghill Sam and Pinnacle Rio as they led to the opening bend. Racing down the back Pinnacle Rio, Errill Daithi and Groves Joy battled it out at the head of affairs but once Groves Joy struck the front the result was never in doubt.
In the concluding A3 graded contest Master Of Magic broke smartly form his trap two berth and led on the run towards the opening bend from Clareabbey Rebel and Drombeg Jake. Tracking well around the opening two bends, Master Of Magic opened up a three length advantage on his rivals racing down the back straight. From the halfway mark Drombeg Jake went a clear second and began to chip away at the lead and off the home bend the gap was down to a length but although all out the Thomas Connor of Ennistymon owned Master Of Magic (Skywalker Farloe-Daves Ace) lasted home by a neck in 29.24.
On Saturday night’s card at the College Road venue the opening semi-final of the €4000 to the winner competition produced a cracking finish with the judge unable to split Ballygragie Ten and Lissycasey Flor who crossed the line as one in 29.28.
In the second semi-final, Glynnscross Liz just about got the better of the battle for the early lead along the rails as they rounded the opening bend and racing down the back she led from Crafty Orlando and Eileens Daisy with Raining In Paris also close up. Approaching the penultimate bend Glynnscross Liz still held the call but off the home bend Eilleen’s Daisy and Crafty Orlando were now almost on terms and as the trio charged towards the line it was the M.J. Corrigan owned Eileen’s Daisy (Skywalker Logan-Eileen’s Blue) that prevailed by a neck over Crafty Orlando in 29.28.
Racing opened with an A3 graded 550 yards contest and on the long run towards the opening bend Blaze Bill and Anyharminasking disputed the lead with Derra Viva in third place as the field rounded the opening bend. Racing along the back straight the Tony Brigdale of Ennis owned Blaze Bill opened up a five length advantage over Derra Viva and Ballygibbon Lad who gave chase with the latter going a clear second at the third bend. Out front though Blaze Bill (Rising Brandy-Drahbeg Princess) made the best of his way home as he scored by three and a half lengths from the staying on Lissycasey Harpa in 30.76.
There was an air of anticipation at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Monday morning as the trap draw for the tenth hosting of The Con & Annie Kirby Memorial was made. With 72 greyhounds starting in the first round on Saturday night, it promises to be an exciting curtain raiser for what is one of the richest juvenile events in the world.
What makes the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial (sponsored by JP & Noreen McManus) unique is the partnership with Limerick GAA and the prize-fund The McManus Family have put in place for clubs. Each of the starting greyhounds will be allocated a nominated Hurling, Football, Camogie, LGFA or Handball team and that draw will be overseen by Limerick GAA HQ.
Gates open on Saturday night at 6.30pm with clubs asked to register on arrival. First race will be at 7.40pm and full details can be found on www.limerickgreyhoundstadium.ie
