Paul Chevers makes the presentation to the winning connection after Laois Lightning won the Ann Chevers Memorial Sweepstake.
Lightning struck for Tulla’s Donie Duggan to claim the spoils in the feature race in Galway last weekend.
By Michael Maher
The final of the 2026 running of the Ann Cheevers Memorial A3 525 Yards Stake generously sponsored by the Cheevers Family was the feature on Saturday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium.
As the traps rose for the €2000 to the winner feature contest Laois Lightening lived up to his name and sprung from traps to head Magical Be Nifty on his outer as Portumna Syd also displayed pace on the run to the all-important opening bend. Rounding the bend, the Gordon Vaughan of Castlegar owned Laois Lightening tracked really well along the inner and on straightening down the back the son of Ballymac Anton and Old Treasure set sail for home.
Striding out well at the head of affairs the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained runner led Portumna Syd by three lengths at the third bend and extending his advantage all the while scored by four and a half lengths at the line in 28.78.
Heathlawn Devil was away smartly in the A4 graded contest and racing towards the opening bend he led from Winnie Be Slick with Blaze Buck in third place as they rounded the opening bend. Turning down the back, Wiinnie Be Slick moved through on the leaders inner to joined issue and as they crossed the halfway mark the striped jacked Blaze Buck made it three in a line. Approaching the third bend Blaze Buck and Heathalwn Devil went on but as they took the bend the Tony Brigdale of Ennis owned Blaze Buck (Pestana & Speedie Bella) assumed command and looked set for an easy success but he was all out to see off the renewed effort of Heathlawn Devil by half a lengths in 29.35.
The finale was an S4 graded sprint contest over 350 yards and as the traps rose Cloonoon Annie was away smartly and she was closely attended to by Kitmins Peggy and Ballyea Jet on the run towards the opening bend. Approaching the bend the Noel Gavin of Ballyea owned Ballyea Jet slipped through along the inner to lead out of the back straight and tracking well the Albert Mullins of Gort trained son of Jaytee Jet and Seekers Vision took two lengths out of his rivals. Off the home bend the lead was three lengths and that became four at the line over Cloonoon Annie in 19.26.
At Limerick Greyhound Stadium, Snuggie Carson, who has been very consistent throughout 2026, notched his eighth career success in 28.85, he is owned by Myles Cummins from Newmarket-on-Fergus and is a son of Grangeview Ten and Crottys Act.
