TROMORE ANGE had the distinction of being the first Clare winner of the New Year.
Owned by Quilty’s David Hogan, Tromore Ange had the honour of becoming the county’s first winner of 2022 at Galway Track. In the fifth race of Saturday’s card at Galway track, there was an exciting finish to the A3 graded contest where Tromora Ange just got the better of a home straight tussle with the pace setting Danmar Daniel by a neck in 29.42.
Danmar Daniel showed good early pace out wide to lead on the run towards the opening bend rounding which the eventual winner was the only other runner to avoid general crowding. Racing along the back Tromora Ange gradually closed the gap to the leader until joining issue on the home bend and just getting the better of the battle close home.
In race six all six runners were away on terms for this A5 graded 550 yards contest with Larchill Pop, Grandads Princess and Heathlawn Silver all prominent approaching the opening bend with Dynamic Diva just in behind the trio as they negotiated the opening two bends. Racing down the back less than two lengths covered the sextet but as they passed the halfway mark the Kieran and Bridget Nugent of Ballyea owned Dynamic Dive swept to the head of affairs on the outside. Exiting the back straight Dynamic Diva was in command and although tiring slightly close home the daughter of Ballymac Best and Dynamic Cool Sky had a length and a half to spare over Heathlawn Silver in 30.97.
Clooney Dasher recorded her fourth career success in race eight where in this A3 graded 550 yards contest as she made almost all to win going away again by six and three quarter lengths from Drombeg Diva in 30.56. Owned by Clooney’s Martin Williams and trained by Sixmilebridge’s Stephen Murray, the daughter of Skywalker Puma & Cragmoher Susie shaded pace to lead from Drombeg Diva and Springlake Lad approaching the opening bend where crowding allowed the front two kick clear down the back. From the third bend though the winner gradually drew clear for an authoritative success.
The last meeting of 2021 at Limerick Greyhound Stadium took place on the December 30th and produced three Clare owned winners. The Parteen based Shanakyle Syndicate spearheaded by Joe Collins, were to the fore in race 4 an A6 contest with Shanakyle Robin who recorded career win number seven in 29.87. Robin is a daughter of Droopys Jet and Ballard Ruggy.
Frank and Mary Browne from Quin were in the winner’s enclosure once again with the determined Mine Robin who saw off her rivals in 29.20, this was Robin’s 9th career success, and she is a daughter of Velvet John Joe and Sawdust Café.
Meelick based Michael O’Grady was smiling after Victorious Girl recorded her maiden win in 29.36 – a daughter of Ballymac Vic and drumcashel Girl, she led from trap to line to win by 2 lengths in this A5 contest.
The first meeting of 2022 took place at Limerick Greyhound Stadium last Thursday Night with a 12-race programme on offer. William Casey from O’Briensbridge landed the accolade for the first Clare winner of 2022 with Jocker Willy who finished strongly to claim the honours in 29.17 and in doing so this son of Droopys Roddick and Cailin Pol recorded career win number three.
Dromoher Alice is proving to be a model of consistency from Ennistymon’s Tom Flanagan, and it was when she ran gallantly to make it win number six in 29.01 which was the second fastest time of the evening. Alice is a daughter of Droopys Buick and Flandys Hawkeye.
Joe Collins and the Shanakyle Syndicate were celebrating again when Shanakyle Abbie took the honours in an A4 contest to record career win number 2 in a time of 30.02. Abby is a son of Droopys Roddick and Toremore Nosey.
Two Clare owned dogs have been running with distinction in Shelbourne Park. Inagh native Noel Hehir produced a recently impressive and eye-catching performance with Coolavanny Blaze who recorded 29.57 for the 550 Yards trip, Blaze is impeccably bred been by Ballymac Best and Coolavanny Dame. The Rallying Racing Syndicate from Meelick have been enjoying the exploits of Rallying Joy, a daughter of American Sire Pat C Sabbath and Beaming Coyote who landed the spoils recently at headquarters with a very decent 29.87 for the 550 yards trip.
