Write a comment
The second-round heats of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial took centre stage at Limerick Greyhound Stadium last night and it was a night to remember as Clona Duke equalled the track record, as well as making history in recording the quickest time ever in the Kirby Classic.
A mixed result for the Newry contingent as we seen the exit of Boylesports Dazl due to injury while As I say was eliminated from his respective heat. On the other hand, Boylesports Gift and Mr Incredible were able to qualify in second place.
Bens Teddy produced his customary big finish to reel in Boylesports Gift and maintain his unbeaten run in the Kirby. Under the ownership of Kim Pritchard, Bens Teddy is a joy to watch, and the crowd favourite was once again exceptional in reeling in a top-class opponent last night at Limerick. Running from trap five, Bens Teddy posted an identical opening sectional to last weekend as he broke only moderately to sit third early on. In contrast, Boylesports Gift was paw-perfect at traprise as he bulleted from trap one to set a frantic pace on the inside. The latter continued to lead for Paul Hennessey down the back, but Bens Teddy was at this point improving nicely in behind as he challenged Glengar Ace for second place. Boylesports Gift was going about his business in electric fashion up front but there was a certain air of inevitability about the result once Bens Teddy stormed into second and closed on the leader around the bottom two bends. The son of Droopys Sydney and Beechgrove Bell was to deliver on that assumption on the run for home as he continued to up the ante and stay on powerfully to cross the line with two lengths to spare over the gallant Boylesports Gift in second. Ballymac Johnjoe, as expected, came home fast to claim the final qualifying position in third. The time was a rapid 28.10. (Sec: 16.08)
Ryhope Beach would have been expected to right a few wrongs from last weekend but Burgess Bolger was to have other ideas as he never gave his rivals a sniff in running out an easy winner in the end. An experienced tracker coming into the Kirby, Burgess Bolger was a 5/1 shot at the off and he was quickly into stride from trap one to show a nice turn of earlies to lead. Holding a two length advantage into the back from Road Exile in second, the son of Ballymac Bolger and Clear Mountain was always in control upon entrance to the penultimate turn. In behind however, Road Exile was coming under pressure from the strong-running duo of Mr Incredible and Ryhope Beach and the both were revving their engines as they attempted to bridge the gap on Burgess Bolger up top. The bird had flown in that respect and the striking black crossed the line with four lengths in hand over Mr Incredible, who once again caught the eye in second. Ryhope Beach was another finishing like a train and he claimed the final qualifying position in third. The time for Burgess Bolger was a rapid 28.23. (Sec: 16.17)
Retired Dog of the Week
Silver is 2yrs old, he’s a very happy friendly boy who loves cuddles. He can be alert out on walks and strong on the lead but soon settles. He would be best suited to someone with larger breed experience, He would prefer to be walked in quieter areas, he’s good with other female large breeds. Can live with children older than 10yrs.Contact @allaboutgreyhoundsNI on Instagram.
Fact of the week
Greyhound Racing Ireland spends €2 million a year on Regulation and Welfare. Greyhounds are the most regulated of all canine breeds in Ireland. They're the only breed with their own legislation - the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011.
