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Newry Dominates in Limerick
The Con & Annie Kirby Memorial sponsored by JP and Noreen McManus got off to start on Saturday evening. Boasting a cool €80,000 to the winner. First ran at the Limerick venue in 2013 in memory of Noreen’s parents it is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated classics of the greyhound calendar. Newry man Brendan Matthews has won this classic twice, firstly teaming up with the esteemed, John Boyle of Boylesports.com when Boylesports Hero ran to success and secondly with Cable Bay who was bred, reared, owned, and trained in Newry.
On Saturday Night 5 greyhounds from 72 entered have Newry connections:
Boylesports Vic – Owned by John Boyle and trained by Paul Hennessy 20/1
As I say – owned and trained by Brendan Matthews 50/1
Boylesports Dazl – Owned by John Boyle and trained by Dolores Ruth 14/1
Boylesports Gift - Owned by Joh Boyle and trained by Paul Hennessy 40/1
Mr Incredible – Trained by Brendan Matthews 66/1
*Ante post odds supplied by Bet Hughes
Quite amazingly three of the five won their respective heats, with As I say qualifying in third, sadly Boylesports Vic was eliminated.
Boylesports Dazl produced an incredible debut at Limerick at the beginning of the month and the even money shot built on that win in heat seven. Trained by Dolores Ruth for John Boyle, this one was all one-way traffic as he pinged the lids from trap one to lead. Despite shipping a pretty hefty bump at the opener, it was to prove a routine night’s work for the son of Ballymac Bolger and Ballymac Petsy as he ran out a four and a half length winner over Bogger Lucky in second. The time was 28.81.
Boylesports Gift ran to a virtual solo for John Boyle and Paul Hennessy. The heavyweight tracker meant business from the off as the 2/1 chance broke swiftly from trap three to lead his rivals a merry dance into the opener. Once turning clear, it was all over as a contest as the son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Hugh Dream drew clear to beat Hovex Tommy by seven and a half lengths, in a time of 28.39
Mr Incredible (Malachi - Droopys Saga) isn’t known for his early paced attributes and he too broke poorly to trail the field early doors. In contrast however, the Brendan Matthews-trained charge is known for his power-pack finishes and this was to pay dividends for connections. Picking his way through the field, Mr Incredible was to produce a big effort in coming home one and a half lengths clear of Knockboy Curragh in second. Ryhope Beach, meanwhile, lost very little in defeat as he came through strongly to safely advance into the next week's second round, in third. The time was 28.69
Of the twelve heats on offer, it wasn’t surprising to see the likes of Clona Duke produce an outstanding display. The reigning RPGTV Juvenile Derby Champion, Clona Duke, came into the Classic fresh from an exceptional 28.13 trial around the Munster venue and he built on that performance with a devastating display in heat three. Coming up against some hugely talented rivals, they were no match for Kevin O’Brien and Graham Holland’s tracker as he blew holes in the field in his bid for an historic juvenile double. Running from trap one, Clona Duke came away racing and he narrowly led Pape Di Oro into the opening turn. Once in front, it was always going to take a monumental effort to reel in the son of Malachi and Coolavanny Pearl as he set a scorching gallop before running out a five and a half length winner over Pape Di Oro in second. The time for the even money favourite was a sensational 28.07
Second round heats Saturday 1st April at Limerick Greyhound Track.
Retired Greyhound of the week
Nova would be perfect companion even for an elderly person and really is the best-behaved girl. Walks so gentle on her lead you wouldn’t even know you’re walking a dog. She does LOVE her squeaky toys so much, so she doesn’t like to share with other dogs, although take away the toys and she’s great with all breeds. Please get in contact on Instagram @all_about_greyhounds_ni.
Fact Check
The report, compiled by consultant economist Jim Power, shows the industry made a net contribution to the Irish economy of €132.3 million in 2019 and supported 4,150 full-time and part-time jobs.
Good News
It’s been a long time coming, but Lifford Greyhound Stadium re-opened its gates for the first time since 2019 Sunday past as the North-West venue hosts a soft opening in preparation for their Grand Re-opening next Sunday, 2nd April.
