Sponsor Trevor Swift, Glen Carra Construction presenting the winning trainer of Mountaylor Law Conor O’Donnell with his prize. Allso included were Tommy Ryan, Carl Pallas, Commericial & Operations Manager, Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium, Jimmy Maguire, General Manager, Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium. Photo: Noel Browne.
Kilcohan Park – Saturday February 13th
Clonmel’s loss was Waterford’s gain as proven stayers Tradition and Balymac Bonnie lined up in the semi-finals of the Shane O’Gorman sponsored Yahoo Kennels Open marathon sweepstake. Pat Dalton’s Tradition was first into action and this 1/5 shot did not disappoint sluicing up in 40.72. Tested early on by a wide running Master Lynch Tradition cut loose in the second half of this qualifier drawing well clear for an eye catching eleven lengths victory over Master Lynch.
Track and distance winner Ballymac Bonnie 1/1 was easy to back in the second qualifier and after a decent break lost her place as Only For Life led from Shaneboy Doc and Joyful Dribbler. Owned by Michael Carmody and Sean Dowling and trained by the latter 2/1 shot ‘Joyful’ scampered into a back stretch lead. Once in front ‘Joyful’ drew clear to defeat ‘Shaneboy’ by six and a half lengths with Ballymac Bonnie coming from a mile back to qualify for the final in third. Time 41.07.
Race 1, A3/A4 525: After easing his way clear of the pack the Joan O’Connor owned and early paced Whitefort Milo appeared all set for an easy win. The always well placed Willmount Jewell produced a flying finish however to move within a short head of 4/1 chance ‘Whitefort’ at the winning line. Time 29.55,
Race 2, A8/A9 525: Tramore owner Martin O’Meara sent out the 2/1 winner with his Chancy Chappie making a pleasing winning debut in 29.81. Seeing off the early challenge of Neighbours Men a slick starting ‘Chancy’ was never in any danger of losing out coming home five lengths clear of Maffa Costa.
Race 3, A7 525: After displaying a nice touch of early pace the Liam Corcoran owned Jumbos Shihtzu 5/2 made every stride a winning one from trap five in 29.79. A slow starting Hekawi Squaw made rapid late headway but failed by half a length to peg back ‘Jumbos’ who was obliging at the third time of asking.
Race 4, A5 525: The Other Star owned by Larry O Rourke and trained by Frances O Donnell came from behind to register a second track success in 29.61. Led for a long way by Rathbally Tank 5/2 chance The Other Star produced the superior burst of finishing speed up the inside to come through for a length and a half win over ‘Rathbally’.
Race 5, A6/A7 525: The Hoban family have found Kilcohan Park a happy hunting ground for a long number of years and they recorded a double on the night. The Ann Hoban owned Glorious Chloe 2/1 made no mistake from an outside draw to triumph in 29.66. Storming into a first bend lead over Alans Time ‘Glorious’ was never in any subsequent danger en route to a clear cut four and a half lengths defeat of ‘Alans’
Race 6, A5/A6 525: Two unraced entries filled the first two places home. Showing plenty of early dash the Julie Power owned Distant Venture 2/1 made no mistake producing a trap to line victory in 29.61. Leading early on from Happy Blue ‘Distant’ was not extended on his way to a clear cut three and a half lengths defeat of a running on Suirview Aston.
Race 7, A4 525: A little over three lengths covered the entire field at the winning post here. The Margaret Walsh owned and Peter Cronin trained Global Mydon 5/2 did well to drive up the inside of both Ardera Orla and Spirty Murtie at the third bend before racing on to a half a length win over ‘Spirty’ in 29.77.
Race 8, DDO 730: See introduction.
Race 9, DDO 730: See introduction.
Race 10, A2 525: Despite a first bend bump with Kilgraney Dubh the Noel and Ben Freeman owned Rains Ben 7/2 ran out an impressive winner in a lively 29.06. Surviving that early bump ‘Rains’ (an appropriate name given the soft underfoot conditions) really cut loose down the back stretch increasing his advantage with every stride. Ado Foley stayed on best of the rest albeit five lengths in arrears of ‘Rains’ at the winning line.
Race 11, A1 525: The second leg of a double for the Hoban family arrived via Stage Zippy owned by Ann and Paula this 4/1 chance defeating some better fancied opponents in a best of night time over the standard trip of 28.89. Gliding into an early lead ‘Stage’ never saw another rival on his way to a well deserved four lengths defeat of Jumeirah Delroy.
Going rating. Races 1 to 7 inclusive .40 slow. Races 8 and 9 .60 slow. Races 10 and 11 .30 slow.
