Jane and Conor O’Shea enjoying their night at Kicohan Park Greyhound Stadium recently. Photo: Noel Browne.
Kilcohan Park – Saturday March 25th
A ten race card featured semi-finals of the Barking Buzz App A2 sweepstake. Kilmacthomas owner Anthony Bray had a night to remember however with both his runners Eskes Ace 5/2 and Annas Lucky Girl 3/1 coming from behind to win their respective contests in career best times. In the opening four-bender Kilara Pirate set a brisk early gallop but drifted wide off the home turn. A closing Eskes Ace took the shorter route home before staying on strongly for a length and a half success over ‘Kilara’ in 29.11. Annas Lucky Girl came to join the front running Coco Princess off the final bend in race five and after a ding dong struggle ‘Annas’ deservedly prevailed by half a length in 28.86.
Race 1, A5 525: See introduction.
Race 2, A6 525: Displaying a nice dash of early speed up the rails the Gerry Mulligan and Eileen Smyth owned Lilcain 3/1 opened her account at the second time of asking in a best ever 28.91. Hittheroadjack charting a middle course gave chase throughout but a determined Lilcain deservedly emerged victorious by two and a half lengths.
Race 3, A3 525: The early paced Ballydaniel Mags was out in front for a long way but turning into the home stretch all six runners were in with a shout. The Willie Brennan owned Ardera Les 2/1 quickened into the lead on the run to the winning line proving two lengths to good for Jennapatholly in 29.23.
Race 4, A7 525: After a number of placed efforts the Francis Power owned Hilldun Rose came good at odds of 4/1 in 29.64. Carrigoe Larry darted into an early lead but ‘Hilldun’ was well placed to launch her challenge. Staying on strongly in the latter stages ‘Hilldun’ came through to deny the odds on favourite El Sala by two and a half lengths.
Race 5, A4 525: See introduction.
Race 6, A2 525: In the first semi-final of the A2 event there was mayhem at the first bend when a prominent Droopys Florenzi went wrong and brought down Emers Chance while two more runners were badly impeded. Stir Yourself was left in front but gave way to 3/1 chance Starbucks Star near the third bend. Once in front ‘Starbucks’ eased his way clear for a four lengths success over ‘Stir’ in 29.08.
Race 7, A2 525: The second qualifier produced a thrilling finish. The early paced but wide running Sound Boy was joined over the final two bends by Bigwood Pitstop. Repeating similar successful tactics however of the previous week Lemon Debbie 3/1 came between the leaders to hit the line a short head in front of ‘Sound’ with ‘Bigwood’ the same distance away in third. Time 28.74.
Race 8, A5 525: Track newcomer Wheres Kizzy made a brave effort to lead all the way but the eventual winner Sparta Dynamo 6/4 was always close at hand. Timing his effort to perfection the John and Maura Fitzgerald owned and Philip Gough trained ‘Sparta’ came through where it mattered most to outstay ‘Wheres’ by half a length in 29.14.
Race 9, A2 525: The camera was also required to sort out the principals in this race. The two reserves Strictly Buster and Jetts Lad had a great duel up front which went all the way to the wire. The photograph showed that ‘Strictly’ 3/1 had just prevailed by the minimum distance in 29.01.
Race 10, A1 525: Jumeirah Larry the 1/1 market leader made short work of the opposition making every stride a winning one in a best of night 28.53. Leading early on ‘Jumeirah’ increased his advantage when the remainder were involved in general crowding. In a one sided affair ‘Jumeirah’ cruised to an eleven and a half lengths victory over Honest Suckle.
Trap Draw-Saturday April 1st
Barking Buzz A2 Stake. Winner €1,400.
1 Ride The Tiger
2 Lemon Debbie
3 Stir Yourself
4 Bigwood Pitstop
5 Starbucks Star
6 Sound Boy
Selection- Lemon Debbie
Dangers- Sound Boy, Bigwood Pitstop
Friday Night Racing
Friday night racing returns to Kilcohan Park this Friday March 31st with the first contest underway at 7.50pm.
The Late Michael Conway
After a recent illness the death occurred last week of Michael Conway, Kingsmeadow, Cork Road, Waterford City. Michael always kept greyhounds and enjoyed plenty of success with his runners bearing the ‘Kingsmeadow’ prefix.
While Michael was originally from Mooncoin, South Kilkenny he had a real passion for Kilcohan Park, Greyhound Stadium in Waterford. He was instrumental in setting up the Track Supporters Club and acted as both chairperson and treasurer. He worked tirelessly for the organization and unselfishly spent many hours collecting membership fees from owners and trainers and organizing sweepstakes with track management. He also served as a Track Director for a number of years. Michael also served his country as a corporal in the Irish Army and spent time on peace keeping duty in a hostile environment in Central Africa. To his family we extend our deepest sympathy. May his soul rest in peace.
