In the same week that many of Ireland’s best and brightest young prospects are set to commence their challenge for the National Produce Stakes at Clonmel, one of the most popular greyhounds in training has been retired following the news that Ballyanne Sim has run his last race.
The brilliant black has always possessed two of the greatest qualities needed in a racing greyhound; exceptional early speed and a real desire to win. This was never more evident than on his greatest night in September 2018 when he raced to a famous success in the Boylesports Irish Derby.
Flying up the fence, the Mark Robinson trained star was never headed despite the best efforts Magical Bale and he eventually stopped the clock in 29.28 – the fastest time ever recorded in a 550yd Derby decider.
At the time, Eamon Cleary, the owner of Ballyanne Sim, described it as his greatest night in sport. That’s a strong statement considering Cleary won an All-Ireland hurling medal with his beloved Wexford in 1995 and was also the breeder of Annie Power, the 2016 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner.
Time has finally caught up on Ballyanne Sim, however, and while we will never see him lighting up the tracks of Ireland again, we may see his progeny do so in the future with him due to take up stud duties very soon.
Here's a look back at the 2018 Irish Derby success of Ballyanne Sim.
The Larry O’Rourke National Produce Stakes will give many of Ireland’s most exciting young greyhounds their chance to shine in the coming weeks and the classic gets underway at Clonmel on Friday. With a later start this year due to the Covid-19 lockdown, the competition looks particularly hot.
Ireland’s most prolific trainer Graham Holland has an exceptional hand with a ten-strong team which includes the unbeaten Newinn Taylor. The latter has scarcely seen a rival in his short career, making virtually every inch in each of his eight starts to date.
He captured the National Puppy Stake at the back end of 2019 and looked every bit as exciting when winning an open competition at Limerick in February. As with the aforementioned Ballyanne Sim, Newinn Taylor has astounding early speed and is clearly the one to beat in the Produce Stakes.
He will be tested in the coming weeks, however. Indeed, his opening round assignment is potentially his toughest test to date with the likes of Mustang Firmino, Doolin Duke and Coolavanny Kyser to contend with.
It really is a top class Produce Stakes, potentially the best in many years and, while Newinn Taylor is the biggest name in the entry, others including Rathcoole Fox, Newinn Session, Epic Hero, Ballymac Kingdom, Kilara Icon, Kilara Maximus, Glory Kilara, Congress Thunder and the sponsor’s own Feudal Spirit will ensure some of the best racing imaginable.
Last week we spoke of the new Derby favourite Ballymac Inspeed and how all eyes will be on him when he returns to the track. Well, we won’t have to wait long as he reappears on Saturday night at Shelbourne Park and he couldn’t have asked for a tougher reintroduction.
In what is clearly the standout contest on the ten-race card, the Derby favourite is unlikely to head the market given the draw and the fact that he is probably better suited by a bit further than the 525yd trip. Instead, his kennel companion, Ballymac Cooper is a more attractive option while the battle for early supremacy could come down to a battle between the inside duo, Pestana and Riverside Leo.
