For fans of greyhound racing, weekends don’t get much better than the one we are facing. At Shelbourne Park alone, three major competitions will get underway highlighted by the semi-finals of the Boylesports Champion Stakes and the Corn Cuchulainn.
At Dundalk the best sprinters in the land will flex their muscles in the opening round of the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup, while Clonmel will play host to the second round of the Larry O’Rourke National Produce Stakes on Friday.
Shelbourne’s Saturday action really is special but top billing goes to the reigning Derby champion Lenson Bocko as makes his reappearance after a near eight-month layoff in the final heat of the Champion Stakes.
It will be interesting to see quite how forward the brilliant brindle really is but recent trials would suggest he is ready to do himself justice. Certainly, if he is anything close to his brilliant best, the Graham Holland trained star will be very difficult to stop, although Leger and Gold Cup winner Ballymac Anton is clearly a major threat.
The second heat is an incredible contest with each of the six runners amongst the fastest in training. Pestana was a stunning winner last weekend, posting a rapid 28.04 around Shelbourne but will be severely tested by the 550yd trip.
With Ballydoyle Valor, Ballymac Inspeed and Ballymac Cooper all stout stayers, this is a contest that could provide a thrilling finish. The remaining heat will see Ballyhimikin Jet start a warm favourite after an impressive display last time.
The opening round of the Corn Cuchulainn, the premier staying competition on the calendar, will also feature on Shelbourne’s Saturday card. Each of the four heats look are packed with quality, but the final contest of the round looks particularly hot.
Aayamza Royale is arguably the UK’s top stayer and she returns to Irish shores where she must take on Ireland’s Marathon Dog of the Year Redzer Ardfert, the brilliant Maireads Pearl and the hugely promising Ballymac Kingdom. It should be a real spectacle.
Graham Holland further highlighted the strength of his kennel by sending out five of the eight first round winners in the Produce Stakes at Clonmel last week and he will be hoping his team can continue their superb run of form in Friday’s quarter finals.
His team captain is without doubt the unbeaten Newinn Taylor. A greyhound with stunning early speed and the back straight pace to match, he is seeking a tenth win on the bounce and it would be quite a shock if he didn’t come home clear. Dooolin Duke, Newinn Session and Seomra Nate are chosen to win the remaining quarter finals.
All eyes will be on Ardnasool Jet at Dundalk on Friday as he begins his defence of his Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup. The brilliant sprinter is seeking an historic third win in the sprint classic and his trainer, Cathal McGhee reports him in fine order.
There are eleven heats in all and the action will be spread over Friday and Saturday at Dundalk. Favourite with the sponsors is Grangeview Ten. One of the country’s finest over 525yds, he has the early speed to also star over two bends.
It certainly is a crazy weekend and a sign of things to come as Irish greyhound racing attempts to make up for the three months lost due to lockdown. So, if you do follow greyhound racing, get used to it. The second half of 2020 will be like no other.
