The numbers would certainly highlight the fact but Graham Holland is unquestionably the man to follow in Irish greyhound racing. For over a decade he has topped the rankings with over double, and sometimes treble, the winners of his nearest rival in each calendar year.
It seems there is no stopping his dominance with this weekend a clear indication of the firepower he has at his disposal. In what is the biggest weekend in Irish greyhound racing of 2023 thus far, his Riverside Kennels operation has countless runners with outstanding claims on the big stage.
The Bresbet Easter Cup Final
The highlight of the weekend action is the final of the Bresbet Easter Cup, one of the oldest and most significant competitions on the calendar and Holland has no fewer than four of the six finalists representing his Golden based Riverside Kennels operation.
Not only does he account for two thirds of the field but they also happen to be the top four in the betting with Swords Rex hovering around the even money mark to add to his already incredible tally.
In fact, should the 2022 Kirby Memorial champion come home in front, he would bring his career earnings to almost €125,000.
Swords Rex is perfectly drawn on the fence and is a deserving favourite given his body of work. He will need to hit the ground running but, if doing so, will have room to reach full speed into the turn. That would be a big problem for his rivals.
Of those in opposition, his English Derby winning kennelmate Romeo Magico is perhaps the main danger, although his other kennel companions Bockos Crystal and Galloping Sydney are also entitled to plenty of respect.
Bockos Crystal went fastest in the semis, making virtually all after a fast start. She need a similar start on Saturday as she is flanked by real early speed, while she could potentially find herself tight of room unless getting loose early.
In contrast, Romeo Magico is likely to have some room to maneouvre with Galloping Sydney likely to edge inwards from trap four, leaving space for Magico in five. Trinity Junior and Toolmaker Wilde also have plenty of ability but need to be at their very best to land a shock success.
The action from Shelbourne Park will be televised live on RPGTV on the Sky platform, channel 427, from 6pm. In terms of picking a winner, it’s difficult to oppose Swords Rex but this is far from a forgone conclusion. Romeo Magico and Bockos Crystal are very obvious dangers, while at bigger prices, it would be no shock to se Galloping Sydney make a bold bid from the front.
Con & Annie Kirby Memorial quarter finals
Graham Holland is also the man to follow at Limerick as the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial continues with the quarter finals. He is responsible for Juvenile Derby champion Clona Duke, who set a strong standard in both rounds to date. Not only did he go fastest in last week’s second round but he actually equalled the 525yd track record when coming home clear in 27.95.
The Classic
On that sort of form, the son of Malachi is clearly the one to beat in the classic. He races from trap two in Heat 3 and should again come home clear at the expense of Bogger Lucky and Hovex Tommy.
Pat Buckley has a tremendous record in the stake, winning it three times in the past. He again has a strong hand with the likes of Terezas Mendoza and Bens Teddy amongst the favourites for outright glory.
The pair actually meet and race side by side in the opening heat. They can finish first and second at the expense of Scaglietti and Ballymac Johnjo.
Heat 2 is a wide-open affair with many of those in the line-up holding strong claims. Graham Holland will again have a big say with both Romeo Hanzo and Clonbrien Treaty fast enough to go close, while Whyaye Man is a leading player for Robert Gleeson. Throw in the strong running Belindas Finn and Beepers Lariat and it’s a contest of countless possible outcomes.
Ryhope Beach has yet to win a round of the competition but remains one of the most exciting young trackers in training. He has the opportunity to get off the mark in the final heat from a favourable draw in the stripes. The Michael O’Donovan trained star needs to improve his starting but looks the one to beat. Gaytime Hugo, Mr Incredible, Singalong Eimear and Boylesports Gift are all very talented but must get first run on Ryhope Beach to come home in front.
Future Champion & Michael Fortune Memorial Unraced Stake final
The weekend will finish on a high with the final of the Future Champion & Michael Fortune Memorial Unraced Stake the feature of Sunday’s action at Enniscorthy. This year’s renewal has been amongst the strongest ever run and a stellar line-up should provide a fitting conclusion.
If forced to pick a likely winner, this scribe will side with Glengar Martha after her latest effort, a stunning 28.47 return. She hasn’t been handed the best of draws in four but is clearly a very special lady with a big future. Of her rivals, Burgess Supreme, Faypoint Jet, the fast finishing Haka Carlo and Getgoin Yvette are all destined to race in top company, while Vivaro Billyboy is also going the right way. Have no doubt, we will be hearing plenty more of the six finalists in the coming months which is all you ask for in a competition named the Future Champion Unraced.
