Shelbourne Park and Limerick will be the focus of the Irish greyhound racing community over the coming days with two of the biggest competitions on the calendar, the Bresbet Easter Cup and Con & Annie Kirby Memorial, underway.
The Easter Cup is the oldest competition on the calendar with a near 100-year history and has been won by some of the greatest dogs to ever grace the tracks of Ireland. This year’s renewal attracted a brilliant entry, although many of the big names have made their exit.
It remains an intriguing competition and the presence of Clona Duke at the head of the outright market confirms that it remains a stake of real quality. Clona Duke hasn’t been at his best in the two previous rounds but he is proven at the very highest level.
The 2022 Juvenile Derby winner also had a memorable 2023 becoming the first greyhound to win the Select Stakes on both sides of the Irish Sea as well as reaching the final of the English Derby.
He is also bidding to hand Graham Holland a fifth Easter Cup title and a second in a row after the victory of Swords Rex twelve months ago. Standing in his way are a number of hugely fast greyhounds including the very exciting Highview Splash.
The latter was one of the breakout stars at the back end of 2023, producing some stunning performances in the early rounds of the Juvenile Derby including a magical 27.97 return.
He had just his second start of the year last weekend and posted a fastest of the round 29.73 in victory. The step up to 550yds has certainly suited the Gerry Merriman trained son of Pat C Sabbath and he will likely be a big player for all major honours through the remainder of the year.
As fate would have it, Clona Duke and Highview Splash have been drawn side by side in the opening semi-final on Saturday night. The fact that Clona Duke is drawn on the fence adds further complication to the contest. Clona Duke is likely to edge off the fence, while Highview Splash will likely cut towards the rail. If the pair were to clash, it could leave the door open for one of their very talented rivals.
Incidentally, all four quarter final winners meet in this contest. Deadly Jet and Undulation were both impressive in their latest victories and must be respected. Undulation has returned after a long layoff with two wins and is clearly in tremendous form. She is a big threat.
Add in the razor-sharp duo of Ballymac Walt and last year’s Kirby Memorial and Leger winner Clonbrien Treaty and it’s a mouthwatering contest. Slight preference is for Clona Duke but nothing would come as a shock in this contest.
The second heat is also very competitive, although Glengar Martha could quickly emerge as the one to beat if coming away racing rom trap five. She was brilliant in the early rounds of the Gold Cup and gave signs of a return to her best last week. Boylesports Bob is very talented and looks certain to go very fast in the near future. He is seen as a big threat, as is the well-housed Droopy Fidget on the fence.
Con & Annie Kirby Memorial
Meanwhile, the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial continues at Limerick on Saturday night with the second round certain to provide more fireworks. Ballymac Danica was in a league of her own last week, shooting clear of a top-class field to emerge a wide margin winner in a sensational 27.83.
Not only did she go lengths faster than the nearest qualifier but she also smashed the previous track record. It is no shock she has been introduced as the warm favourite for outright success, although nothing will come easy or her with so many bright young prospects left in the hugely valuable stake.
Others to really impress last week include Droopys Metaphor, Rushy Meadows, Fashion Model, Ballymac Senan and Swords Hero.
Many others ran well in defeat and are likely improve, which will make for fascinating viewing. The only certainty at this early stage of the classic is that there are plenty of twists and some exceptional racing to come in the coming weeks ahead of the April 20th decider.
