Once St Patrick’s Day is in the rear-view mirror, the Irish greyhound racing calendar really ramps up to top gear. This weekend’s action highlights that view with so much to get excited about.
The Bresbet Easter Cup features the best of Ireland’s established performers, while the next generation of superstars will be in action in the opening round of the hugely valuable Con & Annie Kirby Memorial.
Con & Annie Kirby Memorial
The JP and Noreen McManus sponsored Con & Annie Kirby Memorial was first run at Limerick in 2013 and has become one of the most significant competitions in world greyhound racing. Worth an incredible €80,000 to the winner, it is second only to the Derby in terms of monetary value and those that reach the latter rounds of the stake invariably go on to become classic contenders.
This year’s stake is packed with unbelievable quality. As you would expect there are a number of established trackers amongst the entry, while there is the added bonus of some hugely exciting youngsters.
As we look forward to tomorrow night’s action, the likes of Coolavanny Otto, Whyaye Bonnylad, Ballymac Patriot, Carrick Keano, Da Bold Falcon, Radical Harry, Romeo Kingpin, Antigua Hawk, Ballymac Danica and Mustang Fever head the outright betting.
Any of those named would be a worthy winner but there are plenty of twists and turns to come ahead of the April 20 th decider and many more potential winners will emerge in the coming weeks.
Bresbet Easter Cup
The Bresbet Easter Cup continues at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night. The opening round provided a number of fine displays although most were left with the impression that far better was to come.
One that won’t be taking her place in the second round is Gold Cup champion Boylesports Coco. She was found to have picked up a virus during the week and will now be readied for a crack at the Oaks in the summer. It remains a vintage renewal of the oldest competition on the calendar, however.
After a typically power-packed display last week, Bens Teddy is the new favourite. Last year’s Derby third, flew home to pick up Nomadic Nova on his way to a comfortable two length verdict in 29.63. His reward for that fine display is a very tough second round assignment where his rivals include ClonaDuke, De Lahdedah, Boylesports Bob and Glengar Martha.
Bens Teddy will have plenty of support but Clona Duke could be a tough nut to crack if getting loose at the head of affairs from a kind draw on the fence.
In the absence of Boylesports Coco, Highview Splash looks the part in the opening heat. He looked a real prospect at the back end of 2023 and will no doubt improve greatly for his comeback outing in the opening round. With that in mind he is chosen to see off Neon Lights and Sogna In Grande.
Superfast Gorden may not have been at his best last weekend but still managed to emerge to top as Ballymac Walt faded in the latter stages. The pair meet again in Heat 2 where Undulation is another with obvious claims.
Clonbrien Treaty will likely to be favourite to win the final heat but needs to stay on better than last time. His stride shortened notably from the final turn, leaving the impression he would come on for the outing.
Ballymac Marino is a big danger. He was third in the opening round but displayed fine pace in defeat. He has a kind draw in three and is expected to make a bold bid.
Brownstown Tango & NTSC Open Unraced Bitch 525 Final
Elsewhere, the final of the Brownstown Tango & NTSC Open Unraced Bitch 525 is the feature of tonight’s card at Newbridge. A very talented crop has emerged through the stake and tonight’s decider is wide open.
Fairy Footsteps is perhaps the most likely pace-setter but she could be severely tested by Crafty Bondi and Droopys Wriggle. No matter the result, all three seem set to have a big future.
