UNBEATEN TOMMY TOO GOOD IN O’CONNOR JULIAN VETS TRI-DISTANCE

UNBEATEN TOMMY TOO GOOD IN O’CONNOR JULIAN VETS TRI-DISTANCE

Peter Farrell

Kindly sponsored by Michael O’Connor, the final of the O’Connor Julian Vets Cashel Tri-Distance served as the main event at Limerick Greyhound Stadium last night and Tommy Too Many maintained his unbeaten run in the stake to land the €2,000 first prize on offer.

After landing the opening 550-yard leg in workmanlike fashion, Tommy Too Many showed all of his class in stepping up to the 575-yard trip seven days ago and as a result, he was expected to take quite a bit of beating heading into the decider with the extra yardage certain to play to his strengths early on.

Owned by the Moydrum-Massive-Syndicate, Tommy Too Many was a real eye-catcher in the early stages of this year’s Con & Annie Kirby so it was certainly no surprise to see him at the top of many lists prior to the commencement of this A2 stake. A first round scorer in 30.36, the son of Dorotas Woo Hoo and Ballintee Babe stepped up greatly last time out with a 31.35 effort over the 575-yard trip and as such, he was installed the 8/11 favourite before the off. Breaking smartly from the striped jacket, Tommy Too Many made full use of the long run to the opening corner to quickly assert and he soon opened a sizable advantage over his rivals heading into the back straight. Ballymartin Rory was his closest rival at this point, while Gortkelly Mona wasn’t too far adrift back in third place. However, there was never any doubt about the outcome of the event as Tommy Too Many set a powerful gallop down the back straight, before staying on stoutly to cross the line with three and a half lengths in hand. Gortkelly Mona again showed big speed to come through well and take second place and she will be a force when stepped up in trip, while Ballymartin Rory ran a credible race to land the final podium spot in third. The time was a swift 32.81 .20s andmany congratulations are extended to the Moydrum-Massive-Syndicate, with appreciation also going to O’Connor Julian Vets Cashel for their continued sponsorship of this great event.

NESTOR REMAINS A FORCE

The supporting act on the card was the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Trial Stake and there was to be a shock on the cards as Tullig Raven was turned over by the evergreen Gortkelly Nestor.

An Irish Derby semi finalist in 2021, Gortkelly Nestor has been without a win since returning to action in March but Andrew Murray’s charge put a line through that with a performance of real class. Running from trap six, the son of Droopys Jet and Dream Queen was a 3/1 chance at the off with Tullig Raven installed the 8/15 jolly and he exploded from traps to take control in the opening exchanges. Running a terrific opening turn, Gortkelly Nestor drew clear down the back and he maintained that relentless gallop all the way to the winning line. Seven lengths clear of Tullig Raven, who failed to land a blow on the winner, the time was a rapid 29.97 .20s.

BALLYELAN DOUBLE

Another highlight on last night's card was a double for Kathy Scanlon as both Ballyelan Rolly and Ballyelan Josie scored in their respective events.

The first greyhound to pass the post in front was the ever consistent Ballyelan Rolly as he held on gamely to record a tenth career victory. Running from trap two, the 11/8 favourite broke well from trap two and he rounded the opening turn in control over his rivals. Setting a fine gallop down the back, the son of Laughil Blake and Ballyelan Comet came under late pressure from the strong running Bling Bling Paul, however, he kept enough in reserve to score by a neck. The time was 30.31 .20s.

The double was completed shortly after in race ten as Ballyelan Josie landed the Greyhound & Petworld A3 525 with a strong finish. It was Chupacabra who led for the majority of this contest but Ballyelan Josie stuck close throughout, before delivering a strong finish to score. That’s back-to-back wins now for the daughter of Droopys Jet and Ballyelan Comet as the clock returned 29.41 .20s.

IN OTHER RACES

In race four, Excess Travel dipped under the 29-second barrier with a trap-to-line success to justify his 11/8 starting price. Owned by John Kirwan, the son of Ballymac Best and Snow Acorn broke spritely from three and he followed up and maintained his unbeaten career start with another display of sheer power. Never under any threat of being caught, Excess Travel was four and a half lengths clear of Glengar Manus crossing the line. The time was 28.83 .20s.

Jaded was the one of the most fancied runners on the night (4/9) in race five and the Michael O’Donovan-trained speedster landed his 350-yard contest in comfortable style. Breaking only moderately from trap two, the son of Droopys Sydney and Jacinta showed instant early pace to take control and he drew clear of the field to record a four lengths victory over nearest rival, Coolanorans Best, in second. A lot to like about the performance of Jordan Moynihan and Michael Walsh’s charge, the time was 18.99 .10s.

Although Tyrap Ferage was out of luck in the final, Tyrap Luke did ensure that David Carroll got on the scoresheet in race nine as he landed his 575-yard contest. The heavyweight son of Scolari Me Daddy and Gullen Glory was quickest into stride from trap four and he set a powerful gallop throughout, before staying on strong to score in very impressive style. Three lengths clear of Faithful Terry at the line, the time was rapid 31.66 .20s.