BALLYHIMIKIN REX STARS IN TIPPERARY CUP SEMIS AT THURLES

Peter Farrell

It was a big night at Thurles Greyhound Stadium on Saturday as the semi finals of the 2023 Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup took centre stage and Ballyhimikin Rex blew the valuable stake wide open with a blistering performance for Billy and John Dunne.

Prior to the semis, Pape Di Oro had taken this year’s renewal by storm, winning the opening two rounds in sensational fashion and putting Pat Buckley firmly on track for back-to-back Tipperary Cups. While that still may be the case; Ballyhimikin Rex has emerged as a real challenger after he produced a fantastic display last night, building on what was an eye-catching run in defeat last time out.

Understandably, Pape Di Oro was sent to traps as the 4/5 favourite to make it a hat-tricks of wins, while kennel companion De Gander Pen was installed as a next best 5/2 shot. Ballyhimikin Rex was available at 3/1 at the off and although briefly led at traprise by Old Bill, he showed awesome early speed to accelerate into the opening corner, posting a 1.67 sectional in the process. At this point, Pape Di Oro turned two lengths adrift in second place, however, within a matter of strides, Ballyhimikin Rex had doubled his advantage down the back as he outpaced him rivals in terrific fashion. A son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Slaneyside Poppy, the strapping black continue to motor around the bottom two bends and there was no doubt about the outcome as he flew up the Thurles straight to win by a facile six lengths. Old Bill, who is a stout stayer, wore down Pape Di Oro in the closing yards and Bernadette Hogan’s charge ran a delightful race to secure second. The time for Ballyhimikin Rex was a sizzling 28.64 .20s

BACK-TO-BACK FOR KRONK

After a hugely impressive performance in last week’s second round, Cabra Kronk continued to build momentum with another polished display in the opening semi final.

Owned by Paddy Scally, Cabra Kronk had been off the racing scene for over four months prior to the start of the Tipperary Cup but he had been kept busy with a number of eye-catching trials in between times. However, since his return to competitive action, he has been better than ever and his 28.88 .20s second round win was mighty impressive, so much so he was installed as the 5/4 favourite ahead of the opening semi. Off to his usual fast start from trap four, Cabra Kronk displayed his awesome early speed to post 1.67 into the corner, while in contrast Swizz Star completely fluffed his lines as he trailed the field early on. Turning in front, Cabra Kronk ran a brilliant opening bend to turn a narrow lead into daylight entering the back straight and he found himself with three lengths in hand of Bogger Rambo at the midway point. The contest firmly put to bed, the homebred son of Cabra Firmino and Cabra Twister continued to set a dominant gallop as he crossed the line with three lengths to spare of Bogger Rambo in second. The final qualifier was Boss Go, who ran a gallant race to finish just a half length adrift of Bogger Rambo in second. The time for Cabra Kronk was 29.07 .20s