FLASHING WILLOW STARS IN OPENING ROUND OF GREYHOUND & PETWORLD SUPERSPRINT

Barry Drake

Flashing Willow came into Saturday night's opening round of the Greyhound & Petworld Supersprint as a leading fancy and the Pat Buckley trained tracker made no mistake in heat number four. 

Owned by Kenny Glen, the even-money favourite was following up his recent impressive win around Shelbourne Park with another likeable performance. Just taking control before the opening corner, the exciting May puppy just had enough in the tank to beat Moonlight Macy, by a short head, in 17.73. Two lengths back to Gizmo Cash in third place. 

IN OTHER HEATS

Garrison Express impressed in the opening heat. Richard Gentleman's 6-1 shot showed plenty of pace to land the spoils in 17.80.

In the second heat, Fiftycashback showed lovely early dash to score, in 17.80, at odds of 4-1, for Denis Crowley. 

Heat three went the way of Ballymac Maxwell, making it a treble on the night for Liam Dowling. Staying on strongly, the 3-1 chance got the verdict in 18.05.

In the fifth and final heat, Haven Blue came home in front for David Kelleher and David Manning. Trained by James Kelleher, the 4-1 winner delivered an 18.16 winning run, at odds of 4-1.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT

Blarney belle on top form for cork hurling legend JBM

The highlight of the night for many was the winning run of Blarney Belle (Droopys Noah-Droopys Alice) in the final of the €1,100 IRGT ON3 Stake Final. 

Trained by Johnny Linehan for Cork GAA legend Jimmy Barry Murphy, the August puppy was sent to traps at 2-1 from the plum draw, next to the rails. Jimmy is a wonderful ambassador for our great sport and the whole of Curraheen Park were rooting for Blarney Belle. 

Once she flew from traps, supporters were very happy as Blarney Belle was in top gear heading around the opening turns. Three clear of Galloping Image to halfway, the dream result was very much on the cards. Make Some Noise didn't enjoy the clearest of runs and he did show incredible pace, however, the night belonged to Blarney Belle and supporters as she held on to win, by a length, in 28.91. Make Some Noise was second, three-quarters of a length clear of Petersburg who was back in third.