CONSOLIDATION GIVES MARCUS A REAL THRILL

Ian Fortune

Those present at Dundalk on Sunday would have witnessed some outstanding racing from start to finish.

Ballycowen Frank produced a massive display to win the International but for young owner Marcus Faulkner, the victory of Consolidation was the undoubted highlight.

This scribe first met Marcus almost four years ago and it was soon clear that he was in love with greyhound racing. Marcus was on a night out with his parents Eric and Jo-Anne and his love for the sport was obvious.

Not long after, Eric Faulkner got in touch to say that he would love to get Marcus involved in a dog and we set the wheels in motion. An introduction to Damien Matthews soon after got the ball rolling and they purchased a pup that would become Hughie Wheels.

While he wasn’t a star by any means, he gave Marcus a first experience of greyhound ownership and much more. Hughie Wheels was sold to Jimmy Gaskin in the UK and proceeded to win a few races around Doncaster.

But Marcus was hooked and didn’t have to wait too long before again joining the ownership ranks, this time with a well-bred youngster by Drumantine out of Ma Mac. Consolidation began his racing career at Shelbourne in late April and looked quite inexperienced in his first two starts, finishing runner-up on debut and fourth in his next start. 

Next, he appeared in an A5 Stake and produced two much more noteworthy displays, displaying plenty of pace as he finished second in his semi-final before going close in the decider, only to fail by a half-length and a neck in third.

However, his first win was just around the corner. On July 4th, Consolidation lined up in the semis of TIME Record Breaker S2 400 and duly blew the opposition away. Although giving a couple of his rivals a head start, he paced up well to go the front between the opening two bends. Once doing so, he eased clear to win by almost three lengths in 21.32.

And so, to Sunday’s final. An even money favourite ahead of the off, that price looked huge after a single stride. The youngster was led up by Adam Matthews with the able assistance of Marcus. And it did the trick. Consolidation flashed from traps and never saw a rival. He would emerge a comfortable four length winner in 21.23, again highlighting his obvious promise.

In the infield, Marcus was absolutely delighted. He proudly walked his puppy to the presentation area and was greeted by a number of friends, this scribe included. We all get into the greyhound racing with the dream of winning a Derby but sometimes the sport reminds you just how special it can be at every level.

Consolidation is very young and will most certainly improve. He will almost certainly be an open racer with more experience but it scarcely mattered on Sunday. For Marcus, in that moment, Consolidation was the greatest dog on the planet. His joy and love for his charge was there for all to see.

From his Belfast base, Marcus often journeys to Newry to see his pup, spend time with the dogs and the Matthews family have become great friends. Being around the dogs is enough for Marcus but it’s always nice to win a race.

From a personal point of view, I’ve had a lifetime in the sport and seen it all. It’s easy to be cynical but I too felt some of the joy that Marcus was feeling on Sunday. And I can’t wait to call Consolidation home many more times in the future for my good friend Marcus Faulkner, a very special young man.