DUKE STORMS INTO TIME CLUB DERBY DECIDER

Peter Farrell

The €20,000 to the winner TIME Club Graders Derby served as the highlight at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night and Rinnwood Duke continued his fine form to claim an eleventh career victory for Des Flaherty.

It would have been nervous times for connections as they aimed to seal one of those all-important qualification positions ahead of last night’s action and Rinnwood Duke, who was forced to settle for the bridesmaid position in each of his three outings prior, never give his supporters a moments worry as he made virtually every yard to score. A moderate start from trap two saw the ‘Duke’ show exceptional early speed to lead on the rail and in doing so, he manufactured a commanding three length lead down the back. At this point, both Skippy Fantasy and Robs Hero were battling it out for second and it was the latter that gained the upper hand at the midway point. Rinnwood Duke (5/2) continued to set a scorching gallop at the head of proceedings and despite several runners, most notable Skippys Fantasy, finishing with a real rattle, the son of Pestana - Rinnwood Pearl held on gamely to sail into the decider. The remaining qualifiers were the fast finishing Skippys Fantasy for David Flanagan, and Robs Hero for Paraic Campion. The time was a fast 28.72.

EARLY SPEED THE KEY FOR MAID

Maid Of Iron has displayed mighty early speed throughout this valuable competition and Neily Jones’ lady once again showcased that particular attribute in comfortably advancing into the feature event next weekend.

Maid Of Iron was sent to traps as a 5/1 chance ahead of the second semi and she broke brilliantly from trap two to immediately challenge the favourite, Daring Rambo, early on. A skittle in behind saw ‘Maid’ shoot into an eight length lead entering the back straight and it proved a straightforward task for the Jones representative thereafter. Taking full advantage of the trouble in behind, Maid Of Iron stayed on well to cross the line five lengths clear of Tipsy Ailbhe in second, while Tally Ho Flyit capped off a fine week for the Walls-Of-Tally-Ho-Syndication as he claimed the final qualifying position in third. The time was 28.96.