EBONY SETS THE STANDARD IN GOBA OPENER

Peter Farrell

The opening round heats of the Limerick & Clare GOBA A3 525 featured on last night’s card at Limerick Greyhound Stadium and the bar was set very high by Corona Ryan’s Missouri Ebony. 

Stepping back in grade to compete in the event, Missouri Ebony was installed as the 4/5 favourite and he duly got back to winning ways for the first since October 2024. In doing so, the January whelp produced a career best effort as he romped to a very impressive performance to cement his status as the one to beat going forward. Drawn in four, the son of Explosive Boy and Burgess Cassie rocketed from traps to post a 1.23 sectional and he flew into the opening bend in full control. As a result, ‘Ebony’ manufactured a four length lead passing the sprint boxes and he was to maintain his solid advantage thereafter. Vigorous Jessie made small inroads into the lead in the closing stages, however, it was all about Missouri Ebony at the head of affairs as he crossed the line three lengths clear, in a brisk 28.48.

Lauras Pick landed heat one of the sweepstake for joint owners Michael and Laura Nash. A September puppy, this lady hadn’t enjoyed the clearest of passages in recent starts, however, she pinged out in front on this occasion to dictate from the outset. In doing so, the daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Pennys Baccata set a smart gallop before crossing the line two lengths clear of Vigorous Misty in second. The time for the 7/2 chance was 29.00.

There was a shock in heat three as 5/1 chance, Grouchos Pearl, scored for a second career time for Luke O’Connell. Only moderately into stride from trap five, the daughter of Ballymac Wild and Whitings Gift showed brilliant track craft to challenge passing the 750-yard box and he narrowly took charge at the third bend. In doing so, ‘Pearl’ showed the superior stamina up the Limerick hill to cross the line with three lengths in hand over Cash Reward in second. The time was 28.88.

MAGICAL ON FIRE

While Magical Luca was producing the goods at Dundalk, Patrick Guilfoyle had reason to celebrate at Limerick also as Magical On Fire landed the concluding contest in swashbuckling fashion. 

Sent off as the 5/4 jolly, Magical On Fire didn’t break too fluently from trap three and was forced to settle for second place rounding the opener as Rallying Girl set the pace. The latter continued to motor down the back straight, however, ‘Magical’ began to turn the screw passing the 750 box and roared past her rival at the crown of the penultimate bend. As a result, the daughter of Ballymac Cashout - Burgess Sarah drew clear at the business end of proceedings to cross the line eight lengths clear of Whizzing Donald in second. The time was 28.50.