ELOUISE MOTORS TO GAMMELL CAR SALES KENNEDY CUP SUCCESS

Peter Farrell

Kindly sponsored by Michael Gammell, the final of the €3,000-to-the-winner Gammell Car Sales Kennedy Cup 525 took place at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night and, as expected, Magical Elouise bounced back in emphatic style to emerge a runaway winner.

Owned and trained by Patrick Guilfoyle, Magical Elouise looked the part from the outset of the renewal, coming into the event with some very useful Galway form, complemented by a brilliant 18.68 warm-up trial around Shelbourne Park. Indeed, she outlined her credentials in round one with a rapid 28.45 effort and, while coming unstuck in the semi-finals, ‘Elouise’ saved her best performance for the decider, overcoming a tardy start to romp home clear of her rivals.

Drawn in six, the 4/5 favourite was very sluggish at traprise, however, she used her outside berth to sweep around runners and sit a close fourth rounding the opener. In contrast, it was Ingortroe who took a flyer from trap two, setting the early standard as she led around the opening bend. However, within a matter of strides, Magical Elouise was right on her shoulder, showcasing eye-catching pace out wide to motor past her rival passing the sprint boxes.

At this point, the writing was very much on the wall. Striding out majestically down the back straight, Guilfoyle’s daughter of Signet Ace – Burgess Sarah quickly put lengths between herself and her rivals, who were now left battling it out for the minor honours. Extending her advantage with each and every stride, Magical Elouise powered up the Limerick hill to emerge a commanding nine-length winner over Vigorous Xana, who ran a fine race to claim second for Ronny Wuyts. The time was a rapid 28.48. Pat Guilfoyle landed the 2025 BOYLE Sports Lifford Oaks with his superstar bitch, Magical Mag, and on this evidence, this lady looks tailor-made for the Northwest circuit should connections choose to go down that route.

LEGER CLUES ELSEWHERE

Aside from the main event, there were a couple of hugely impressive displays over the 550-yard trip and, with the St. Leger fast approaching, both winners will surely have the Classic firmly in their sights.

The first victory came from Sonsofardcroney, owned by George Rowan and Eoghan Mulcahy. Lining out in the Open 550, the John Byrne-trained runner was sent off a 3/1 chance and, while Doonmore Dream led early on from five, Sonsofardcroney showed tremendous pace to motor up the inside at the crown of the penultimate bend. From there, the son of King Sheeran was mighty impressive, drawing clear of his rival before flying up the home straight to seal a commanding five-length victory. The time was a quick 29.51.

Shortly after, in the AA0 550, Bundle Of Fivers continued his purple patch with another impressive victory for Pauline McNamara, bringing his career tally to five. Drawn in six, the powerful runner was friendless in the market at 4/1, however, after breaking in front and pacing up clear, there was only ever going to be one outcome. A strong-running son of Grangeview Ten, Bundle Of Fivers set a blistering gallop throughout before crossing the line three and a half lengths clear of Skywalker Bruno in second. The time was a rapid 29.64.

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