KASKO UNRACED STAKE SET TO COMMENCE AT THURLES

Peter Farrell

One of the standout unraced stakes in the country gets underway at Thurles Park tonight as the opening-round heats of the Kasko Dog Feeds ON2/ON3 525 feature across an eleven-race card.

Kindly sponsored by Kasko, there is €2,100 on offer to the eventual winner and, given the calibre of greyhound that has competed and progressed from this stake over the years, you can expect some unmasked stars to emerge from the 2026 renewal.

In total, there are three opening-round heats on offer and, in the opener, Good Sports can get his career off to a winning start for Maria Kennedy from trap one. A son of Signet Ace and Deelish Oreo, and incidentally a half-brother to Lennies Tank, ‘Sport’ moved well in trials, clocking 18.20 around Thurles in his latest outing, and one suspects he will make a bold bid on his career debut. Rivals in this contest include Supa Henry in two and Whizzing Johnny in four.

In heat two, Tromora Bruno represents Noel Hehir and his 19.20 first mark around Galway reads very well. The heavyweight March 25’ pup has a workmanlike trial around Thurles to follow that up, however, expect an improved performance from a tracker hailing from a formidable kennel. Lethal Jack has a bit more age on his side and comes in with some very useful Enniscorthy trial form, which cannot be ignored, while Whizzing Meg also arrives with some nice form for Adam Hogg in three.

The concluding opening-round heat can see Ballyboy News go close for owner Jack Ryan. The son of Ballymac Bolger posted 18.39 on a track rated .20s slow around Thurles in his latest qualifying effort and that would be enough to race prominently on debut. Lemon Mal looks a threat in six based on some useful trial form around Kilkenny for Tom Lennon, while Zaconey Montana also moved well in trials and could prove a dark horse for Niall and Eric Foley.