RED-HOT RURAL SEMIS HEADLINE A STACKED CLONMEL CARD

Peter Farrell

The 2026 Rural Kennels Unraced 525 is shaping up as one of the most competitive renewals in recent memory, with the semi-finals topping a stacked card at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium later tonight.

A number of potential breakthrough stars have already emerged from this prestigious event and several look certain to feature prominently in the major Classics later in the year. Newinn Spot, in particular, has been imperious throughout the competition and his second-round display was nothing short of sensational. While outshone on the overall clock by Jacktavern Alf, ‘Spot’ produced a rarely seen 15.86 third-bend sectional, a figure that underlines his exceptional early pace. Trained by Graham Holland for Kenny Glen, the powerful white and blue has been rewarded with a favourable trap two draw in the second semi-final and looks a strong contender to book his place in the €6,500-to-the-winner final. It is difficult to envisage any of his rivals coping with his explosive early speed and he appears certain to dictate matters from the outset. If doing so, reeling in the son of Tommy Shelby – Newinn Mimi, who is likely to hold a commanding advantage at halfway, will require a monumental effort. Of those capable of mounting a late challenge, kennel companion Gaytime Clyde appears the most likely. Owned by Brendan O’Connell, ‘Clyde’ remains a maiden but ran a tremendous race last time out when finishing just two and a half lengths behind Jacktavern Alf. His trapping has been his Achilles’ heel to date, though improvement is expected with continued racing, and a tidy draw in one should allow him to follow ‘Spot’ around the opening bend. Elsewhere, Skywalker Bruno showed considerable resolve to recover from significant crowding and finish second last time, and Michael O’Donovan’s charge may yet have more to offer. The remaining trio of Emers Ann, Saqqara and Mustang Fashion, however, will need to raise their game significantly if they are to feature in next weekend’s decider.

ALF & WARRIOR LOCK HORNS

Jacktavern Alf sets the standard in the opening semi-final on the strength of his rapid 28.35 display last time out. That performance represented a five-length improvement on his opening-round success and underlined his steep upward trajectory.

Trained by Adam Dunford for the Pillar Syndicate, the son of Pestana displayed devastating pace from halfway on that occasion and, while he faces a formidable rival in Vivaro Warrior, he remains the most likely winner from a favourable trap four berth. That said, Jacktavern Alf does concede plenty of age to Vivaro Warrior and the younger fawn arguably boasts the greater scope for improvement. Owned by Kenneth Busteed, the son of Deerjet Sydney – Right So Belle powered home to score by an extending ten and a half lengths last time out, stopping the clock in a blistering 28.46. Most notably, he trimmed almost ten spots from his early sectional and, on that evidence, rates a serious threat to ‘Alf’. The Pillar Syndicate are doubly represented and Jacktavern Bull also has legitimate claims following an off-the-pace success last time. Drawn in two, David Byrne’s charge showed strong pace from the three-quarter mark and is well positioned on the fence to secure a handy spot into the opening bend. Of the remainder, Grouchos Cossie has been solid throughout and admirably consistent on the clock, while Rallying Billy and Ballycahane Ace have yet to dip under the 29-second barrier. It is difficult to see either troubling the principals, though a qualification spot remains within reach should they produce their very best.

SPORTING PRESS ONLINE EDITION SEMIS

The €2,500-to-the-winner Sporting Press Online Edition A1/A2 550 provides strong support on the card and Canavour Bucko looks the one to beat in the opening semi-final.

Trained by Pat O’Connell for John and Mark Lyons, Canavour Bucko posted the fastest opening-round time of 30.14 when making all the running, and given he remains just a May pup, his ceiling may yet be some way off. Drawn in four, the son of Dromana Bucko shed his maiden tag in impressive fashion on that occasion and that victory could prove the catalyst for further progress from the classy brindle. Of his rivals, Hollyhill Cody possesses solid early speed and is well housed in the red jacket to mount a serious challenge, while Mister Myles is a proven winner and also impressed in round one when scoring with authority.

In the second semi-final, Born Ranger gets the nod despite having to settle for third in the opening round. A winner of a recent qualifying trial in 16.14, the son of Born Warrior, trained by Jennifer O’Donnell, appears to have plenty of ability and his elusive first race victory looks close at hand. Among his main dangers, Vivaro Ceyian showed admirable determination to recover from a tardy start and finish third, bringing valuable experience into the equation, while Sure Exile is another who looks likely to race prominently.

JOHN WHITE MEMORIAL SEMI-FINALS

The semi-finals of the John White Memorial Guys & Dolls A3/A4 525 also feature on the card and this stake has oozed quality from the outset.

In the opening semi-final, Jacktavern Turbo is without doubt the one to beat and the David Byrne-trained star will be looking to build on his spectacular 28.38 performance last weekend. A winner of three of his seven starts to date, the son of Droopys Sydney was relentless on that occasion and it will take a monumental effort to deny him a hat-trick this evening. Mind Your Knee looks the main threat for Paraic Campion and Vincent O’Keeffe. The son of King Sheeran also arrives unbeaten, though he will need to find several lengths on his 28.81 clock to trouble the favourite. Mystical Ranger also holds strong qualification claims, having produced two eye-catching efforts in defeat in recent weeks.

The second semi-final features three second-round winners, though the vote goes to Arrow Twirl, who finished with a powerful late run to dead-heat last time out.

Arrow Twirl posted a modest 3.01 sectional on that occasion before arriving with a wet sail to share the spoils with Florican Heights. The latter broke smartly and had every chance to seal the verdict, but was ultimately reeled in late. Andrew Lawlor’s Arrow Twirl is unlikely to break as poorly from trap four again and should be very much in the mix at the business end. Of her rivals, Burgess Bonnie flew from the boxes to record a slick 2.75 sectional en route to a 28.76 success last time out and she commands plenty of respect as a result. Another trained by Paraic Campion, she faces a trickier assignment from trap five this time, though a similar break would see her right in contention once more.

GERPATS MARATHON ACTION

Sponsored by The White Family, there is also some marathon action on offer as the two semis of the Gerpats Kennels D2-D4 790, worth 1,100-to-the-winner, features.

In the opening semi, Tooreen Rose has been mixing it with some of the best marathon trackers in training of late and the daughter of Dromana Bucko is the selection. She has led on her last two starts against the likes of Priceless On Ice and Ashmar Una, and on that evidence she should be hard to beat. Rivals include Emers Ted, who won’t be phased by this trip, and he looks the most likely to get involved.

The second semi looks quite open but the nod goes the way of the experienced Almost Bonnie. A winner of ten from fifty-three, the daughter of Magical Bale is a stout stayer and will certainly get this trip with ease. She landed her last start when coming from off-the-pace and she gets the vote to just pip Barnfield Molly in six. The latter has stepped up to six-bends effortlessly in recent times and the brindle continues to improve.