SOLO AND GO A SUPERB WINNER OF THE KINGDOM DERBY

Barry Drake

A brilliant second in the recent final of the Irish Greyhound Laurels Final, SOLO AND GO, trained by Liam Dowling for the Kingdoms Palace Syndicate, went one place better when winning the end-of-the-year feature at the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium on Friday night, the €5,000 to the winner Eric Browne Memorial Kingdom Derby.

It was a fantastic race to the opening corner with both Magical Keith and Solo And Go locked in battle. Solo And Go was just winning that argument, but he was done no favours at the opening bend, and in truth, he was lucky to stay on his feet. The 9-4 winning favourite drove a fantastic opening corner, and he was in prime position heading down the back straight.

Crossfield Matt moved second, and he was soon within a length and a half with Ballymac Tibet, also catching the eye in third. However, displaying plenty of speed up front, it was all about the super-talented Solo And Go. Such a popular greyhound, Solo And Go, wasn't going to be denied, pulling out all the stops up front and keeping on strongly, he beat the gallant Crossfield Matt, by half a length, in 28.24, with just three-quarters of a length back to Ballymac Tibet in third. A big win for all connected, which includes Kerry GAA stars David and Paudie Clifford.

Paudie Clifford and the Kingdom Palace Syndicate accepting the winner’s trophy from sponsor Berkie Browne after Solo And Go won the 2025 Eric Browne Memorial Kingdom Derby Final last night in Tralee. 

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Elsewhere on the card, Ardrahan Kahoot came home in front to win the €1,000 to the winner K.G.S.S.C Christmas Stakes. Drawn along the inside of the track, the 2-1 favourite moved right at the opening corner, causing interference; however, he kicked for home heading down the back straight. Always in control, the April puppy, owned by Daniel and Katie Nolan, came home with three lengths to spare over Cashen Darney, in 27.97. (500).