UNASSUMING STARS AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

The progress of Unassuming over recent weeks has been steady, giving the impression she could develop into top class performer in 2026.

That seems even more certain after taking a giant step forward at Shelbourne Park on Friday night as she landed the feature, the final of the Adopt A Greyhound A2/ A3 Bitch 525, in the style of a bitch that could become a classic contender.

After coming home well to win her semi-final in an estimated 28.73, she went considerably faster in the decider as she took off from the second turn to leave some talented rivals in her dust. Droopys Melon predictably went up fastest from four to force her way to the front on the corner from the fast-starting Pauls Pick.

Unassuming may have been only fourth into the bend but was perfectly poised on the inside of the track before turning a close second. Staying tight to the fence, she made her move as they entered the back straight.

Joining Droopys Melon as they went past the sprint traps, she quickly asserted to have matters in hand by halfway. A length to the good at this point, the Brendan Matthews trained daughter of Koblenz and Unlock Unlock was about to use the afterburners.

Shooting clear, Unassuming eventually saw off Droopys Melon by an ever-increasing six and a half lengths in 28.45. Old Princess was best of the remainder in third, some two lengths further adrift. The manner of the winner’s victory and her current rate of improvement suggest she could be anything in time. She is most certainly one to keep in the notebook.