A WEEKEND TO SAVOUR FOR MURPHY’S CALLAWAY TEAM

Ian Fortune

Denis Murphy had every reason to be a very happy man over the weekend.

Of course, his former Juvenile Derby champion Callaway Knegare returned to his very best to claim a place in the final of the Shelbourne Park Bookmakers Easter Cup, while his up and coming stud dog Callaway Pro Am had a very notable winner across the water with Underground Gold emerging a stunning winner of the Puppy Derby at Monmore.

Callaway Knegare was simply brilliant in his Easter Cup semi-final success, reminding all that he remains a force. He now takes his place in the final of the oldest classic on the calendar next weekend with obvious claims.

GOLD A MASSIVE PERFORMER FOR PRO AM

Callaway Pro Am has made a good start to his stud career, throwing some very nice dogs but Underground Gold looks a bit special.

Out of Droopys Charm, he has been a revelation in the UK since debuting at Romford back in late January.

Saturday’s run was the seventh of his career and he has suffered just one defeat which came in his second start. It was clear from his first run at Monmore that he was going to be a lading hope for Puppy Derby glory and he improved with each start at the Wolverhampton venue.

To highlight the fact, he was sent to traps the 8-13 favourite for Saturday’s £20,000 decider and duly claims the Category 1 competition in the manner of a greyhound with a massive future. Blessed with awesome early speed, he left a good field standing to emerge a six-length winner in a sizzling fastest of the year 27.79.

The Paul Young trained youngster is set to be a flag bearer for his handler going forward, while he is also making quite a name for his sire also. One wonders where Underground Gold will go next. As an August ’24 whelp he may be too young for an English Derby challenge but he does look very special and it will be worth following his journey.