PUBLIC HOUSE STAKE A REAL SUCCESS AS RAVEN SOARS

Ian Fortune

In the words of Enniscorthy racing manager Bridget Whelan earlier this morning, Enniscorthy “was hopping” on Monday evening as the Public House ON2 525 came to a fitting conclusion.

The idea behind the event was simple. Let each runner in the opening round represent a local hostelry and should that greyhound win the final, the pub in question will reap the rewards with a free tab at Enniscorthy.

As it happens, it was the local Hayes’ Pub that landed the prize on Monday following the wonderful success of Coolavanny Raven. Swift Halo predictably went up fast from trap three, challenged by Coolavanny Raven.

Swift Halo moved on to lead the field around the opening two bends but Coolavanny Raven was simply too close for comfort and he edged on down the back straight. Forest Icon did finish well to grab second but Coolavanny Raven completed his unbeaten passage through the stake, winning by four lengths in a fast 28.80.

The 6-4 favourite ahead of the decider, the Garry Dempsey trained son of Ballymac Best and Coolavanny Royce is certainly bred to be special and his owner, Noel Browne can start dreaming of further glory with the December ’20 whelp. Who knows, he may attempt to replicate the achievements of his half-brother Skywalker Rafa who won the Juvenile Derby in 2017.

As for those involved in Hayes’ Pub, rumour has it they have already gone through half of their winning bar tab with a crowd of forty representing the local establishment celebrating in some style after the final.

It will also come as a no surprise that Bridget Whelan has confirmed she is already planning another similar, ‘only bigger’ competition in 2023. We can’t wait. Well done to all involved. Surely this is a model that could be used at other venues.