A NEW CAREER BECKONS FOR TRINITY JUNIOR
Ian Fortune
With his withdrawal from the semi-finals of the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup a fortnight ago, the curtain has come down on the racing career of the brilliant Trinity Junior.
Known by many as one of the ultimate competition dogs of the modern era, he should also be remembered for his lightning speed, relentless determination, and an illustrious career that saw him take on and beat the very best in training over and over again.
DESTINED TO BE FAST
Trinity Junior was certainly bred to be fast.
A son of former Derby champion Laughil Blake and the sensationally fast Oi Oi Upenalty, he inherited many of their best qualities. His sire is noted for throwing early speed, while his dam contributed an indomitable spirit and competitive edge.
From his earliest days on the track, it was clear that Trinity Junior was better than average. He qualified to race in style, posting some very fast times in trials including 18.63 around Shelbourne Park. It was at the Ringsend venue where he made his debut and what a start it was.
Beating subsequent Derby third, Bens Teddy by a length and a half in 28.48, it was obvious to all present that this raw youngster was destined for big things. He went unbeaten through that unraced stake, clocking a rapid 28.32 and 28.34 in the remaining rounds before being thrown into even deeper waters.
FINAL APPEARANCES
In his first start outside unraced company, in the opening round of the Juvenile Derby, he would see off future Oaks and Dundalk International winner Raha Mofo in a stunning 28.11.
After a slick hiccup in the second round, he won his third round and semi-final assignments in facile fashion to reach the final of the classic. He carried little luck on the big night but had already established himself as one of the best in training.
It was then onto the St Leger at Limerick. With just eight races behind him, he would step up to the 550yd trip against Ireland’s best and would more than hold his own. Again, he progressed through the prelims with little fuss only to again run out of luck in the decider.
His final start of his first year came in the Winter Racing Festival where he finished just a half-length and a short head away in third behind his old nemesis, the Juvenile Derby champion Clona Duke.
It meant that he had no start outside of top-class company. Each of his races to this point had come in competitions and he had reached the final of each.
MORE OF THE SAME IN SECOND SEASON
That trend would continue into his second season when again he proved that he was one of the most versatile, intelligent and talented greyhounds in the land.
A third classic decider was just on the horizon. His first start of the year came in the Easter Cup and again he made little fuss of progressing through the rounds.
He ran into a rampant Swords Rex in the final but finished a fine third. Still the big race success he so richly deserved eluded him but not for long. He was kept busy through early summer before taking his place in the Boylesports Champion Stakes.
HIS CHAMPION STAKES CORONATION
This famous competition was to prove his coronation.
Taking on the cream of Ireland’s racing talent, he was at his very best. Winning his semi-final in typically professional manner, he was sent to traps the 5-2 favourite for the final a week later.
This was his time. Peter Cronin had his star perfectly primed and he produced one of the best displays of his career. Holding his inside line into the turn, he forced his way to the front to lead down the back straight. Subsequent Derby champion The Other Kobe chased hard but there was nothing he could do. This was Trinity Junior’s night. Staying on with purpose, he captured the €20,000 prize by two lengths in a fast 29.34.
He would go onto reach the semi-finals of both the Derby and St Leger before finishing a close second in the Winter Racing Festival 550 but it was his Champion Stakes victory that was the undoubted highlight.
THE TALENT REMAINS
Typically, he began his 2024 campaign with another comfortable run through a major competition to reach the final of the Select Stakes at Waterford.
He would finish fourth, running another typically solid race but a tardy start cost him his chance of victory.
He wasn’t as busy through the summer as twelve months earlier but still managed to have a brief English Derby challenge before returning to Irish shores. A wonderful 28.13 return at Shelbourne Park in early July sent out a reminder that he was still a potent force and he carried that form into the Irish Sprint Cup.
Despite having zero sprinting experience ahead of the classic, he won his opening round effort in a rapid 20.92 and followed it up a week later, scoring in 21.02. He again ran a big race in the third round, chasing home subsequent runner-up Elite Kursk but sadly that would be his final start.
ONE DOOR CLOSES ANOTHER OPENS
Perer Cronin had no option but to withdraw his star from the semi-finals with a hock injury ultimately forcing him to call it a day.
His career ended as it began; with a bang. In a career that saw him race nearly fifty times, he only took on the best.
He proved time after time that he loved what he was doing. He simply never ran a bad race and was a joy to watch in full flow. For owner Tim Slevin, he was the dog of a lifetime, while Peter Cronin is in no doubt that he will be very difficult, if not impossible, to replace.
He is now to be retired to stud and given his exceptional pedigree, is likely to prove popular with breeders. Certainly, those that use Trinity Junior as a sire will hope he can translate his many qualities to his progeny.
A greyhound with the speed to lead the best to the turn, the stamina to win a Champion Stakes over 550yds and the most incredible resilience that saw him become the most wonderful competition greyhound, he was a true track star. Thanks for the memories champ.