SENSATIONAL SYD CAPTURES IRISH SPRINT CUP
Ian Fortune
The rebels were in full voice at Dundalk on Thursday night as Broadstrand Syd captured the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup with yet another scintillating display of sprinting.
Sent to traps the 4-6 favourite, it hardly came as a surprise but he was pushed to the pin of his collar by Elite Kursk, who ran a remarkable race in second.
A MEMORABLE OCCASION
This was another great occasion at Dundalk.
A fine crowd was present during the day for the horseracing, while those travelling for the doggy action were greeted by live music. And the action on the track lived up to the hype.
There were many fine displays but the evening belonged to Broadstrand Syd and his Cork connections and supporters. Trainer Johnny Linehan may not have been on hand – his daughter was making her debs - but his right-hand man Kieran Walsh was again in charge.
And it was clear Broadstrand Syd was happy with the travelling arrangements as he again displayed the most awesome pace and determination to claim the €20,000 prize. Those that took the odds-on about the brilliant son of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Alice would have felt a little apprehension at trap rise.
WIDE RUNNERS GET THE BEST OF THE START
Thoe on the outside of the track seemed top get the better of the start.
Elite Kursk and reigning champion Carrick Aldo broke fastest, followed by Road Exile, while Broadstrand Syd was just fractionally behind the trio.
It was very obvious from the early strides this was not going to be a straightforward success for the favourite. Elite Kursk displayed wonderful immediate acceleration to master Carrick Aldo in the opening fifty yards.
The eye was then drawn to Broadstrand Syd. Showing superb early speed, he improved his position to challenge Carrick Aldo for second before heading his great rival into the turn. Elite Kursk posted a sensational 6.97 to the turn but Broadstrand Syd was now on his inner and challenging.
A FLUENT BEND
Both greyhounds ran a fluent bend to increase their advantage over those in chase.
Carrick Aldo lost all chance when bumped by the improving Road Exile into the turn but neither were going to worry the front two.
Elite Kursk held a lead of a length as they began to turn but he steered a middle path leaving Broadstrand Sayd with the room he needed on the fence. Staying impossibly tight to the fence, the favourite quickly made up the ground on the early pace-setter to take charge as they entered the home straight.
Elite Kursk did come again as they straightened up but Broadstrand Syd was now in the driving seat and he continued to press on the accelerator. Never more than a foot from the inside rail, Broadstrand Syd continued to pile on the pressure to the line to eventually emerge a famous and most deserving winner in a stunning 20.67.
A RACE TO REMEMBER
Elite Kursk made this a contest to remember, producing the most incredible run in defeat.
On this evidence, the son of Elite Black is going to be a major force going forward. To push Broadstrand Syd as hard as he did is testament to his immense quality. Road Exile stayed on well to finish four lengths further back in fourth, while the old campaigner Ballymac Finn was another length away in fourth.
But we said earlier, this night belonged to Broadstrand Syd. A special greyhound produced a special performance to earn his place in history. He now boasts the three fastest EVER runs around Dundalk’s 400yd trip. When you consider the quality of those that have come before him, that is some achievement and a measure of his brilliance. He is a true superstar.
Owners Vincent O’Donovan, Kieran Ryan and Billy Drake were the happiest men in Dundalk, clinging tightly to their trophy, while the man at the end of the lead Kieran Walsh was cool as a cucumber with a contented grin on his face.
BONUS IS ALIVE
Barney O’Hare of sponsors Bar One Racing was on hand to hand over the trophy and he is more than aware that the €10,000 bonus he promised should the winner go onto capture the Bar One Racing Irish Laurels is still very much alive.
And have no doubt, that is exactly where Broadstrand Syd is heading. Given his incredible speed, his knowledge of Curraheen and his abundance of class, he will be favourite to capture the Derby of the south.
His mere presence will enough to create quite a buzz but just wait until they see the newest classic winner in Irish greyhound racing tearing into the turn like a bat out of hell. He truly is a joy to watch in full stride.
Niall Grimley Midfield Player in the winning 2024 All Ireland Armagh Football Team presents the trophy to Kieran Ryan after Broadstrand Syd won the 2024 Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup Open 400 Final at Dundalk. Also included are sponsors Barney and Tracey O'Hare, Tim Lucey CEO GRI, Alex Grassic GRI, handler Cieran Lynch, owner Vincent O'Donovan and connections. Pic: Imelda Grauer
Undercard
TIGER PRODUCES FINE DISPLAY TO CAPTURE DIRECTOR’S MEMORIAL
Coaltown Tiger was a super6b winner of the Directors Memorial A3/A4.
After coming from of the pace to win his semi-final in 28.76, it was no surprise to see him go faster in the decider when making every inch of the running after a slick exit from trap two.
Representing Michelle and Kevin Carberry, the son of Good News never really gave his rivals a chance. Once squeezing around the turn in front, he was relentless on the bunny and went on to capture the €3,000 prize, holding Neon Blue by a length and three quarters in 28.58.
TREASURE WITH A GOLDEN DISPLAY
Second Treasure produced a flawless display to run away with one of the supporting open sprints. Graham Kelly’s talented sprinter was razor sharp, dominating from the opening strides to emerge a ready four and a quarter length winner over Laughil Bruce in an exceptional 20.86. On this evidence, the winner is a young sprinter to keep on your side in the future.
QUEEN SO IMPRESSIVE
Fastest run for the 525yd trip came from Padge Devanney’s Darbys Queen as she clocked a sizzling 28.34 on her way to a mighty impressive success in the eighth race.
Only fourth into the turn, she barged her way up the fence to lead off the corner. She was never headed thereafter, pulling away on the run in to emerge an easy three and a quarter length winner over Up The Sleeve.
QUEEN COULD BE A SIX BEND STAR IN WAITING
Racing ended with Unlock Queen storming up the home straight to win the open 670 in the style of a bitch with a big future over further.
Brendan Matthews’ daughter of Grangeview Ten and Unlock Unlock lost plenty of ground on the turn, when checking wide but she recovered well.
Absolutely devouring the ground up the home straight, she collared All Electric to win by a length in a fast 36.62.
View this post on Instagram