DEZ AND MEG STAR IN SEMI FINALS OF THE GALLOPING KENNELS STAKE

Barry Drake

DANISH DEZ, trained by Denis Fitzgerald for owners the Slattery Family Syndicate, set the standard in the semi finals of the €4,000 to the winner Galloping Kennels A3 Stake at Curraheen Park.

Producing a quick start to lead, the January puppy took total control early and with trouble in behind, the race was soon over as a contest. Displaying plenty of speed up front, the 3-1 shot came home with 14 and a half lengths to spare over Parkview Cash, in 28.52, with a length back to Uisce Beatha in third place.

In the opening semi final, Jerrivee De Meg, trained by Paul Hennessy for owners Brendan Cocoman and Bryan Cunningham, recorded back to back winning performances. Midfield early on, the 4-6 favourite was catching the eye on the back straight. Finishing best of all, the October puppy got the better of the front running Yahoo Puff, by three and a half lengths, in 28.95. A length and a half back to Rustys Prince in third.

In the final of the €800 Go Greyhound Racing A1 Stake Final, Strideaway Kid put on a determined effort to win for Michael Spillane. The 2-1 second favourite was led early by the well fancied Droopys Apollo, however, the Michael Spillane owned and trained runner recovered from a couple of lengths down at halfway to land the spoils, winning by a length, in 28.90.

In the opening race, Aghadown Millie impressed when winning for Niall Collins. The February puppy had caught the eye in previous outings but this was a career best effort and going on this run, she’s an exciting talent. Tracking well to turn second around the opening turns, the 2-1 shot impressed on the back straight, in front between the final bends, she pulled away to win, in 28.82.

In the Happy Birthday to Sarah O’Shea 550, Rosstemple Pace, for Noel Barron, delivered an outstanding front running winning performance to win in great style. A 29.93 winning performance, seven and a half lengths clear of Coretime Tom.

Below: Rosstemple Pace for Noel Barron - winner of The Happy Birthday Sarah O Shea 550. Sarah O’Shea makes the presentation to the Barron family.