RUSSMUR PAT LEADS THE WAY IN TIME GREYHOUND NUTRITION A1 CORK CUP

Barry Drake

The Time Greyhound Nutrition A1 Cork Cup were the standout races in Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

Russmur Pat, trained by James O'Rourke for owner Jeremiah Murphy, set the standard in the opening round as the even-money favourite was in control throughout. A 28.61 winning run, four and a half lengths clear of As I Was. It was the same distance back to Galloping Tulip in third place.

IN OTHER HEATS
In the following race, less than half a length separated in the front three and it was Lynchy Boy who got the verdict for T.J and Paraic Campion. The 9-4 shot dug deep in the closing stages as he just got the better of Ballygibba Hero, by the shorest of margins, in 29.01, with another short head back to Millridge Andy in third place.
Shonas Marshall put on a powerful finish to deny Trouble in heat number three. Owned by David and Shona Harrington, the 5-2 shot was in the mix early but she was much the stonger in the closing as she finished best to beat Trouble, by a neck, in 29.06. Five lengths back to Butterbridge Boy in third place.
For the second week running, Ballyhimikin Rex got the better of Priceless King. In the care of Billy and John Dunne, the 7-4 winner produced one of his typical strong late runs to land the spoils. A 29.07 winning run, half a length clear of the runner up with a length and a half back to Footfield Siren in third.

IN OTHER RACES
Also on the card was the semi-finals of the Eddie Murphy Memorial A3. Drive On Shirley (7-2) landed the opening heat for Chris O'Donovan, in 29.04. In the second heat, Creamery Bart (2-1) came home in front for Anthony Mullins, in 28.93.
Valhalla Nitro picked up the €500 Lahana Kennels A6. In association with the Curraheen Park Supporters Club, this has turned into a weekly feature on the card. In the ownership of Darren and Jack O'Hea, the 7-4 shot stopped the clock, in 29.38.
Elsewhere on the card, Millridge Byrce went quickest on the clock with a stunning performance for Donal O'Mahony in race number five, an A0. Showing bundles of all round pace, the 5-2 winner impressed with a classy 28.45 winning display.
Gaytime Hugo (6-4) was another to catch the eye for trainer Graham Holland and owner Stephanie O'Connell. A superb display from the improving youngster as he clocked 29.67 for the 550-yard trip. 

Image: Another great win for local owner Darren & Jack O Hea Bantry owners of Valhalla Nitro winner of the CPSC 500 euro race at Curraheen Park.