SENSATIONAL DISPLAYS IN OPENING ROUND OF GREYHOUND & PETWORLD JUVENILE CLASSIC

Barry Drake

Ballymac Walt and Ryhope Beach were the quickest on the clock as the opening round of the 2023 Greyhound & Petworld Juvenile Classic took centre stage in the Kingdom on Saturday night.

It was a night full of stunning performances and there was a magnificent treble for local trainer Liam Dowling.
Liam Dowling's Ballymac Walt (Ballymac Cashout-Ballymac Diva) clocked a sensational 28.12 on debut. Ardfert Markie set a sizzling early gallop but the 7-4 winner, a June puppy, always looked dangerous as they shot clear of the chasing pack. Maintaining a strong gallop throughout, the impressive winner went on to beat Droopys Onestop, who was another eyecatcher in second. Four lengths the margin with five and a half lengths back to Good Zeus in third place.
Ryhope Beach (Droopys Sydney-Calzaghe Jan) was another to clock 28.12 on debut as the May puppy delivered another magical display on a night of special performances. Trained by Michael O'Donovan for owner Alison Bandurak, the 4-5 favourite had enough early pace to slip around in front and from there, it was all one way traffic up front. Music Glideway showed good finishing speed to grab second, four and a half lengths back. Tullig Jedi was a further three and a half lengths back in third.
In the seventh and final heat, it was all about Good Maestro (Good News-Mysterious Lola) for trainer Patrick Guilfoyle and owner John Kennedy Jnr. The April puppy was sent off the 4-5 market leader and after producing a flying start, he flew around the opening corners in front. The outcome was never in any doubt as the exciting young talent clocked 28.27, three and a half lengths clear of Ower Mystery, with eight lengths back to Ballymac Samuel in third place.
Despite taking a bump at the opening corner, Ballymac Marino (Vulturi-Jamaica Joy) still managed to win the opening heat for trainer Liam Dowling and owners the Metinthehalfway-Syndicate. The 4-5 market leader showed massive back-straight pace to lead at the third corner and the June puppy flew up the home straight to win by a wide margin, in 28.48. Ten and a half lengths back in second was Datartanshamrock with a length back to Moyvane Salah in third place.
Heat three went the way of June puppy Beepers Lariat (Droopys Sydney-Beaming Smasher). In the care of Jack Kennelly for Lenoard O'Hanlon, the even money winner delivered an outstanding 28.50 winning performance. Global Glengar was a length back in second, with two and a half lengths back to Saleen Ollie in third place.
De Lahdedah (Lenson Bocko-Ballymac Sarahjo) landed heat number for trainer Liam Dowling and owners the Garsuns-Syndicate. Sent off at odds of 2-1, the October puppy took a bump at the opening corner and he showed lovely back straight pace. This was a fine performance considering the early trouble. A 28.61 winning run, seven lengths clear of Ballymac Shark, with a neck back to Lauragh Mane in third.
In heat five, Hot Magic (Ballymac Best-Night Time Mammy) landed the spoils for trainer James O'Rourke and owner Michael O'Sullivan. A 7-1 shot in the ring, the May puppy ran out a 28.71 winner. Winning the all-important early lead, the winner was soon in total control and he beat the unlucky in running Terezas Mendoza by a length. Blueboyu was eight lengths back in third place.