A HANOVER TAKEOVER AT GALWAY

Peter Farrell

There were a couple of really notable performances at Galway Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night and they both came from litter companions, Hanover Storm and Hanover Sky.

Incredibly, this was the third repeat mating of Slippery Robert by Be Slow Dor and this cross of course produced the hugely talented Galway track record holder, Hanover Phantom, first time around. Indeed, it looks like Leeanne Fleming has found another two stars as her July 22’ puppies both produced sensational debuts. The first to score was Hanover Storm in the first semi final of the Sarah Hardiman O’Halloran Memorial ON1 525 as he bolted from trap six to record a terrific 3.19 sectional. From here, the 4/6 favourite never put a paw wrong as he drew clear of his rivals to win by eight and three parts of a length, in a time of 28.90. In the very next race, litter brother Hanover Sky duplicated that effort, albeit seeing off a very worthy opponent in Hazelhill Bucko. Running from trap three, the 4/7 shot, who qualified in a mighty 28.66, pinged the lids and railed like a cat rounding the opening turn. Nip and tuck between ‘Sky’ and ‘Bucko’ down the back, it remained a closely run affair all the way home as Fleming’s tracker crossed the line with one length to spare. As mentioned, the time was an identical 28.90 and it would be advisable to keep a close eye on both pups going forward. 

SMASHING EFFORT FROM MIST

In the concluding race of the card, there was a performance which more than merits a mention as Omey Mist produced an incredible display of sheer power.

Owned by the Don't-Be-Late-Syndicate, the January 22’ whelp looked a real prospect when clocking 29.09 .10s on debut at the Connacht venue, however, had tasted three straight defeats thereafter which rather curtailed her progress. However, the daughter of Good News and Twentylittletoes put it all together on Saturday with a thoroughly impressive display. Evens at the off, the black jacketed runner made her intentions felt from the outset and she tracked brilliantly throughout to see off Ballyea Buck by six and a half lengths. The time was a sensational 28.40, a terrific night's work from this lady.