CARRICKFERGUS HAS MARTIN DREAMING

Ian Fortune

There was a welcome return to Shelbourne Park for a familiar name on Friday evening as Martin Fortune sent out the promising Carrickfergus to come home clear in the semi-final of the TIME Greyhound Nutrition A3 575 in a rapid 31.46.

Fortune was a regular fixture at Shelbourne in years gone by but doesn’t get to Dublin as often these days. Of course. Martin (Pic right with wife Gertie) will best be remembered for the brilliant victory of Maestro Mike in the 1998 Produce Stakes at Clonmel. 

The son of Cry Dalcash was a real powerhouse, providing Martin with his greatest night in the sport and he is hopeful Carrickfergus can go down the same path.

Said Martin of the powerful son of Jaytee Jet and Me Penny, “He is showing the same sort of promise as [Maestro] Mike. It’s great to be back in a final at Shelbourne, we had some great nights there over the years. We don’t get up as much these days but knew we had the right dog.

“I got him off Michael English as a pup and I’m very grateful to him. I own him with my great friend John Joe Farrell and, if he wins the final, we’re hoping to have a crack at the Kirby Memorial and Produce Stakes. You have to dream big.”

“Sadly, I don’t get up to Shelbourne myself. Noel Murphy brings the dog up for me but I’ll be watching from home.”

Win or lose the final, Carrickfergus is obviously a very promising young tracker and has both Martin and John Joe dreaming of bigger nights in the future. Best of luck to the duo on Friday.