ROSSHILL NEWS CLAIMS 600 DECIDER AT LIMERICK

Peter Farrell

Limerick Greyhound Stadium played host to two sweepstake finals on Saturday night but it was the Talking Dogs A3/A4 600 that served as the feature and it was Rosehill News that landed the €1,200 first prize on offer.

Jointly owned by Brendan and Joe Long, Rosehill News is a consistent sort and last night saw the Galway raider seal a seventh career win. Sent off at odds of 7/2, he finished as the bridesmaid in his two prior starts in the stake, however, he crucially broke in front on the night that mattered and that was all she wrote in terms of who would land the spoils. Defeated by Five Alley Star last time out, the latter was installed as the 5/4 favourite but he already faced a real battle in the early yards as Rosshill News was spring-like from trap three. Holding a clear lead around the opener, stamina worries never entered the equation thereafter as the son of Good News and Bumblebee Zena maintained a powerful gallop all the way to the winning line to see off Five Alley Star by three and a half lengths. The time was a fast 33.02.

DUCHESS LANDS NOVICE FINAL

Also down for decision on the night was the €600 to the winner Limerick ON3 525 final and this was landed by Tullovin Duchess at odds of 5/2.

Jointly owned by Michael Ryan and James Wade, Tullovin Duchess could only manage third on debut but was noted recovering very smartly on that occasion so as such, was still seen as a live player in the decider. Running from trap four, ‘Duchess’ was quicker into stride this time around but was forced to play second fiddle to Bonerea Canny, who took a flier in three. Plenty to find down the back, the daughter of Grangeview Ten and Tullovin Beyonce upped the ante in the closing stages of the contest and she showed the superior stamina to storm to the front late on and seal a one length victory. The time was 29.59.

IN OTHER RACES

Susan Garrahy and Matthew Harte recorded a fine victory with Extra Gain in race six as he produced a comfortable victory over the extended 575-yard contest. Breaking smartly from trap three. The 2/1 shot had daylight early on as he raced into a commanding lead around the opening corner. Setting a powerful gallop down the back, the son of Pestana and Slippery Jade made every inch of the running to come home four lengths clear of Macbally Anton in second. The time was a sharp 31.51.

In the AO/A1 600, Drombeg Rio (5/2) proved a tough nut to crack as he held off Rural Kihei in thrilling style. Donning the red jacket, the Evan McAuliffe runner showed fine early dash to lead on the long run-up but Rural Kihei was within touching distance midway down the back. However, despite throwing down a huge challenge in the closing yards, the son of Grangeview Ten and Grangeview Nifty held firm to secure a neck win, in 32.92.

In the semi finals of the Limerick & Clare GOBA A2 525, Champagne Fever landed the first semi for Tim Gilbourne and William O’Leary. Without a win since October of last year, the 5/2 chance completely fluffed her lines from her wide berth in six and looked to have plenty on her plate in terms of winning the contest. However, sticking to the task expertly, the daughter of Broadstrand Bono and Toremore Emily finished at speed to claim a two and a half length success over Excess Miles in second. The time was 28.87.

In the second semi final, the standard was set by Velvet Duchess for owner Ella Buckley. An open contest saw ‘Duchess’ go off at odds of 3/1 and she broke well to follow Splendid Fellow into the back. Challenging between the bottom two bends, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Velvet Nannykate cranked it up a notch thereafter to narrowly see off the gallant ‘Fellow’ by a short-head. The time was a good 28.75.