RAPID CLUAIN SETS HORSE & HOUND STANDARD
Peter Farrell
There were eight opening round heats of the Horse & Hound A3/A4 Guys & Dolls 525 down for decision at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium last night and it was Cluain Rapid who set the standard with a fine display in heat three.
With €2,000 on offer to the eventual winner, it wasn’t a surprise to see forty-eight greyhounds go into the draw for the Horse & Hound opening round and although many of the heats were closely matched in terms of the clock, Cluain Rapid proved a class apart as he produced an impressive display. Jointly owned by Daniel & Tom Cronin, Cluain Rapid was seeking a maiden victory but after looking very impressive in qualifying, the February 20’ whelp put it all together to win in style. Quickly into stride wearing the black jacket, the son of Droopys Buick and Melodys Shine soon showed his superiority as he took control from the outset to lead early. Showing fine dash down the back straight, Cluain Rapid was to take no prisoners as he maintained a relentless gallop to cross the line four and a half lengths clear of Dromona Rocky in second. The time was a fast 28.79.
ROUNDING UP THE HEATS
Paraic Campion was to account for two heat winners on the night and the first came in the opening heat as Wizard won comfortably. Owned by Gary Pepper, the son of Magical Bale and Coolavanny Park was away well from six but was forced to settle for second place early on as Flashy Cooper set the pace. However, showing big speed down the far side, Wizard swooped to the front at the penultimate turn and he stayed on strongly to win by three and a half lengths. The time was 29.09.
In heat two, Coolavanny Boxer (Droopys Sydney - Yahoo Perlena) stayed on best of all to notch a first career victory for joint owners Martin Sheely and Tom Hegarty. Running from trap six, the Michael O’Donovan-trained charge tucked in behind Dee Bee Duke early on and he pounced on the run for home to seal a half length victory over his aforementioned rival. The time was 29.00.
Another puppy was to impress in heat four as A Bad Winter led from trap to line to seal victory for joint owners Tony Winters and Derry Withers. Only a June whelp, the son of Rockybay Foley and Rossinarna Biddy broke well from one and took ownership of the rails early on. Making every yard thereafter, A Bad Winter saw off Byrneville Chris by three lengths as the clock returned 29.25.
The red jacket was back in the winner’s enclosure in heat five as Heathview Petra came from off the pace to seal victory. Owned by Desna Hattemore, Heathview Petra didn't come away too fluently from trap one as Autumn Zara took the early initiative. However, making steady progress thereafter, the daughter of Scolari Me Daddy and Farranrory Miska finished at speed to record a length and a half victory over Autumn Zara in second. The time was 29.32.
Heat eight saw a runaway win for the next best on the night, Flaming Sahara. Owned by Laura Kennedy, Flaming Sahara was seeking a third career win and she flew from trap five to outpace her rivals in the opening exchanges. From here, the daughter of Good News and Miss Sahara drew clear of her rivals and she crossed the line eight and a half lengths clear of Rains Annamay in second. The time was a slick 28.92.
There was another routine victory in heat seven as Tis inthepost claimed a fourth career victory in style. Jointly owned by Laura and John Carroll, Tis inthepost broke swiftly wearing the orange jacket and she showed fine early dash to outpace her rivals early on. In full control thereafter, the daughter of Ballyanne Sim and Maddies Dream crossed the line with six and a half lengths in hand over Mustang Diva in second. The time was 29.10.
The final heat of the night saw Paraic Campion seal the second part of a double as Hollyhill Jasmin made every yard to seal a first win in ten starts. Owned by Gerard Gubbins, Hollyhill Jasmin broke smartly from trap four and she was to make every post a winner thereafter. Galloping to a two and a half length win, the daughter of Laughil Duke and Leevalley Dancer clocked 29.22.