MARTHA STARS ON 2024 SATURDAY OPENER AT LIMERICK
Peter Farrell
Despite the bitterly cold conditions, there were some excellent performances at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night and the star of the show was Glengar Martha, who landed a top-class Open 550-yard contest.
In a field that featured the likes of Annagh Bailey, Chestnut King and Drombeg Ten, it was the Pat Buckley-trained Glengar Martha who was sent to traps as the 7/4 favourite and she made light work of her opposition with a slick exit from trap four. Owned by William Wood, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Glengarbadminton wasn’t wasting any time as she rounded the opening bend with an already healthy advantage over Drombeg Ten in second. A stout stayer, ‘Martha’ was never under threat of being reeled in thereafter and she continued to set a relentless gallop all the way to the winning line. Crossing with a solid five lengths in hand over the gallant Drombeg Ten, the time for this star bitch was 30.13 on a track that was rated .20s on the night; a terrific performance.
IN OTHER RACES
Old Bill continues to be a terrific servant for Bernadette Hogan and he sealed a brilliant fourteenth career victory in race seven, which was another Open 550. Running from trap three, the 3/1 chance took charge early in this contest and you have been forgiven for thinking he would run out a clear winner thereafter. However, the reigning Rural Kennels winner, Rural Kihei, came from the clouds in the closing stages and she ensured that Old Bill remained honest in front. Crossing the line with just one length to spare, Old Bill stopped the clock in 30.41 .20s.
Given the conditions there were a couple of fine performances late in the card and Kyletaun Coco got the ball rolling in race eight as she dipped under 29-seconds. Owned by Joe Williams, the July 22’ puppy came into this contest boasting an unbeaten record from two starts and she continued that trend in coming from off the pace. Sent off a 7/2 chance, ‘Coco’ disputed with Carrigmore Ariel for the majority of this contest, however, the daughter of Deerjet Sydney and Velvet Nannykate showed the superior stamina late on to draw clear and record a third win from as many starts. Three and a half lengths clear crossing the line, the time was 28.98 .20s.
Similar figures were recorded in race nine as Bambis Lady made it four career wins for joint owners, Breda Boyle and Patrick Sheehy. The 2/1 second favourite, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Ballybrack Gem made full use of her rails pitch in one to round the opening corner in charge. In full control down the back, Canya Dream emerged from the pack to give the leader something to think about in the closing yards, however, it was too little too late as Bambis Lady crossed the line with two lengths to spare. The time was 28.98 .20s.