FOUR-TIMER FOR KEHOE AT CLONMEL

Peter Farrell

There were just the eight races down for decision at Clonmel greyhound stadium on Sunday night but it was lit up by a wonderful four-timer for Derek Kehoe as his ‘Slaneyside’ greyhounds stole the show.

Incredibly, all four winners are from different litters and the first to pass the post in front came in the opening race of the night as Slaneyside Forde produced a strong finish to win his A6/A7 525 contest. Running from trap two, the son of Good News and Slaneyside Comet was led early doors by Crock Of Gold in three but quickly loomed alongside the lead midway down the back straight. From here, there was no catching Slaneyside Forde as he pulled clear in the closing stages to win by three and a half lengths. The time was 29.53.

Next up was Slaneyside Mel as she landed her A4 contest in super style. Running from trap five, the daughter of Jaytee Jet and Slaneyside Sofia broke quickest from orange but took an almighty bang at the opening turn which left her six lengths adrift of Murlens Patsy entering the back straight. However, showing fantastic track craft, Slaneyside Mel sliced through runners and she delivered a powerful finish to cross the line with five and a half lengths in hand over Murlens Patsy in second. The time was 29.29.

The treble was completed in the very next race as Slaneyside Defoe made every post a winner. Flashing from trap five, the son of Good News and Slaneyside Cool set a ferocious gallop to the penultimate turn where he stopped the third bend sectional clock in a slick 16.15. Staying on strongly thereafter, Slaneyside Defoe maintained his five length lead throughout as he stopped the clock in a smart 28.92.

A brilliant four-timer was completed in race seven as Slaneyside Clare produced another strong finish to get up in the shadow of the post and record a seventh career victory. Breaking smartly from trap five, the well-bred daughter of Droopys Sydney and Airmount Tess was led early doors by Violet Hill and the latter opened a seven length lead down the back straight. However, after fading around the bottom two bends, Slaneyside Clare produced a huge finish to hold off another powerful finisher in Emers Bonnie. Just a neck separating the duo, the time was 29.25.