ZOOM GOES ZOOM

Ian Fortune

There was some noteworthy racing at Shelbourne Park on Friday night and the headlines went to Zoom as he emerged a tremendous winner of the feature race, the final of the Retired Greyhound Trust A1 525.

The Murt Leahy trained star has often proved to be an aptly named athlete and this was one of those occasions. Showing tremendous early dash, the son of Coolavanny Jap and Droopys Dorothy quickly put the race beyond the reach of his rivals.

Droopys Soldier did stay on well to grab second but Zoom, owned by the Club Of Champions Syndicate, was never under an ounce of pressure as he emerged a comfortable and most impressive length scorer in 28.42.

LIGHTNING FAST

Ripley Lightning confirmed her semi-final form to run out a fine winner of the www.grireland.ie A2 600 decider.

Representing Paddy McCormack and Austin Kelly, the daughter of Laughil Blake and Fork Lightning battled her way to the front on the run to the turn and always had her rivals at arm’s length thereafter.

Swanley Smasher did close in the final strides but the line came in time for Ripley Lightning and she held on to score by a head in 32.93. 

TULLYMURRY ASSERTS EARLY

Tullymurry I Am emerged a good winner of the RCÉ A3 525, leading from the bend to emerge a good winner for Eamon and Damian Maginn.

The son of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Ring built a decisive lead to the third turn and then contained the late challenge of Kilcolgan Zeus by two lengths in 28.75.

BEACH DIGS DEEP

It was a surprise that Toolmaker Beach didn’t start favourite for the Novice 750 on the undercard but he duly obliged at 7-4, moving to the front as they approached the third turn.

Maglass Brave ran a fine race on six bend debut in second, closing on the leader to the line but Toolmaker Beach held on to score for Robert Gleeson and Willie Hyslop by a half length in 42.00.