FAST TIMES AT HQ

Ian Fortune

The Shelbourne Park circuit was going well on Friday night and as a result there were some fast times from some promising trackers. The semi-finals of the Talking Dogs Dual Distance saw Fleadgh Rileigh, Dapper Rupert and the dead-heating duo of Dapper Zara and Robbies Galaxy go fast. 

RUPERT FASTEST IN DUAL DISTANCE

Sam McQuade’s Dapper Rupert went fastest when dominating in Heat 2. The son of Droopys Sydney and Designer flew into a clear advantage before coasting home four lengths to the good over Velvet Jenny in 31.06.

Dapper Zara completed a double for McQuade in the third heat, although she had to share the honours with the fast -finishing Robbies Galaxy. The latter joined the long-time pace-setter on the line with both stopping the clock in 31.15. 

James Kerr’s Fleadh Rileigh was utterly dominant in the opening heat, shooting clear to emerge a ready four length winner over Pot Of Gold in 31.23.

SHANE FASTEST IN TRI-DISTANCE

Russmur Shane set the standard in the semi-finals of the This Runs Deep A3 Tri-Distance. Always prominent, Jeremiah Murphy’s son of Ballymac Best and Cabra Ash was left further clear at the third turn when Tracker Jack checked his stride.

The Stephen Dunne trained Russmur Shane eventually came home two and a half lengths clear of the fast-finishing Kilcolgancatchme in 31.38.

Old Tricks may have missed the kick in the opening heat but Reggie Robert’s charge powered his way into second spot behind Mantlehill before taking over into the third turn. From there he eased on to win by five lengths from Four Porters in 31.45.