HOMER AND TIGER IMPRESS AT CLONMEL
Peter Farrell
There were some quality races on show last night at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium as the track gear up for next week’s National Produce Stakes opener.
The most eye-catching performances of the night came from Newinn Homer and Serene Tiger with both greyhounds expected to be in the first round draw for the Larry O’Rourke National Produce Stakes tomorrow morning. The first to get his head in front was Newinn Homer as he made it back-to-back wins for Graham Holland and The-Pillar-Syndicate. A winner last time out in an electric 16.01, Newinn Homer was expected to set a blazing gallop but in fact, he showed another thread to his bow in coming from off-the-pace to score. A son of Droopys Buick and Snoozing Head, the classy black was headed early on by both Clondoty Seamie and Mustang Sam and he was forced to tuck in behind his rivals rounding the opening bend. However, it didn’t take long for Newinn Homer to get moving as he quickly outpaced the two front-runners to storm to the front rounding the penultimate turn. Stopping the third bend sectional clock in 16.15, Newinn Homer maintained a strong gallop all the way to the line and he held on gamely from Clondoty Seamie, who came again with a late surge to challenge. The time was a slick 28.54 for the even money favourite.
Shortly after, Serene Tiger landed what was a red-hot affair as the Michael O'Donovan-trained tracker made every yard of the running. At traprise both Mustang Jet and Mullingarshuffle broke smartly from the outside but it was Serene Tiger who displayed awesome early gears to go around in front. Setting a scorching gallop down the back, the son of Good News and Charity Anne drew clear of Mustang Jet in second as he posted a sensational 15.95. Looking a sure winner at this point, both Mustang Jet and Mullingarshuffle did make fine progress in the closing yards but Serene Tiger, owned by Edmond Ryan, held on by two lengths to score. The time for the 3/1 shot was 28.57.
IN OTHER RACES
In race four, Glenbervie Maza secured back-to-back wins for owner Damien O’Regan. After a smart break from trap two, the fawn daughter of Ballymac Best and Tullig Bonnie was part of a thrilling battle with Triangle Ricardo for the majority of the contest. However, taking control at the penultimate turn, Glenbervie Maza showed superior stamina to cross the line with three and a half lengths in hand over her rival. The time for the 3/1 shot was 28.79.
There were similar figures posted in race six as Derek Kehoe’s Slaneyside Oak caused a 5/1 upset. Running from trap three, Slaneyside Oak disputed with Ellies Belle early on before taking control rounding the opening turn. From here, the son of Makeshift and Bricken Brett galloped to a one length victory over the staying-on Crokers Prince in second. The time was 28.79
The night ended on a good note as Ballmac Kurtis (Jaytee Yankee - Hello Diva) produced a very determined display for the Thirteen-And-Me Syndicate. The 6/4 favourite at the off, Ballymac Kurtis came away racing from trap four and showed fantastic courage to nip around neck and neck with Blueway Best in second. Graham Holland’s charge ran a brilliant race thereafter as he showed good guts to take charge before staying on well to deny Glenbervie Rose in the closing stages. Just a neck separating the pair crossing the line, the time for Ballymac Kurtis was 28.66.