WONDERFUL PEAKY HAS RUN HIS LAST RACE
Ian Fortune
Just weeks after reporting the retirement of the incredibly consistent Razldazl Monarch, his litter Razldazl Peaky is also to hang up his racing muzzle.
For those that frequent Shelbourne Park it will come as a real blow as he was one of the most popular greyhounds in training.
To suggest he was as consistent as any greyhound of modern times is far from an exaggeration but he was far more than consistent. During his brilliant career, the son of Makeshift competed against and beat the very best in training.
He won twenty times over his three-year racing career. His versatility was also there for all to see with his wins coming over 525, 550, 575 and 750yds.
Again, he was more than just versatile and consistent, however. He was also hugely talented with an incredible ability to get himself into a challenging position in even the best of contests.
He made a bright start to his career, winning two of his first five outings but it was clear he was a work in progress. After an early exit from the 2019 Derby, a Derby in which his litter brother Boylesports King would finish second, peaky was stepped up in trip. He subsequently reached the final of an A1 600 around Limerick, finishing a close second. It would be his final start in graded company for two and a half years.
He ended his debut season by reaching the final of the valuable John Slyne Memorial 575 at Cork, actually winning his semi-final in a rapid 31.00. He was again thrown in at the deep end in early 2020, reaching the second round of the Gold Cup.
2020 A BIG YEAR
Next it was the Easter Cup and he duly reached the final, although he carried no luck as he finished last to Wolfe. He was now starting to hit top form and was kept busy.
By the time he took his place in the opening round of the 2020 Derby he was firmly established as a crowd favourite.
His opening round display was one of his very best, although he had to settle for second spot behind a certain Pestana. He really did push the then Champion Stakes winner to the pin of his collar, going down by just a length in 29.21.
A week later he won his second round heat, beating subsequent Derby runner-up Meenagh Miracle by a length and a half in 29.45. Sadly, his Derby dream ended in the quarter finals behind subsequent winner Newinn Taylor but he continued to perform at the highest level in the following weeks.
AN INCREDIBLE RUN
In fact, he turned up on Derby final night and produced the most paw-perfect display to capture the Derby consolation final in stunning fashion.
Smashing from trap two, Razldazl Peaky dominated throughout to beat a top-class field that included Toolmaker Sydney, the brilliant Scooby Princess and English Derby winner Deerjet Sydney.
Stopping the clock in 29.19, he went some six lengths faster than Derby final winner Newinn Taylor on the night and his time remains one of the top twenty-five fastest ever runs for 550yds at Shelbourne Park.
That run was perhaps the highlight of his career although he achieved so much more. His finest run over 575yds came a couple of months later as he posted the fourth fastest time ever recorded at Shelbourne for the testing trip, coming home clear in a stunning 30.70.
His next assignment was the rescheduled Shelbourne Open 600 and he reached the semi-finals only to narrowly miss out on a place in the decider. Some four months later he returned and reached the final of the 2021 Shelbourne Open 600, running a fine race in fifth, just over three lengths behind Ballymac Wild.
RECENT TIMES
It was to be his last major final but he continued to win races with frequency, while continuing to take on the very best.
His last final came in the Savana Open 750 at Clonmel, while his last victory came in March as he won an Open 550 at Shelbourne Park.
Through a remarkable career, he was part of the furniture at Shelbourne Park. He recorded some incredible times, claimed some notable scalps but also gained a legion of admirers. In terms of a enthusiasm, consistency and popularity, he had very few equals in recent years.
Frank Shaw, a member of the Kildare-Kilcolgan Syndicate, who were lucky enough to own the brilliant son of Makeshift and Razldazl Pru, confirmed over the weekend that Peaky has been retired. He is to remain with Neilus O’Connell, who expertly trained him throughout his career, and will be available to serve a few bitches.
Given his wonderful pedigree, desire to win and very obvious ability, he could potentially throw a few useful ones in the future. Anyone looking to avail of Razldazl Peaky should contact Neilus directly. Lastly, as someone that was lucky to call Razldazl Peaky home a winner on many occasions, I’d like to say thanks for the memories champ. Enjoy the couch.