BORN WARRIOR HAS RUN HIS FINAL RACE

BORN WARRIOR HAS RUN HIS FINAL RACE

Ian Fortune

It was with a somewhat heavy heart that John Mitchell yesterday confirmed that Born Warrior, the brilliant 2022 Boylesports Derby champion, had run his final race due to a persistent problem that kept him from producing his in his few races through this calendar year.

However, it is for his exploits in 2022 that he will be forever remembered. His displays through the Derby were nothing short of sensational, displaying the type of early speed rarely seen, even at the very highest level.

Few could forget his series of exceptional performances through the classic, showing the most incredible early speed through each and every round. It was clear from the early days that he was going to be a top performer.

A TREMENDOUS START

After suffering an odds-on defeat in his debut at Shelbourne Park in February ‘22, he went on a run of seven straight wins.

Those seven wins included three impressive displays at Kilkenny, one of which was a 28.79 return, and four wins at Shelbourne with his best clock a rapid 28.42 in early June.

Early in this period, Willie Hanlon was suitably impressed by his runs around Kilkenny and put together a syndicate to buy the hugely promising youngster. Included were his great friends Fred Malzard and Tom Crean, while Born Warrior’s owner, breeder and trainer Jennifer O’Donnell also kept a share along with her husband, the aforementioned John Mitchell.

The Whatever You Like Syndicate was formed with Jennifer remaining at the end of the lead and the rest is history. After his seven straight wins, he was given a short rest, perhaps with his late summer/ autumn campaign in mind.

A STEP UP TO 550YDS

In hindsight, it seems an inspired move.

A couple of narrow defeats were followed by a challenge for Boylesports Champion Plate honours. The added yards to the corner over 550yds were to play right to his strengths.

A good semi-final winner in 29.80, he returned a week later to turn the final into a procession despite slow conditions. It was now clear he was a leading contender going into the Derby.

AN INCREDIBLE DERBY CAMPAIGN

Incredibly, for a greyhound with twelve races and eight wins on his card, it was through the Derby that he really did find his feet.

Always blessed with superb early speed and pace down the back straight, his trapping improved massively through the blue riband, so much so that he set the pace to the third turn in every round.

And his sectionals to the opening line also improved with each outing. In fact, his 3.52 sectional in the opening round, when denied in the final stride by Explosive Boy, was his slowest of the six rounds. In the subsequent weeks he clocked 3.42, 3.41 and a fastest of the entire Derby 3.34.

His only win to this point of the Derby actually came in the second round but, despite this, he was so impressive throughout. Again, he was again razor-sharp in the semis, clocking a rapid 3.39 to lead some of the fastest greyhounds in recent years to the third turn. Behind him in the early yards were Coolavanny Hoffa, Explosive Boy and Callaway Pro Am.

As he did so often, Born Warrior swung wide off the final turn and was picked up before finishing a close third. He was now in the Derby final and all evidence suggested he would again set a blistering pace at the head of affairs.

CLAIMING HIS PLACE IN HISTORY

And so, on September 24th, 2022, Born Warrior produced a run that earned him a place in history.

Again, in front of the packed and noisy Shelbourne Park stands, he was electric in the early yards, leading up a brilliant final line-up to set a searing gallop from the opening turn.            

His rivals had simply nowhere to hide. Ballymac Finn won the battle to emerge as the main threat to Born Warrior but, despite his best efforts, could never get back on terms. Born Warrior sensed the danger off the final turn and kicked on again to emerge a half length winner of the greatest race there is.

A FINAL SUCCESS

Sadly, it would be the final victory of his career but what a way to finish. He returned earlier this year and reached the final of the Gold Cup despite clearly not being himself.

Jenifer O’Donnell confirmed that he was suffering from a couple of problems and she did all she could to get him back to the potent force he was in the autumn of 2022 but her attempts were futile.

Despite posting some exceptional trial times during the year, persistent problems meant he could never return to his very best.

He retires to stud duties with a wonderful record but really should be remembered for his stunning exploits in 2022, winning the Derby, the Champion Plate and recording eleven wins from eighteen starts, five second place and two third place finishes.

He was understandably named the 2022 Greyhound of the Year and as a son of Ballymac Best and Mountaylor Queen is certainly bred to be special with his dam Mountaylor Queen a daughter of Skywalker Puma, a Derby champion, and Skywalker Queen, an Oaks winner. 

Given his world-class early speed and incredible pace to the third turn, his pedigree and achievements, he is certain to prove too popular with breeders looking for pure speed. Understandably, we can’t wait to see his progeny hitting the track but for now, we will just remember Born Warrior for his incredible Derby victory. Happy retirement Warrior, it was a joy to watch your journey.

Video: Born Warrior Wins The Derby

If you cannot see the embedded video above, click here to watch on Youtube. 

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