RPGTV LIFFORD COVERAGE PROVES A HUGE SUCCESS

Peter Farrell

A massive crowd flocked to Lifford Stadium last night to witness a masterclass of greyhound racing, all of which was available to view live on RPGTV.

On the night, which was in aid of Christy Gillespie and the Foyle Hospice, there were a number of outstanding performances, none more so than the Open 575 which saw Bens Teddy emerge victorious.

With a whopping €5,000 on offer for a one-off race, it was hardly surprising to see some of the Country’s top trackers journey to the North-West and patrons were treated to a real thriller as Bens Teddy produced an exemplary display to get up in the closing yards.  Sent off as the 6/4 favourite, Pat Buckley’s charge was slowly into stride and also shipped a bump early doors as the strong-running Hanover Phantom pinged out to lead from trap one. A stout six-bend runner, and indeed a Galway track record holder, you would have been forgiven for thinking this contest was already all-over even at an early stage. However, despite sitting some five lengths adrift entering the back, Bens Teddy once again displayed his superior racing brain to pick his spots and maneuver through runners in excellent fashion. Storming past Droopys Ailsa around the bottom two turns, Hanover Phantom was now well within his sights and the son of Droopys Sydney – Beechgrove Bell powered past his rival on the long run for home to score. A blistering performance for a greyhound who was having his first look at the track, the time was a fantastic 31.48.

UNMATCHED WAS JUST THAT

In the other €5,000 Open, it was the John Linehan-trained Unmatched who made the long journey from Cork worthwhile as she flew around Lifford to a virtual solo.

Hawkfield Blue was installed as the even money favourite in this contest, however, a poor start ultimately ended his hopes of landing the spoils. In contrast, Unmatched, owned by the Swipe-Right-Syndicate, had no such problems as the 5/1 chance bolted from trap five to lead Glengar Martha into the opening turn. Swooping the bend to shoot into a clear lead down the back, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Alice was never under any threat thereafter as she maintained a relentless gallop to come home four and a half lengths clear of Hawkfield Blue in second. The time, for the 550-yard contest, was a rapid 29.97.

RPGTV FINALS

Aside from the one-off Opens, the main events were the two finals which were kindly sponsored by Racing Post Greyhound TV.

The first of the finals down for decision was the RPGTV S1/S2 Firecracker 325 and this went the way of Spurge, who made it four wins from as many starts for Tom Mullan. Despite winning his semi final comfortably, Izzys Jimmy came in for strong support and as such, was installed as the 11/10 favourite to reverse the form with Spurge. However, this contest was all over at the lift of the lid as the son of Pestana was spring-like at traps to quickly manufacture a healthy lead. Not breaking stride around the opener, Spurge did run-off the bottom bend, however, it mattered not as Mullan’s charge straightened up well to record a comprehensive, three length victory. The time was 17.53, a terrific run on a cold night.

The second RPGTV final was the A1/A2 Rocket 525 and this went the way of Whos The Monk, who showed terrific finishing speed to land the €2,000 first prize. Kyanite Kate was the 5/4 favourite in this contest as she bid to bounce back from her semi final defeat, however, another poor start was to prove her undoing. At traprise, it was Eager Colm and Stefans Magic who displayed the superior early pace and the latter proceeded to take control around the opener. Whos The Monk, meanwhile, nestled into a lovely position rounding the first turn and John McCall’s pup was a real contender given his strong-running performance one-week prior. Showing a brilliant turn of back straight speed, Whos The Monk joined Stefans Magic at the penultimate turn before quickly asserting in the second half of the contest. Staying on stoutly thereafter, Kyanite Kate got back into contention on the run for home, however, the bird had well and truly flown as Whos The Monk (Ballymac Bolger – Rallying Saidso) powered across the line to seal a one and a three parts of a length success. The time was 28.88.