TROMORA AXEL SHINES IN KASKO DOG FOODS UNRACED FINAL AT THURLES

Peter Farrell

The spotlight was firmly on Thurles Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night as the final of the Kasko Dog Foods Unraced 525 took centre stage.

With a winner’s purse of €2,200 up for grabs and a field brimming with emerging talent, anticipation was high for what promised to be a thrilling conclusion to this year’s renewal. The prestigious stake has long been recognised as a breeding ground for future stars, and it was Tromora Axel who rose to the occasion in style, delivering a commanding display when it mattered most.

Trained by Noel Hehir, the promising youngster was installed as the 4/5 favourite following the emission of likely market leader Oriental Cory and he duly justified that support in emphatic fashion. Drawn in trap five, a berth that looked less than ideal before the off, Tromora Axel broke on terms and showed blistering early dash to seize a dream position on the run-up, with Lemon Maverick also displaying fine pace from out wide.

The race quickly developed into a two-dog tussle down the back straight as the pair went stride for stride to the halfway mark. But it soon became apparent that Hehir’s charge had another gear to call upon. Approaching the penultimate bend, Tromora Axel unleashed a scintillating burst of speed, sweeping past his rival and putting daylight between himself and the chasing pack.

From there, the son of Ballymac Cashout and Coolavanny Palm powered right to the line, crossing four and a half lengths clear of the gallant Lemon Maverick in second, stopping the clock in a sharp 29.04. It was a thoroughly professional display from Tromora Axel, who continues to impress with each outing. Still only a March puppy, he looks like a greyhound with a bright future and one who could make a serious impact as he progresses through the grades in the weeks ahead.