IMPRESSIVE ELMO FLOURISHES AT GALWAY

Peter Farrell

There were just the nine races on offer at Galway Greyhound last night but this didn’t take away from some serious quality on display and it was Five Alley Elmo who stole the headlines with a terrific performance in the second semi final of an A3 525 sweepstake.

Owned by Paul Hogan, Fire Alley Elmo was having just his fourth career start last night at the Connacht venue and he was to notch his maiden victory in some style, coming from the off-the-pace to post blistering figures. An August 20’ whelp, Five Alley Elmo didn’t come away too fluently from trap two but he showed a fine turn of early speed to follow the early leader, Springwell Thomo, around in second. Showing some brilliant track craft midway down the back, Five Alley Elmo switched to the inside and cranked it up a notch to storm past Springwell Thomo at the crown of the penultimate turn. From here, it was plain sailing for the son of Confident Rankin and Vinneys Beauty as he romped to a three and a half length victory over Springwell Thomo in second. The time, as mentioned, was a scorching 28.79 .20s. and one would assume there is plenty left in the tank given his victory was far from straightforward.

JOEY AN EYE-CATCHER

Elsewhere on last night’s Galway card, there was a fine performance in the curtain raiser as Joeys Champ emerged a brilliant winner for owner John Moloney.

An A2 contest, Joeys Champ was coming in off the back of two bridesmaid performances but he was to step up in supreme fashion to end his winless run. Moderately into stride from trap four, Joeys Champ raced through runners early doors to follow Grangeview Best around a narrow second. However, running a fantastic opening corner, the rails proved crucial for Joeys Champ as he stormed to the front to take command entering the back straight. Thereafter, the son of Kinloch Brae and Mt Heaton Daisy got stronger as the race progressed and he was three and three parts of a length too strong for Grangeview Best crossing the winning line. The time was 28.96 .20s.