PEPE SETS THE STANDARD IN JOHN WHITE MEMORIAL AT CLONMEL

Peter Farrell

The opening round heats of the John White A2/A3 550 Perpetual Cup got underway at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium last night and it produced some fine displays, the best of which coming from Pepe Noir in heat three.

Owned by Arthur Morrissey, Pepe Noir looks a very useful type indeed and the November 21’ whelp made light work of his opposition in heat three, while dipping under the 30-second barrier in the process. A 5/2 market chance, the son of Pestana came away racing from trap four and in doing so, quickly outpaced Lads Bluebell to the opening corner. From here, Pepe Noir set a powerful gallop down the back and he proved too hot to handle for his rivals in coming home four lengths to the good over Lads Bluebell in second. The time was a fast 29.96.

KENNEDY DOUBLE

Elsewhere in the heats, there was a nice double for the kennel of John Kennedy Jnr as both Amazing Quest and Good Arminta scored. First up was Amazing Quest in heat as she justified her 2/1 billing with a comfortable success. Running from trap two, the son of Good Cody made every inch of the running to cross the line two and a half lengths clear of Minor Rocker in second. The time was 30.27. Shortly after, in heat six, Good Arminta also justified favouritism as the 6/4 shot came home clear. Led early by Vivaro Billyboy, Good Arminta quickly showed fine dash to take control at the opener and the daughter of Ballymac Cashout never looked back thereafter. Setting a decent gallop, she came home one and a half lengths too strong for Vivaro Billyboy in second. The time was 30.47.

INCREDIBLE BOY

Aside from the sweepstake action, there was a sensational performance in the Open sprint as Warrenstown Boy slayed his rivals.

Trained by Paraic Campion for Osmond Bennett, Warrenstown Boy went to boxes as the 5/4 favourite and those odds looked very generous indeed as he bolted from trap two to lead. Quickly manufacturing a healthy lead, the son of Magical Bale and Road Queen drew clear of his rivals thereafter and given he stays the four-bends comfortably, all eyes were on the clock given the start he had made. Powering up the Clonmel straight, Warrenstown Boy came home seven lengths clear of Soul Delight, in a blistering 15.97. A wonderful effort from Campion’s charge.