STAR SHINES BRIGHTEST AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

Just days after her litter brother Glengar Silent took his chance in the final of the BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby, finishing a wonderful third to Cheap Sandwiches, Glengar Star set a strong standard in the opening round of the Kiltrea Kennels Open Unraced at Enniscorthy on Monday night.

Posting a rapid 28.98, she was no less than five lengths quicker than the next fastest qualifier. The daughter of Droopy Sydney and Singalong Sally was rampant in the last of the five heats, taking charge in the early yards before going further and further clear to win for Gilbert Anderson and Pat Buckley. She would stop the clock in 28.98, seeing off Alans Storm by thirteen lengths, highlighting her obvious potential and ability.

ORLA NEXT FASTEST

Next fastest was Ballinabola Orla in Heat 2.

Representing Brendan Murphy and the Murphy Ballinaboola Syndicate, the daughter of Glengar Bale and Dolls Lady would also make every yard. The half-sister to Ballinabola Ed and Hopes Teddy would contain the challenge of Glengar Blitz into the third turn before staying on to secure a four length victory in 29.33.

BLUE LOOKS A PROSPECT

Just three went to traps in Heat 4 with Saunders Blue entering the notebook as he overcame a slow start and a little traffic to win or Matt and Clare Owens.

The son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Cantcallherthat was last of the trio into the bend but charged into the third turn to go second before moving on from Faraway Downs as they turned for home. Powering clear, he would eventually win by an ever-extending five lengths in 29.43.

BLUE INITIATES OWENS DOUBLE

Saunders Blue was actually the second leg of a double for Matt and Clare Owens as Saunders Duke had earlier won Heat 2.

In front from the early yards, he edged across to the fence to dictate throughout. The son of Pestana and Clares Tavern would beat Elite Max by a length and a half in 29.76. 

ROSE BLOOMS IN OPENER

Ballybreen Rose made the most of an early advantage to repel the persistent challenge of Clona Chief in the opening heat.

John O’Connor’s daughter of Ballymac Best and Mrs Boss held on by a neck to stop the clock in 29.49.