BEN EXCELS IN OLD CREAMERY BAR HOSPITAL SEMIS AT LIMERICK

Peter Farrell

The semi finals of the Old Creamery Bar Hospital AO 525 served as the highlight at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night and Highview Ben built on his brilliant performance last time out with another red-hot display.

Trained by Paraic Campion, who has made a blistering start to 2025, Highview Ben went just one spot slower than Foxwood Rip when posting 28.42 last weekend and he was installed as the 7/4 favourite to make it back-to-back wins. Running in the second semi, ‘Ben’ was headed in the early exchanges as Gulleen Ina took a flyer from trap three to dictate. That said, Highview Ben showed a lovely turn of early speed himself and was within touching distance of the leader rounding the opener. It was at this point where Highview Ben made his move. Breezing up alongside Gulleen Ina passing the 750-yard box, the son of Pat C Sabbath and Highview Ina, owned by the VHR-Syndicate, now took control. Indeed, ‘Ben’ opened a healthy lead between the bottom two bends and although the chasing pack, which was headed by Torpedo Turtle, made brief inroads on the run for home, Highview Ben was never under threat. Galloping to a convincing two and a half length victory, the time was a brisk 28.37 as Gulleen Ina claimed the final qualifying position in third.

THREE ON THE SPIN FOR FOXWOOD RIP

The opening semi final was billed as a two-dog affair between Foxwood Rip and Rich Pursuit and the duo finished first and second as ‘Rip’ came out on top for Denis McGrath.

Foxwood Rip was the fancied runner in the contest having won his prior two rounds with minimal ease and as such, he went to boxes as the even money favourite. Much like the prior two rounds, the son of Bockos Jon Jo put this contest to bed at the opening bend as he trapped lively from red to make his rails berth decisive on the run-up. Just skipping around clear, ‘Rip’ set a powerful gallop down the back as Starson Frankie set off in chase, three lengths adrift in second. Rich Pursuit had recovered brilliantly to move into third down the back and she continued to improve for Francis Murray, however, the bird had flown in terms of the winner as Foxwood Rip comprehensively made it three wins on the spin. Staying on well to cross the line four lengths clear of Rich Pursuit in second, the time was 28.61 with Starson Frankie claiming his position in the final back in third.

FLANAGAN DOUBLE

Elsewhere on the card, there was a fine double for the kennel of David Flanagan as Canya Mags and Killenauledasher landed their respective events.

The first winner, and a very impressive one at that, was Killeanauledasher (3/1) in race five, which was an A3 contest. Owned by the Jack-Russell-Synd, this May 22’ whelp was without a win since September of 2024, however, he got back to winning ways in emphatic fashion, while posting a career best effort. Quickly into stride from four, the son of Good News and Killeanaulerocket held his position well to turn a close second behind Whats Up Doc, however, he soon breezed past the early leader to assert. In doing so, ‘Dasher’ stormed clear of his rivals and he stayed on impressively to seal a five and a half length victory over Whats Up Doc in second. The time was a terrific 28.41.

The double was completed shortly after as the ever-reliable Canya Mags scored for the ninth time in her career.

A brilliant servant for both Imelda Sinclair and David Flanagan, Canya Mags didn’t look likely to add to her tally in the early yards as she trailed the field early on. However, showing improvement thereafter, the daughter of Dorotas Wildcat and Mags Angel showed the excellent stamina abilities to reel in Cherrygrove Four late on. The time for Canya Mags was 29.00.