COOLIO OUT OF BAR 1 BETTING IRISH SPRINT CUP BUT SET TO BECOME A FATHER

Ian Fortune

It was with a heavy heart that Shane Divilly confirmed on Monday afternoon that Crafty Coolio, who he owns with his wife Eimear, would be absent from his semi-final of the Bar 1 Betting Irish Sprint Cup at Dundalk on Saturday night after picking up an injury.

Bred to be a champion as a son of son of Dorotas Wildcat and Up the Style, the January ’25 whelp had belied his youth to establish himself as one of the leading fancies for the sprint classic only to pick up a problem in his latest impressive victory.

Getting up in the closing yards of his quarter final to see off Montana Secret by a half length in 21.07, he looked capable of going even faster in the coming weeks. Divilly didn’t specify the problem but said he would be off until the new year with a view to getting him ready for a crack at the 2027 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial.

That in itself is a statement of intent with his lucky owner confirming that the powerful tracker is amongst the best, if not the best, he has ever had his hands on. There is some good news, however. While they will have to leave him off for the moment, Crafty Coolio is set to become a father next month after three matings.

Let’s hope we see Coolio back on the track in the future, as he really does stand out as one of the brightest prospects in training. We also look forward to seeing his progeny in action. If they possess similar qualities to their sire, they will be worth following.