DANISH BISCUIT THE PICK OF THE BATCH IN CHRISTMAS CUP FINAL

Peter Farrell

Kindly sponsored by Village Kennels, the €5,000-to-the-winner Munster Christmas Cup final took centre stage at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium on Friday night, where Danish Biscuit made all from trap to line to claim the spoils.

Coming into the decider, Danish Biscuit was widely regarded as the second string among the Graham Holland-trained runners, with Slippery Brian bidding to maintain his unbeaten run in the competition. The latter had produced a scintillating 28.43 in the semi-finals but a missed break, coupled with early bumping, saw his challenge effectively ended in the opening strides. In contrast, kennel companion Danish Biscuit, who had yet to make a major impact in the earlier rounds, burst from a plum draw in trap one to make every yard a winning one for The Slattery Family Syndicate.

At the off, Slippery Brian was installed as the 7/4 favourite, with Jerrivee De Meg close behind at 15/8. Danish Biscuit was a 5/1 chance, Gealltanas Grace was priced at 6/1, while Elvis Bay and Sure Exile were both sent off at 8/1. Once the hare was set in motion, it quickly became all about Danish Biscuit, who pinged from trap one to record a rapid 2.79 sectional. This marked a significant improvement on her previous starts and enabled the daughter of King Sheeran and Danish Robyn to stride clear of Elvis Bay on the run-up.

In behind, the two market leaders tangled early, leaving them with an impossible task. Danish Biscuit opened up a two-and-a-half-length advantage passing the 300-yard box, while Gealltanas Grace and Elvis Bay disputed second, with the former asserting to mount a chase of the leader. Posting a scorching 15.95 to the third bend, Danish Biscuit was travelling powerfully, though the petrol gauge began to flicker around the final bends. As Gealltanas Grace closed, a thrilling finish ensued, but Danish Biscuit found just enough in reserve to repel the challenge and secure a gutsy victory. Three parts of a length separated the pair at the line, with the clock stopping at a rapid 28.33.