DANNY GOES FASTEST IN FAIR WARRIOR

Ian Fortune

The best was left for last in the opening round of the Pat Doran Memorial Fair Warrior Open 4000 at Mullingar on Saturday night as Callaway Danny ran out a terrific winner over the favourite Stonepark Browne in a memorable clash.

Indeed, the pair were only separated by a head on the line with both greyhounds going faster than any other qualifiers on the night. Things seemed to be going to plan for Stonepark Browne as he got up the inside of the fast-starting Callaway Danny into the bend but there was never much between the pair.

Callaway Danny continued to challenge hard on the outside of his rival down the back straight before just getting his nose in front as they approached the line by the third turn. Representing the successful combination of Owen McKenna and Denis Murphy, Callaway Danny stopped the clock in a rapid 21.29. On this evidence, both the winner and the runner-up will have a big say in the famous midlands sprint competition.

There was very little between most of the others heat winners with See The Wonder, Boltaway Wink, Supa Mac and Microchip all within five spots of each other.

MICROCHIP FLIES UP

Consolation Laurels winner Microchip was next fastest to Callaway Danny as he took Heat 5 in 21.43. Mary Clarke’s son of Droopys Sydney and Clona Skye got loose early, posting a rapid 6.95 sectional, to make all from the fast-finishing Glenlara Dubh by two lengths.

WONDERUL WONDER

Paul Hennessy recorded a double.

See The Wonder got the ball rolling in the opening heat, relishing the long run and also posting a 6.95 sectional to slip around in front. Despite drifting off the bend and allowing Ten For Effort up her inside, she was soon back in front and kicked off the second turn to win by four and a half lengths from the fast-finishing Freeway Bruce in 21.48.

A SUPA DISPLAY FROM MAC

Supa Mac got up on the line to deny the defending champion Gem Friendly by the narrowest of margins in Heat 3 to complete the Hennessy double.

This was quite a run from Supa Mac as he found himself off the pace into the bend behind the pace-setting Gem Friendly.

He found further traffic between the opening two bends when attempting to sweep around his rivals but really flew up the straight to join Gem Friendly on the line. Paul Hynes’ son of Mcinerney and Illnotbeback got the verdict by a short head in 21.46.

BOLTAWAY LIVES UP TO HIS NAME

Ian Reilly and the KSS Syndicate were on the mark in Heat 2 as Boltaway Wink (King Sheeran/ Highway Wink) lived up to his name by making every inch after bolting from traps.

Arrow Legend chased him home, but Boltaway Wink was never under any pressure as he raced to a seven length success in 21.45.

SKY TOO HOT FOR RIVALS

Ridgemount Sky may not have been as fast as the other heat winners but there was nothing wrong her run in Heat 4 as she left her rivals chasing shadows.

Owned by John and Alan Troy, this was all very straightforward for the daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Ballymac Sanjose. In front early, he looked right at home as she cruised to a three and a half-length victory over Bawn Knockard in 21.70.