DYNAMIC WAS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
Ian Fortune
The brilliantly fast Dynamic Force has run his final race and set for a new career as a sire.
Paul Hennessy trained the son of Good News and Portumna Marina for the majority of his racing career and confirmed the news in recent days.
Hennessy made sure to give Dynamic Force all the time he needed to recover from a career ending injury sustained in the English Derny semi-final, while also expressing at how it was an hour to train a dog with such an incredible desire to race.
Said Paul of Dynamic Force, “He had a great attitude for the game. He was one of the most self-driven dogs, always totally focused on the job in hand. Honest to God, he had tunnel vision.
“We made the decision to target the English Derby after winning the Bart Leahy last year and he gave it some go. When you think back, he was the fastest quarter final winner, going quicker than three Derby winners and a number of big names.
“But or horrid luck, he would have been in the final and the dog that took his place went on to win the Derby. The best of luck to them but it just goes to show what can happen.”
A BRIGHT START
Indeed, the unfortunate injury of Dynamic Force in the semi-finals of the English Derby altered the course of history.
He began his career at Kilkenny in the opening round of the Champion Open Unraced in early May 2024 but carried little luck when baulked at traps before finding further traffic at the second turn. Incredibly, that contest was won by subsequent Derby champion Bockos Diamond with the sensational Irish Sprint Cup winner Broadstrand Syd finishing second.
It must be regarded as one of the most stacked races of its nature in the history of the sport. His next start came at Shelbourne Park where he faced slightly less notable opposition, although he did lead home subsequent Juvenile Derby runner-up Innfield Destiny.
Showing massive early speed, Dynamic Force built a massive advantage before tying up badly on the run in. He may have only held on by only two lengths in 28.96 but displayed huge promise. It was clear he was destined for bigger things.
EMERGING AS A FORCE
His next two starts came over two bends, winning at Shelbourne and Dundalk, impressing in both.
It was at this point that Brendan Cocoman and Ian Cunningham stepped into purchase the potential star, while he joined Paul Hennessy for a crack at the Irish Sprint Cup.
Despite his inexperience, the young tracker would hold his own against some of the very best in training before making an unlucky exit at the semi-final stages. By this point a plan had been hatched. He would be kept to two bends for one more start before a crack at the Bart Leahy Memorial at Curraheen Park.
Paul Henenssy knew that Dynamic Force was only starting to find his feet and fought the urge to enter him in the Laurels despite the fact he had the talent to go deep in the classic.
It was an inspired decision as he was nothing short of brilliant through the hugely valuable Bart Leahy Memorial, winning each of the four rounds, including a wide margin success in the final in very tough conditions.
His final win of 2024 would come in the opening round of the Derby at Shelbourne. He made the third round before making his exit after trouble. He had a handful of starts in the subsequent weeks but was withdrawn from the Gold Cup at the second-round stage in early February.
A DATE WITH TOWCESTER
All eyes were now firmly on an English Derby challenge.
He was given a break and returned to action for a trial stake in late April, showing enough in defeat that Towcester was going to be right up his street.
Posting 28.86 in the opening round, he made plenty sit up and take notice. He followed up in the second round and ran a huge race in a narrow defeat in the third round.
It was on the quarter final night that the dream of English Derby glory really came to life. Showing all his many qualities, he left a top-class field behind him as he came home two and a half clear of Bombay Pat in 28.66, the fastest of the four heats.
Th dream became a nightmare a week later as fate cruelly stepped in to end his hopes of landing the classic. After a missed start, he paced up behind 2024 Irish Derby champion Bockos Diamond and subsequent 2025 champion Cheap Sandwiches to sit third.
He was in the perfect position to progress until his action went on the corner. It was clear something serious was amiss. His misfortune meant that Droopys Plunge would make the final and the rest is history.
A FUTURE SIRE
It was a terrible end to a wonderful racing career.
Given his age and the manner in which he was performing, he was clearly at the peak of his powers. Thankfully, he has made a fine recovery and is now ready to take up stud duties.
As a son of Derby champion Good News and from a superb dam line, he was bred to be a star and should pass on much of his talent to his progeny. His granddam Portumna West was once named Brood Bitch of the Year, while his dam Portumna Marina is a half-sister to stud dog and former track star Grangeview Ten.
Dynamic Force may have had a shortened career on the track but he made quite an impression. He will join Richard and Michael Cully of the Coonough Kennels and will no doubt prove popular with breeders.We look forward to seeing his progeny hit the track in the future and wish him best in his new career.