FOYLE EMMA FASTEST IN BLACKSTONE KENNELS STAKE

Ian Fortune

Foyle Emma set a strong standard in the semi-finals of the Blackstone Kennels A2 525 at Kilkenny on Friday night, showing great determination to lead from the opening bend.

The second heat went the way of Blackstone Fifi as she too forced her ay to the front on the corner.

Foyle Emma was sent to traps the 11-8 favourite in the opening heat but had to work hard into the turn. There was a line of four dogs battling for the lead only for Foyle Emma to drive around in front. It would prove to be a decisive manoeuvre.

Kilara Moosh went in chase and closed right to the line but Foyle Emma (Jacob Tashadelek/ Foyle Lucy) would hold on by a half-length in 29.13.

FIFI CHARGES INTO THE TURN

The second heat saw Blackstone Fifi win in similar fashion.

Driving her way to the front into the bend, the daughter of Dorotas Wildcat and Blackstone Flyer would emerge a four and a half length winner in 29.37. Ballybough Olwyn would come through for second.