‘LOVELY DOG’ SOUTHWIND TWIRL JOINS BUCKLEY

Ian Fortune

Those at Shelbourne Park last Saturday week would have been hugely impressed by Southwind Twirl as he belied his inexperience to win the sole sprint in ultra-professional fashion.

Pat Buckley was one of those impressed and he stepped into buy the dog on behalf of Bill Wood, who already owns one of his kennel stars Glengar Martha.

Southwind Twirl was having just his second start when he shot from traps before dominating throughout. Powering into the turn and up the home straight, he would go on to beat Badminton Bach by five and a half lengths in 18.63.

Conditions on the night were far from ideal and it is clear he has a bright future. Buckley got his hands on the dog in recent days and describes him as a ‘lovely dog’. He will be given time to settle into his new surroundings but one suspects a crack at the Kirby Memorial could well be on the horizon.

Of course, Southwind Twirl, who is a son of Dorotas Wildcat and Mucky Harbour, has yet to prove his stamina but his pedigree suggests it won’t be an issue. Given his early speed and obvious talent, Southwind Twirl, who won on debut at Dundalk in 21.23, could have a big year in 2025 and he is certainly one to keep in the notebook. Best of luck to his new connections.