POTENTIAL UK CHALLENGE FOR KIRBY AS LOCKE EYES LIMERICK

Ian Fortune

There could be a couple of UK challengers for the upcoming Con & Annie Kirby Memorial after talented Romford based handler, Maxine Locke, stated in yesterday’s Racing Post that she is preparing Ballymac Lucia and Ballymac Axel for a tilt at the classic.

The duo finished third and fourth behind Irish raider Droopys Deploy in the ARC Northern Puppy Derby at Newcastle earlier this month and both would look likely to be suited by the Limerick circuit. Ballymac Lucia is particularly strong, finishing her races at speed. She began her career in Ireland for Liam Dowling and has since reached the final of the English Puppy Derby at Towcester and finished runner-up in the English Puppy Oaks at the same venue. Ballymac Axel is an all-rounder with a big engine.

They are jointly owned by Gavin O’Mahoney, who has close ties to the kennel and Locke confirmed he was keen to have a go with the pair.

Said Maxine Locke in the Racing Post, “We didn't think either would be ideally suited to the 480m at Monmore so we decided to look further afield.

"Gavin O'Mahoney [A member of the JR Racing Syndicate who own the dogs] is from Ireland and he was up for taking them over for the Kirby.

"We're not sure how they'll take to the travelling and the track itself, but they're booked on the ferry this Friday and will trial there on Saturday.

"It's a fantastic competition with serious prize-money and while we're not going over expecting to win it, they're both in great shape and we thought we'd give it a go.

"If it doesn't pan out they both look as if Sheffield will suit so the Gymcrack would be another good target."

It’s wonderful to see UK interest in the Kirby Memorial and should they make the journey, they will no doubt be welcomed with open arms. It’s a case of the more the merrier with international competition only a good thing for our sport.