SLIPPERY BRIAN MARCHES INTO CHRISTMAS CUP DECIDER AT CLONMEL

Peter Farrell

The semi-finals of the Village Kennels Christmas Cup took centre stage at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium on Friday night, with Slippery Brian continuing his impressive assault on the competition courtesy of another polished display.

Trained by Graham Holland for Larry Dunne, Slippery Brian had landed his opening-round assignment in a brisk 28.54 and was duly installed as the 4/5 favourite to claim the opening semi-final. While this represented a sterner examination for Holland’s charge, ‘Brian’ made light of the task, maintaining his flawless record in the event.

Drawn in trap one, Slippery Brian didn’t break with his usual fluency but quickly motored up the rail to narrowly head Elvis Bay approaching the first bend. In doing so, the son of Ballymac Cashout – Old Treasure opened a two-length advantage down the back straight, stopping the third-bend sectional clock in a swift 16.11. From there, it became a case of how far as ‘Brian’ continued to assert, opening a commanding lead entering the home straight. He never relented on the Clonmel hill, drawing clear of Elvis Bay in second to cross the line a decisive six-and-a-half lengths clear. The winning time was an exceptional 28.43, with Sure Exile claiming the final qualifying spot in third.

MEG MOTORS

The second semi-final was a stacked affair, with several well-fancied runners locking horns. However, a traffic-laden contest unfolded and it was Jerrivee De Meg who emerged a most impressive winner for Paul Hennessy, Brendan Cocoman and Ian Cunningham.

A level break saw several greyhounds converge at the opening bend, but Jerrivee De Meg showed tremendous courage to withstand early traffic and emerge in front. In behind, the improving Velvet Ring was hampered by traffic, while the favourite, Bombay Special, was badly impacted by a domino effect on the inside. In contrast, ‘Jerrivee’ built a two-length lead down the back straight as Gealltanas Grace and Danish Biscuit engaged in their own battle for second. There was no doubting the outcome, however, as Jerrivee De Meg (Dromana Bucko – Outback Annie) powered clear to score by two lengths from the gallant Gealltanas Grace, with Danish Biscuit securing the final qualifying berth in a time of 28.58. It was a terrific performance from Paul Hennessy’s 2/1 chance, particularly in light of the heavy bump endured at the opener.