YOUNG TRAINER GEAROID O'BRIEN CONTINUES TO IMPRESS

Barry Drake

Young trainer Gearoid O'Brien continues to impress with his team of greyhounds.

Saturday last, in Youghal, Wreck It Willow, trained by Gearoid O'Brien for owners the Seasoned Scammers Syndicate, came from last to first to win the feature at the seaside venue, the €1,150 to the winner www.thecateringcompany.ie Unraced Stake.

The well-fancied winner was stone last heading into the opening corners, however, the February puppy displayed plenty of back straight speed and she always looked dangerous from halfway. Powering home, the impressive winner made it two wins from as many starts, a length and a half clear of the running on Burgess Sophia, in 29.67.

ONE TO WATCH

The previous night at Clonmel, O'Brien sent out Newtown Johnpaul to win for owner Eric Cantillon. This pacey performer was a real eye-catcher in a couple of outings around Youghal and he made no mistakes on Clonmel debut. On his comeback outing, Johnpaul took the A4 in style, winning by a wide margin, in 29.03.

BRIGHT PROSPECT

Go back a couple of weeks, O'Brien also produced Rebel Pine to make it two wins from as many starts in the €1,000 to the winner Ballinakill Kennels Unraced Stake around Youghal. Owned by Mary O'Brien, the bright prospect impressed on debut, however, he took his form to another level when winning the final, in a top class, 28.89. A huge run around the seaside venue.

Many will remember that O'Brien did all the hard work with Dromana Bucko, selling him for a large sum after a massive unrecorded trial around Kilkenny before his debut run.

YOUNG MAN GOING PLACES

The talented trainer has had eight runners this year to date, and six have won. He's a young man going places in this great sport.

Pictured with Michael O'Brien (Handler) Ally O'Keeffe (sponsor) presents the winners trophy to Tim Cliffe (owner) also pictured is Ian Magnier (Youghal Racing Manager) & members of The Seasoned Scammers Syndicate.