TRAPRISE - Jack is on the Money at Shelbourne

Eddie Ryan’s Moneygall Jack (Droopys Sydney-Bull Run Beam) had enjoyed just a solitary victory from his initial fourteen race outings but having secured a timely sweepstake final victory before the conclusion of last season, further career progression delivered a second competition victory in quick succession as he completed an unbeaten passage through the Shelbourne A2 Dual Distance Stake on Saturday.

Ending 2024 at Galway, the March 2021 whelp landed his first stake victory at A3 level over 525-yards and always a strong runner at that trip within a campaign which harboured far more promise than his strike-rate suggested, the increase in yardage on upgrade to A2 at Shelbourne Park appeared an ideal venture.

That suspicion was resoundingly confirmed when a dominant winner of his debut race in the capital at semi-final stage on the previous weekend when Moneygall Jack ensured a rise to A0, posting 31.31 for the 575-yards in a new personal best performance.

Earning the favourite tag at 6/4 ahead of Saturday’s showdown, the Ryan stalwart was always likely to relish the step to 600-yards as he sought to compensate for his upgrade with final victory and once securing clear racing room following an adept break from trap 2, he would always prove difficult to contain.

Tracking early paced rivals throughout the early exchanges, Jack crucially advanced beyond trap 1 rival, and fellow strong finisher Peters Sydney, approaching the corner and securing command of the rails while turning, was as close as supporters could have wished for when disputing third place while within three lengths of the leader. Readily reducing his arrears to a length with powerful backstraight pace, Moneygall Jack raced on the tail of Tecatito at that point for the second week in succession and although briefly checked while turning, joined, and passed that rival entering the home stretch. Never likely to be caught thereafter, an expected late threat from the aforementioned Peters Sydney did arrive on the run to the line but ably repelling all challengers, Moneygall Jack completed victory with three-quarters of a lengths to spare in a smart 33.19 (-20) to land the valuable 12-runner event.

Now rising in grade for his next outing, the hike will hold little fears over extended four-bend distances while a return to six-bend trips may well see his recent progression mirrored in that sphere!

There’s always Hope for Abigail

While remaining highly competitive with a host of smart placed performances since last successful, young owner Abigail Morrissey could have been forgiven feelings of frustration when Abigails Hope narrowly failed to end a barren spell last time out.

However, finally taking her win tally to an even dozen at Galway on Saturday, the Cloughjordan kennel stalwart resumed winning ways with a snug victory in the Racing Again Next Saturday Night A5 525.

With her latest win coming in A2, the November 2020 whelp was clearly very plausibly graded ahead of Saturday’s contest but a six-time runner-up in the interim, connections will have been relieved to see Hope return to her best breaking form.

Crucially seizing command of the rails on the approach to the opening bend, the Morrissey winner showed narrowly in front while turning and still in command on the run to halfway, the strong runner was never likely to be contained. Duly seeing out the trip stoutly thereafter, Abigails Hope struck the line with a length and three-quarters to spare while posting 29.29 (-10).

That time will bring a return to A3 grade for her next outing but if this victory signals a return to her former prolific ways, that level would not contain the Morrissey darling, and she may well prove worth following over the coming weeks.

The late Pat Kennedy

It was with great sadness that the local greyhound fraternity learned of the passing of treasured friend and sporting competitor Pat Kennedy, Ardcroney, over last weekend.

Ever present within both codes of racing, Pat was a stalwart valued working member of Nenagh Coursing Club along with brother Martin and nephew Brian. Known and welcomed on any coursing field across Ireland in addition to track participation, which was latterly contested at Thurles Greyhound in particular, he leaves behind a myriad of friends within the racing community and far beyond.

The most sporting of competitors, his gentle manner and wonderful personality leaves a large void, and we extend our sincerest condolences to his wife Clare, extended family, and many friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.