No Joking around at Limerick

TRAPRISE

Saturday’s fixture at Limerick proved the most fruitful meeting of the past week for local challengers around the country and leading the charge in a pleasing return to winning ways was the Lorna and Maureen Syndicate’s Jokers Corner (Broadstrand Bono-Skips Abby).

Last successful in A1 grade at the backend of last season, the Pat Steed trained July 2022 whelp bounced back from recent defeats and taking advantage of an appealing level, began on terms from trap 5 before much the quickest to reach full stride. Drawing clear to a strong two length lead at the opening bend, the Ballinaclough stalwart would effectively settle the race before reaching the backstraight when easing further clear of bumping rivals in behind.

Never seriously threatened thereafter, Jokers Corner maintained a strong gallop throughout a six and a half-length winning verdict and posting 28.90 (+10), will remain in the same grade following this fourth race win. A repeat of his smart start will see him tough to contain next time.

Byrne bags quick Limerick brace

That same fixture had commenced in highly pleasing manner for local support at the Dock Road venue as trainer John Byrne registered a quick double, claiming the opening two races on the card with a brace of maiden winners.

First up in the Welcome to Limerick Greyhound Stadium A8 525, young Alex Byrne’s Knockalton Queen (Grouchos Duke-Courty Girl) stepped up for debut experience when securing her first race win at the second time of asking.

Much better housed in trap 1 this time following that bumpy first race outing, the October 2024 whelp began just behind the pace but ably defended her rails pitch before vying for the lead on the inside of rivals at the corner. Edging to the front while turning, the Byrne pup was two lengths to the good over keen pursuers at halfway and continued to contain all threats. Seeing out every yard, Knockalton Queen posted 29.44 (+10) with two and a half lengths to spare and will not fear an upgrade to A5 on this evidence!

With no time to rest on those laurels, the Knockalton kennel were back in action for the following Bet on the Tote A6 525 and following her pleasing debut, Kieran White’s Kitmins Kate (Ballymac Cashout-Confident Petal) also shed her maiden tag in a second career outing.

Only narrowly denied when second in last month’s first race appearance, the July 2024 pup began just behind the pace from trap 5 this time but displaying the best dash on the run to the corner, gradually eased to the front before galloping her way towards the rail at the opening bend. Turning with a strong one length in hand, the Byrne trained winner extended to three lengths entering the backstraight and was never seriously threatened thereafter. Maintaining a strong gallop throughout, Kitmins Kate completed her virtual solo passage with five lengths to spare while posting 29.34 (+10) and A4 level will hold no fears next time following this commanding performance.

Max sparks double for Abigail

Sparking the winning action last week, Tuesday’s meeting at Kilkenny set the tone for the days ahead with a double for Abigail Morrissey on the SIS fixture as firstly, Abigails Max (Here Comes Syd-Abigails Hope) set up a hat-trick bid while landing the Boylesports Bookmakers A7 525.

Green in victory at the same level last time, the June 2024 whelp began well from his trap 6 draw this time and led by a length upon reaching the opening bends. He again offered plenty of room for rivals on his inside while moving wide off the turns however and was joined for the lead before reaching the backstraight. Back on an even keel, the Morrissey pup again began to ease clear on the run to the closing bends and galloping to a seven-length winning margin in dominant style, posted 30.61 (-70) on a saturated surface.

Difficult to truly gauge the accuracy of that slow rating on the day, Abigails Max remains in the same grade for his next outing, and one suspects that he may be ahead of this level in the hattrick bid!

A double for the Cloughjordan kennels arrived within the half-hour at Kilkenny when Home Cedrie (Ballymac Anton-Home Julie) doubled his win tally while landing the McCalmont Cup A7 525 in most game style.

Slow to stride from trap 2, the August 2023 whelp trailed all bar one rival in the early exchanges but gaining ground between rivals on the run to the corner, secured second position while turning. With three lengths to recover on the pacesetter at the top of the backstraight, the Morrissey charge proved much the strongest beyond halfway.Striking the front on the outside at the third bend, Home Cedrie drew clear in dismissive fashion, thereafter, striking the line with four and a half lengths in hand. Posting 31.17 (-70) on the rain-soaked circuit, he too will avoid an upgrade for his next appearance.