Guilfoyle double handed in Derby defence
Not since the heady days of Borrisokane’s legendary Ger McKenna has our local greyhound racing community enjoyed such a tangible presence in the sport’s major events which has been afforded to us through the multiple classic winning achievements of the Guilfoyle family kennels of Moneygall in more recent times.
With victories in four of the original classics of the sport in just over a decade, trainer Pat Guilfoyle and his family kennels reached their sporting pinnacle when Good News delivered an astounding victory in the 2017 Derby Final and twelve months on from that glorious achievement, they now stand just two steps from returning an almost unthinkable double in the greatest greyhound race in the world.
Entering the quarter-finals of the 2018 Boylesports Irish Derby last Saturday with both Cabra Hurricane and Magical Bale still standing, the former would be first to keep the double dream alive when he produced another blistering display of early pace to lead throughout the opening heat.
From Trap 2 he again completely outpaced some the most talented greyhounds in training when immediately establishing a commanding lead on the run to the first bend. Scorching a trail in the Shelbourne sand, he had built up a five length advantage at halfway with the only question left to answer being, would he hang on for victory?
Owned by Paul Scally in Thurles, Cabra Hurricane, by connections own admission, does not fully stay the 550 yard distance but such is his early prowess, he has now won three of his four Derby heats. Again crying out for the line when leading in the home-straight this time, he would come under pressure from the previously unbeaten Jaytee Taylor.
However, his now famous early pace had just about given him enough advantage as he clung to victory by a short-head in 29.60.
To read more, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian locally or subscribe to our e-paper to access it online each Wednesday.
To read more, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian locally or subscribe to our e-paper to access it online each Wednesday.