There were shocks galore last night in Shelbourne Park as the last eight heats of the second round took place. Some big names made their exit but alas some booked their place into the third round. Skywalker Farloe, Urban Gossip, Ballyana Foxtrot, Slippery Snowy, Slippery Fred and Laughil Duke all said their goodbyes and went home unlucky losers. Cable Bay, Heathlawn Tiger and Vulturi all won last night and were very impressive I thought. Just when I thought the excitement couldn’t get any better, race eleven gave us all a thrilling ride as Amazing Dude just held on by a short head to Offshore Bound who came from the next parish to be second. Backers of the evens money shot Amazing Dude definitely got a run for their money with that finish! Ballymac Matt was the most anticipated race of the night and he remained faithful to his fans after winning in 29.48 at a ridiculous price of 2/7! He sure was a sure thing!
To calm myself down after all the commotion I headed upstairs to the draw and grabbed myself a cup of tea and planted myself down waiting for the cavalry to arrive. Declan Carey strolled in wearing a flashy tin of fruit holding a small box with the cards for the draw, Ian Fortune then came in and changed into a fitting blazer to look the part for the interview afterwards with Kevin ‘The Child Hennessy representing Boylesports, the sponsor. ‘Ready to commence’ says Declan and away he went with the draw.
So it was Plunkett Matthews birthday yesterday and there is a lovely picture of him below enjoying his day with a nice pint. He was grinning from ear to ear and rightly so as his dog Cable Bay won and ran a cracker in 29.59 at a very generous 8/1. The Con and Anne Kirby Memorial final winner is looking like a hot bet now what would he do if he got a clear run, oooohhhh the thrill of it!
Even when the Derby is over folks, (I know sniffle sniffle) thankfully there is the Night of Stars to look forward to and as each week goes by and more scintillating races occur the more we realise what a competitive night this is going to be so there is no need to be sad when the Derby ends, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Especially in the greyhound world!
I was feeling a bit woof this morning, sorry I mean rough, bloody dogs on the brain! When I got home last night I sat on the couch with the ole pair and indulged in a few Jameson and ginger ale as we discussed the nights racing. Dad always like to analyse the card to see where he went wrong, bit late for that I do say! Anyway Lar thinks Farloe Blitz is going to make it to another Derby final and he might be right. He also really likes the look of Ballymac Matt.
I can’t sign off without mentioning the GAA match that was on yesterday! I know Shane Dowling attended Croke Park to cheer his County on and was buzzing from the night before as his Father Liam had a tremendous double with Vulturi and Ballymac Matt! There were comments after the game about the ref Maurice Deegan in that his actions were erratic and he lacked consistency but his black card for Marc O Se was one of the correct decisions. Kerry won the game beating Tyrone by four points and it was a great game to watch but Kerry lacked something. Let me tell you this Kerry fans, when you meet us Dubs in the final you won’t have it so easy! Up the Jacks!
It’s a long way to tickle Mary lads so hold on to your pants until Saturday as the third round takes place!
I am sooo excited, like a pup with two tails, yeeeeehaaaaw!
See you Saturday.
Sarah
