IRISH PERFORMANCES OF THE WEEK

The Con & Annie Kirby Memorial continues to dominate Irish racing this week with any number of exceptional performances at Limerick. Quickest on the clock was Explosive Boy with a 28.15 run, though we will be sharing the nomination with Romeo Magico (a litter brother to Fabulous Azurra). Although three spots slower, Romeo is four months younger and seven races less experienced (5 v 12).

The big final of the week was the Michael Fortune Memorial Unraced at Enniscorthy which went to Son Of Sons. However, it is impossible not to give the nomination to Rains Confident who is five month younger, and was 31 spots quicker on the night.

Meanwhile in Dublin, Beach Avenue knocked 14 spots off his own FOY run for 600 yards in his semi final of the Shelbourne Open 600 (formerly the Guinness and then Ladbrokes 600). Look out too for a 28.33 run over the standard by 18 month old Burgess Cassie.

At Waterford the big action took place on Tuesday with the heats of the Waterford Select Stakes where the Buckley kennel were dominant and Doolin Duke the quickest of all. (But make a note of the 20 month old Angry Blue who was only 14 spots slower in a supporting event).

At Clonmel, Deadly Big Show clocked the fastest sprint in almost five years with a run that was just 10 spots outside the track record.

On the subject of sprinters, Tralee have now staged three rounds of an event for coursing dogs. Still unbeaten and dominating is Ballymac Rule (yes the Kerry magician breeds coursing dogs too!) – most recent racing weight 88lbs (39.9kg).