Saturday night’s twelve and a half length win of Clona Duke in the Kirby Memorial second round might rate as the most impressive performance seen on an Irish track since Pestana’s Shelbourne track record.
The Shari-Anne Odonnell bred, Graham Holland trained, Kevin O’Brien owned black, formerly known as Newinn Danno, clocked 27.95 for Limerick’s 525 yards equalled College Maybe’s track record set in February 2013.
It was a fabulous night for the Holland kennel who also sent out both semi final winners of the Easter Cup at a rain drenched Shelbourne Park with Swords Rex and Bockos Crystal joined in the decider by Romeo Magico and Galloping Sydney. They are likely to be the top four in the betting.
Enniscorthy staged the third round of the Future Champion/Fortune Memorial where Optico Chico – 28.50 first round – was the most impressive winner. (Going rated -20). Look out too for a new FOY of Cuckoo Fund for the Waterford standard distance.
We also welcome the return of Lifford last Sunday where Careferee Chief was fastest of the four sprint winners. Racing takes place there again this evening.
Last but not least, even though the line of form is just a few hours off a week old, an acknowledgement for Pat Buckley and Willie Joe Murphy’s amazing Bobsleigh Dream who landed last weekend’s Irish Cesarewitch at Mullingar – career win no.18.
