Ballymac Matt produced the second fastest time ever in the final of the Gain Dog Foods Open 600 at Shelboune Park on Saturday.
Liam Dowling’s runner flew out of the boxes and was soon well clear. He eventually came home six and a half lengths clear of Irish Cesarewitch runner-up Droopys Bomber in 32.13sec, just three spots off Sparta Maestro’s track record.
Last year’s winner Greenwell Hulk was a further length behind in third.
Slippery Snowey set the standard in the heats of the ECC Timber Champion 550 heats.
Larry Dunne’s son of Brett Lee, a litter brother of Sporting Press Oaks winner Ballydoyle Honey, got the better of a real battle with Race of Champions winner Rural Hawaii by a length in a fastest of the round 29.79sec.
Produce Stakes semi-finalist Skip Glory was soon clear in the last qualifier and he went on to beat Ballybough Mike by four lengths in 29.82sec.
Jaytee Pharoah made it four wins from six races in the opening heat. Paul Hennessy’s runner was soon clear to beat Skywalker Rory by four lengths in 29.82sec.
Hennessy had a double with Tuckers Foley in the second qualifier. The son of Droopys Scolari was soon clear and he went on to beat Tyrur Mairead by a length in 30.15sec.
There was a good run from Calzaghe Clampet in the 575 yards race. Graham Holland’s runner was soon clear and went on to beat Tinnock Fantasy by four and a half lengths in a fast 31.15sec.
