No Rush Decision
GBGB are expected to announce the disqualification of the 2023 Oaks winner No Rush following the return of a positive urine sample from the Carol Weatherall trained bitch.
Rumours of the ruling have been in circulation of the ruling in recent weeks though no details have emerged of the prohibited substance contrary to rule 173 (ii) which states: “A Greyhound shall be Disqualified from a Race or Competition at the stage of the Race or Competition at which a Sample was taken and subsequently found positive. Rule 95 applies.”
In other words, the disqualification is automatic, notwithstanding the result of a stewards inquiry.
Under the Rules of Racing, the winner’s title and prize money automatically transfer to the runner-up, in this case, Kevin Hutton’s Jet Stream Angel.
Although these high profile disqualifications are rare, the unfortunate No Rush joins a list that includes Derby winner Droopys Hewitt and Leger winner Shelbourne Star.
Curly highlights
The €2,000 Jerry and Martin Hennarty Memorial was a novice final on the support card for the Irish Laurels Final at Curraheen Park, Cork on October 14 last year.
The impressive early leader was the blue jacketed Sacundai who showed fabulous pace to burst three lengths clear of the field. The moderately away Clona Curly (T5) was nudged at the second and seemingly well beaten going into the third bend. But a powerful late burst saw Curly get home by two lengths to give Graham Holland the forecast.
The winner’s time was 28.25, which compared favourably with Laurels winner High Trend and Consolation winner Rathdown Molly who both clocked 28.31.
Open race student will no doubt have spotted that the pair are both engaged in major finals later this week.
Sacundai, now Aero Sacundai, is the 10/1 outsider in Saturday’s Ladbrokes Winter Derby Final at Monmore for local trainer Richie Taberner.
Two nights earlier, Diane Henry’s Clona Curly will go to traps as a 7/2 chance in the ARC Northern Puppy Derby. At 40/1, he is actually joint sixth in the betting to win the 2024 Irish Derby.
Future Opens
Thursday: Hove + Newcastle + Suffolk Downs + Swindon
Friday: Nottingham + Oxford + Romford
Saturday: Central Park + Monmore
