CLONA DUKE A FANTASTIC WINNER OF THE SELECT STAKES

Barry Drake

CLONA DUKE (Malachi-Coolavanny Pearl) ran out a fantastic winner of the €10,000 to the winner TIME Greyhound Nutrition Select Stakes at Kilcohan Park on Saturday night.

Trained by Graham Holland for owner Kevin O'Brien, the 9-4 joint favourite produced a decent start from trap five and he was given plenty of space as Wi Can Dream in trap four was looking for the inside. Hitting the opening corners in front, he soon kicked for home, showing bundles of speed up front, he was always in control as he beat the gallant Wi Can Dream, by a length and a half, in 28.22. Graham Holland gave Clona Duke a favourable mention for the upcoming English Greyhound Derby on Thursday's Talking Dogs podcast. One thing is for sure, he will have plenty of supporters.

GREAT BATTLE
In the final of the €1,400 to the winner Explosive Boy @ Stud On2 stake, it was Fagans Garden (Droopys Sydney-Fagans Venus) who came out on top for Larry Kearns.

In a great battle throughout with Traceys Sydney, the May puppy, a 2-1 shot in the betting, just proved that bit stronger in the closing stages. A neck the margin, in 28.90.

THREE STRAIGHT WINS
Chestnut King landed the final of the €1,150 to the winner Quilty Family Memorial and W.T.S.C Novice 730.

Trained by Paraic Campion for Tony and Raymond Bennett, the 3-1 shot was making it three straight wins. It was messy early and favourite Magical Mary was in all sorts of trouble, however, the winner impressed with a fantastic 41.03 winning performance. Magical Mary recovered for second, five lengths back.