GALWAY ENDS 2023 WITH A BANG AS SWEEPSTAKES DECIDED
Peter Farrell
Fifty percent of last night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium was taken up by sweepstake deciders as the Connacht venue ended 2023 in fine style.
The first of the finals up for grabs was the Barking Buzz App A7/A8 525 and this was landed by Springwell Jon (Ballymac Anton - Springwell Pearl) as he arrived late to claim the €660 first prize. Owned by Gerard O’Dowd, the May puppy went down by a mere neck in his semi final outing, however, he was to reverse his neck defeat when coming from last to first last night. Running from trap six, the 2/1 chance walked from traps but received that little bit of luck required at the opening turn to nestle into a favourable position down the back. Ballyea Jet took charge at the midway point and he looked certain to claim victory, however, Springwell Jon wore down the leader in the closing stages to cross the line a neck victor, in a time of 29.76 .10s.
The second final on offer was the Talking Dogs S5/S6 325 and this went the way of the even money favourite, Burnpark Jaytee.
Owned by Maria Browne, Burnpark Jaytee was three from three heading into this event and he was to maintain that flawless card with another polished performance. Only moderately into stride wearing the white jacket, the son of Jaytee Jet and Seekers Vision immediately sliced through his rivals on the run to the opener and in turn, sealed victory by turning in control. Drawing clear thereafter, the impressive youngster galloped clear of Domain Joe up the straight to win by four and a half lengths in 18.04 .5s.
There was another €660 up for grabs in the final of Happy New Year A4/A5 Dual Distance and this went the way of Donies Wood as he raced to victory at odds of 5/2.
A winner of his 525-yard semi in a decent 29.27, the Declan Kilkenny-owned runner was to implement similar tactics this time in winning in trap-to-line fashion. Wearing white, Donies Wood popped out in front and appreciated the longer run-up as he built a big lead in the opening exchanges. From here, the son of Magical Bale and Notimetotalk maintained a smart gallop to come home three lengths clear of Annadown Loki in second. The time was 30.46 .10s.
Moneygall Jack was next to claim success in the final of the IRGT A3 525.
The 2/1 second favourite behind Burnpark Layla, Moneygall Jack was without a win since April of this year but he doubled his career tally as he arrived late to score. Running from trap two, the son of Droopys Sydney and Bull Run Beam had to overcome a tardy start, which saw him sit some five lengths adrift down the back. However, Eddie Ryan’s charge upped the ante in the closing stages and he was to power home to cross the line one and a half lengths clear of Cloonturk Honey in second. The time was 29.12 .10s.
The RCETS App A2 550 was the last of the finals on offer and there was an upset on the cards on this occasion as Lady Aston claimed success at odds of 4/1.
Owned by Michael Keating, Lady Aston could only manage third in her semi final outing, however, she was much more efficient this time around. Running from trap six, the daughter of Pestana and Rinnwood Pearl emerged from a level break to show the superior early speed out wide and she just took control entering the second bend. Setting a decent gallop thereafter, ‘Aston’ was always holding Drombeg Rio in second as she crossed the line one and a half lengths clear, in 30.59 .10s.