ELSIE GOES QUICK IN ENNISCORTHY UNRACED

Ian Fortune

Ballyroe Elise was the undoubted star in the semi finals of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Open Unraced at Enniscorthy on Monday night, posting a rapid 28.88 on her way to a tremendous victory in the opening heat.

The Colm O’Neill trained daughter of Lenson Bocko and Rural Romance was a good winner on debut, leading early to win in 29.32. She subsequently finished third in the second round behind Runaway Charlie in the second round only to reverse that form on Monday.

Pat Whelan’s well bred youngster displayed fine early speed from trap four to lead her rivals into the back straight. Runaway Charlie shook of the early challenge of Honeysuckle Sid at the turn to move second but could never get back on terms.

Entering the back straight with a couple of lengths in hand, Ballyroe Elsie stayed on well to contain Runaway Charlie by three parts of a length. Her 28.88 return was the fastest of the competition to date. Glitzy Magic overcame early traffic to take third, some two and a half lengths further adrift.

VALLEY SLIPS HIS RIVALS

Early speed was again the key to success in the second heat as Nene Valley, owned by John Codd and Diane Brodie, slipped around the opening turn to lead his rivals.

There was traffic amongst the chasing pack at this point, leaving Nene Valley (Soul/ Up The Shannon) three lengths clear of Paradie Spirit into the back straight.  

Nothing else could get involved from that point and it was left to Nene Valley to come home three lengths clear of his pursuer in 29.33.