MASTERCLASS FROM MAJOR IN BALLYMAC DECIDER AT LIFFORD

Peter Farrell

There was some red-hot action on offer at Lifford Greyhound Stadium yesterday evening as the final of the €2,000 to the winner Ballymac Stud A1/A2 came to a conclusion.

Kindly sponsored by Liam Dowling, the Ballymac Stud stake has proved hugely competitive throughout and the final betting market reflected this with opinions split on who would come out on top. Neon Lights was installed as the 6/4 favourite with Clono Rocko and Great Dale next in line, however, it was Old Fort Major who took the decider by the scruff of the neck to prevail.

Owned by Sean Maxwell, Old Fort Major is a strong-running tracker but with the break set to prove of utmost importance, the powerful black found himself wanting in the opening yards as the ever-consistent Eager Colm broke best of all from trap four to dispute early on with Great Dale out wide. Meanwhile, Clono Rocko was also showing eye-catching early pace from trap three but his progress was halted at the opener as Eager Colm cut the bend in front, in turn forcing Clono Rocko to check. Although detrimental to the latter, this was to play right into the paws of Old Fort Major, who was allowed the space to nip up the inside and turn just two lengths adrift of Eager Colm, while Great Dale also lurked a close enough if good enough third. The favourite at this point, Neon Lights, occupied the rear position and he had plenty on his plate if he was to justify his support.

DECISIVE MOVE

The decisive move was made midway down the back straight, with Old Fort Major showing blistering back straight pace to breeze alongside Eager Colm and take charge upon entrance to the penultimate bend. Further bumping was to ensue in behind at this point, and this allowed Neon Lights to build up ahead of steam as he improved into second rounding the final turn. However, Old Fort Major is a strong 575-yard greyhound and he was never under any threat of being derailed once allowed daylight. Staying on stoutly with the winning line in sight, the son of Pestana and Allen Comet was to cross the line one and a half lengths clear of Neon Lights, who once again finished with a wet sail to grab second. The luckless Clono Rocko was a further one length back in third, as the clock returned a rapid 28.74, a brilliant performance on the night. Congratulations are extended to all connections of Old Fort Major, while many thanks go to Liam Dowling of Ballymac Stud for his generous sponsorship of the event.