WHEELER DOUBLE THE HIGHLIGHT AT LIMERICK

Peter Farrell

It was a relatively quiet affair at Limerick Greyhound Stadium last night as the track prepares for the start of both the Treaty Cup and John Whelan Memorial next weekend but there were a couple of standout performances from the Rachel Wheeler kennel that lit up proceedings.

Race eleven saw an AO/A1 525 go down for decision and Ballymun Boy, the 6/4 favourite, took this one by the scruff of the neck to win in hugely impressive fashion. An April 21’ brindle, who is owned by Peter Sutcliffe, Ballymun Boy won on his last outing at Clonmel in A2 company and although stepping back up in class last night at Limerick, he was more than capable as he romped to a comprehensive victory for connections. Quickest into stride wearing the red jacket, Ballymun Boy showed a lovely turn of early speed on the fence to post a rapid 1.28 early sectional. Taking a clear advantage into the back straight, the son of Droopys Sydney and Burgess Helena set a relentless gallop thereafter as he continued to draw clear of his rivals, on route to a blistering performance. Finishing with eight lengths in hand over Boss Go in second, the time for Ballymun Boy was a brilliant 28.30.

BRILLIANT BAILEY

Rachel Wheeler didn’t have long to wait to record a fantastic kennel double as her kennel star, Annagh Bailey, once again produced a sensational performance in the concluding race of the night.

A former Leger finalist, Annagh Bailey is as fast as they come on his day and he was installed as the 4/5 favourite to make it back-to-back wins over the stiff 550-yard trip at Limerick. Running from trap six, like last time he took charge of the opening proceedings with a swift exit and in truth, this ultimately decided the contest. Showing his customary early dash, the son of Droopys Sydney and Bellmore Fantasy rounded the opener in charge and thereafter, it proved a formality for Annagh Bailey, who was a class above his rivals. Storming to a healthy victory, Dan and Peter Stackpoole’s charge was four lengths too good for Rougarou as he crossed the line to record a scorching 29.50.