SAWDUST SETS STRONG STANDARD IN MCCALMONT CUP

Ian Fortune

The 2024 Deadly Kennels McCalmont Cup got underway at Kilkenny on Friday night and Murt Leahy’s pursuit of a fourth title in six years got off to a great start with his Village Kennels outfit sending out a fine double, which included fastest of the round winner Sawdust Storm as he took off in the penultimate heat.

Sawdust Storm clearly meant business. Making a fast start from three, he soon asserted to enter the far side with upwards of three and a half lengths in hand. The son of Dorotas Wildcat continued to pile it on down the back straight to open the gap further to the third turn.

Droopys Crisp emerged from the pack to give chase but the leader had flown. Trained by Murt Leahy for the Chissel Syndicate, the August ’21 whelp emerged a facile six and a half length scorer in a fast 29.06.

WONDERFUL SERVANT TREMENS OBLIGES

Delirium Tremens has been the most remarkable servant for the Tiny Pharma Syndicate and he had earlier initiated the Murt Leahy double when claiming a seventeenth win around Kilkenny in Heat 4. Much like Sawdust Storm, Delirium Tremens was always in control after a fast start.

Making all, the son of Ballymac Eske and Knockdrinna Miss came home a length and a half to the good over Goingtherightway in 29.44. 

HERO KICKS OFF PROCEEDINGS

Rathfalla Hero had to ride a bump on the corner but he emerged a good winner of the opening heat, staying on well to win for owners Thomas Whelan and Denis Hughes.

The David Flanagan trained son of Grangeview Ten and Ballybrack Lexi tracked Deadly Crusader into the back straight before pouncing on the final turn. He shot clear to beat the long-time leader by four lengths in 29.32.

SONNY TOO STRONG

Heat 2 was a slightly messy affair but Hello Sonny, owned by the aptly named Winners R Grinners Syndicate, was always close enough to make a decisive move into the third turn.

The Paul Hennessy trained son of Jaytee Jet and Jaytee Sienna took over from Cunnigar McQueen down the back straight before staying on to secure a three length victory over Rural Kihei in 29.32.

MOM HOLDS ON

Two of the 2-1 co-favourites of three battled out the finish to Heat 3 with Hello Mom (Priceless Boris/ Jaytee Charlie) eventually making every inch.

After a typically fast start to contain the staying on Millroad Bolger. Trained by Pat Norris for Liam O’Connor, hello Mom dug in to hold her rival by a neck in 29.52.

BOLGER A COMFORTABLE SCORER

Sheila Spillane and JJ Fennelly sent out Burgess Bolger to win Heat 6.

Like so many of the other heat winners, the son of Ballymac Bolger and Clear Mountain was never under threat after a slick exit. He proceeded to emerge a two and a half length winner over Da Quiet Syd in 29.44.

CHEQUE ALWAYS IN CHARGE

Cheque For Sir posted an identical 29.44 in the final heat, again dominating rom the early yards. Representing Karol Ramsbottom and the Cash Back Syndicate, the son of Droopys Sydney and Yahoo Ava hit the line two and a half lengths clear of Droopys Kamari.