NIGHT TAKES ISLANDBRIDGE THRILLER
Ian Fortune
Gallant Knight has, in a very short spell, established himself as one of the most talented sprinters in training.
Ollie Bray’s son of Droopys Sydney and Silver Penny was having just his fifth career start in the final of the Islandbridge Open Sprint at Shelbourne Park on Friday night but it failed to stop him from seeing off a top-class field that included the Sprinter of the Year and Shelbourne 350y record holder Gizmo Cash.
In fact, it was the last named that broke fastest and looked certain to add another big race success to his tally but Gallant Knight saw it differently. Despite giving Gizmo Cash a length at boxes, Gallant Knight was still alive and threatening into the turn.
Gizmo Cash had left enough room up his inner and Gallant Knight was ready to pounce. Showing exceptional early dash, he edged his way up the inside of Gizmo Cash to challenge off the second turn. the pair had a great buckle to the line, bumping a couple of times but Gallant Knight finally got the better of his rival.
He still had to repel the now advancing Bogger Hunter. In an incredible finish, Gallant Knight held off Bogger Hunter and Gizmo Cash by a short head and a half length in 18.91. He’s clearly a young sprinter with a huge future and all roads must now surely lead to the Irish Sprint Cup at Dundalk where he will likely renew rivalry with Bogger Hunter and Gizmo Cash.
Conor Matthews Racing Support Officer Shelbourne Park presents the trophy to Oliver Bray after Gallant Knight won the final of the 2023 Islandbridge Open 350. Also included is Alan Costello. Pic: Imelda Grauer
HAWKFIELD TAKES OFF IN SUMMER STAKE
Much of the remainder of the Shelbourne card was dedicated to the opening round of the hugely valuable GRI Summer Open 525.
There were many superb displays but none could match that of the exciting Hawkfield Blue as he posted a brilliant 28.17 in Heat 6.
Trained by Keeley McGee for Jerry Connors, the son of Good News and Brownstown Tango was in a league of his own. The July ’21 whelp flashed from traps and was clear into the opening turn. There was no let up from the youngster as he pulled further and further clear to eventually beat Inflation by nine lengths. Faypoint Blue was third.
BOLGER BOUNCES OUT
The opening heat saw Millroad Bolger add to his tally for Michael Donnelly and Noel Moore.
A powerful son of Ballymac Bolger and Goldmine Larky, this contest was over from the early yards as Millroad Bolger got to the turn in front.
Maintaining a strong gallop throughout, Millroad Bolger saw off Stefans Rock by five lengths in a very quick 28.39. There was another length and a half to Crafty Bonanza.
GARFIO A TRUE PRO
Capitan Garfio was ever so professional in the second heat as he dominated from start to finish for Ken Busteed.
A member of the incredible Droopys Sydney/ Ballymac Petsy litter, Capitan Garfio made every inch after a flying start, being left further clear when his rivals clashed. He eventually hit the line eight lengths to the good over Wilms Blake in a rapid 28.34. Mr Big John was third.
PADDY TOO SHARP
Heat 3 also went to the front runner with Faithful Paddy getting loose of his rivals in the opening yards.
Trained by Pat Guilfoyle for Patsy Richardson, the son of Droopys Sydney and Faithful Jane was left well clear off the second turn as Hukum and Neon Nite became entangled.
It all very easy thereafter as the son of Droopys Sydney and Faithful Jane came home with eleven and a half lengths in hand on Neon Nite in 28.40. Droopys Racer was the third qualifier.
LIFE IN GRANDAD
Angry Grandad also went quick for Liam Walsh and Peter Cronin in Heat 4.
The son of Ballymac Best and Angry Lauren went up fast to just get the better of Cheque For Sir into the turn. Once doing so, he was never headed. Churchtown Syd emerged as his main threat but Angry Grandad stayed on well to score by two lengths in a fast 28.36.
ELLIE TAKES HER CHANCE
Heat 5 was a messy affair with Barro Ellie left in front around the last two bends.
Salmic Fitz set the pace around the turn but was closely pursued by Clona Blue. When the pair clashed at the third turn with Clona Blu moving wide, Barro Ellie found herself in the driving seat.
Ger Gahan’s daughter of Skywalker Logan and Nametab Ostara stayed on to secure a three-length victory over Ballymac Scottie in 29.03. Despite finding bad traffic, Salmic Fitz recovered well to finish just a neck away in third.
SYDNEY JUSTIFIES ODDS
Galloping Sydney didn’t make anyone rich at odds of 4-9 in the final heat but he emerged a very easy winner, showing his trademark early speed to take over from the fast-starting Hawkfield Ava on the turn.
In a matter of strides, the son of Droopys Sydney and Mags Image put the race to bed. Easing on, the Graham Holland trained star emerged a seven and a half length winner over Hawkfield Ava in 28.62.