CYRNAME SADLY RETIRED

Ian Fortune

One of the most exciting young greyhounds in training, Tullig Cyrname has sadly run his last race after picking up an injury to the stopper bone.

Pat Buckley, who always spoke in glowing terms of the son of Droopys Sydney and Hail Cleopatra, confirmed the news yesterday.

Said Buckley, “It was just one of those things. He was exceptional but was only going to get better in 2023. It’s a chip to the stopper bone. For something so small to end his racing career is devastating.

We knew early he was the real deal.

“Obviously, he won his first eight races and we were getting his ready for a Derby campaign. He broke 28 seconds at Shelbourne in a trial ahead of the Derby but damaged a dew claw in the opening round.

“We then decided to get him ready for the Leger and he was in great nick only to pick up his injury a week before it started. It’s such a shame. He was so good and was a gent of a greyhound.

“He’s bred to be a champion and made such a name for himself in such a short career that the boys will give him a go at stud. He’s back with Morty [Ahern] and was registered for stud duties yesterday. We’re bringing Nice Mystery, our Oaks third, to him next week.”

Indeed, Tullig Cyrname really did achieve plenty in a very short career. He won his first eight starts, emerging a brilliant winner of the Lee Strand 550. Through the famous competition he posted 29.59, 29.53, 29.39, 29.78 and 29.53 in the decider.

It seemed certain he would go onto achieve great things especially when he created such an incredible impression on his Shelbourne Park debut in late July. Despite a tricky draw in four, he found his way to the fence before leaving a talented field behind him on the way to a 28.26 success.

Sadly, it would be the final victory. He retires to stud with a record of eight wins from ten starts. But the overwhelming feeling is, “what if”. He was a greyhound with unbelievable potential which will sadly remain unfulfilled.

There is no doubt many breeders will give him a chance as a sire and, given his incredible ability, he could produce a few champions in time. He is standing with his owner Morty Ahern and we wish him the best in the future and a long healthy retirement.