GOOD APRIL CAPS GREAT WEEKEND FOR KENNEDYS

Peter Farrell

After landing the Laurels at Curraheen Park on Saturday night with Good Cody, the Kennedy Family landed another super victory at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium last night as Good April came home clear in the final of the Derrjet Sydney & Glengar Bale @ Stud Unraced Bitch Stake.

Owned by John Kennedy, Good April had landed her opening round assignment in 28.90 but although failing to follow that success up in subsequent rounds, the January 21’ whelp had shown big pace in defeat and was installed as the 6/4 favourite for success on the night. Running from trap four, Good April was led early on by Shes Non Stop in trap six and the duo battled it out in a thrilling encounter to the penultimate turn. The superior stamina of Good April proved decisive at this point however, and the daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet and Hugh Dream drew clear in the closing stages to cross the line five lengths clear of Riverside Lisa in second. The time was a fast 28.61 and congratulations are extended to the Kennedy family on landing the €1,800 to the winner feature. 

FUDGE QUICKEST IN STUD OWNERS MUNSTER JUVENILE CUP

There was a strong supporting act on the card as the semi finals of the Stud Owners Munster Juvenile Cup were also down for decision and it was Riverside Fudge who went quickest.

Owned by the RTC Syndicate and trained by Graham Holland, who recorded a double on the night with Swift Hipster also scoring earlier on the card, Riverside Fudge was a 2/1 shot heading into the second semi and he came away racing from trap two to lead early doors. Showing super early dash, the son of Lenson Bocko and Riverside Honey quickly excelled into a four length lead down the back and he was never in danger of being caught despite the eye-catching performance of kennel companion, Ballyhimikin Leo, in second place. Coming home three and a half lengths clear, the time was a brilliant 28.36 off a 16.05 sectional. Impressive stuff from Riverside Fudge as Graham Holland sealed a 1-2-3 with Romeo Turbo claiming third.

In the opening semi final, the Murt Leahy-trained Lilywhite Queen also led from the outset to score at odds of 5/2. Quickly away from trap two, the run to the opening corner was a closely run affair with Romeo Kodi and Doubtful Ollie also getting involved but the inside line proved crucial as Lilywhite Queen swept around in front. Setting a powerful gallop down the back, the Paul Finn-owned bitch clocked 16.13 to the third turn and stayed on well to fend off her rivals by one and a half lengths. Doubtful Ollie and Blackstone Lacy claiming the other two qualifying positions, the time for Lilywhite Queen (Droopys Sydney - Dunquin Anna) was 28.57.