MANGO MAKES WINNING DEBUT AT CLONMEL

Peter Farrell

It was an all-graded affair at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium last night with nine races down for decision and there was an excellent debut display from Riverside Mango in the Kilsheelan Gallop Novice 525.

Trained by Graham Holland for daughter Rachel, Riverside Mango was all the rage prior to the off and as such, the February 21’ whelp was installed the even money favourite to make a winning start to her racing career. Running from the red jacket, Riverside Mango wasted no time whatsoever at boxes as she broke smartly to dispute the early running with Goldcash Dysert in six. Making full use of her inside draw, the daughter of Lenson Bocko and Riverside Honey led into the back straight and she proceeded to draw clear of her rivals and run out a comfortable winner. An impressive six lengths clear of Loskeran Nellie crossing the line, the time for Riverside Mango was a swift 28.95.

MALACHI QUICKEST ON THE CLOCK

It may have been a terrific debut performance from Riverside Mango but it was Emers Malachi who went quickest in terms of the clock as he landed race seven in fine style.

Owned by JJ Dunne, Emers Malachi is only a January 21’ whelp and after being a real eye-catcher on debut after fluffing the start, he put things right in emphatic fashion last night at the Suirside venue. Running from trap two, the 5/4 joint favourite quickly asserted control with a brisk start from the inside. From here, the son of Malachi and Emers Sky set a powerful gallop to stop the third-bend sectional at 16.26 and he pulled clear in the closing stages to win by a comfortable three lengths. The time was a fast 28.87.

TOMAHURRA DOUBLE

Elsewhere on the card, there was a good double for the kennel of Michael Meade as both Tomahurra Buddy and Tomahurra Lucky scored in the concluding two races on the card.

Both a product of brood bitch Slaneyside Comet, it was Tomahurra Buddy who landed the first blow as he justified 6/4 favouritism when finishing at speed. Running from trap four, the son of Vimmerby was quickly into stride but the inside line proved crucial for Emers Alfie who took control rounding the opener. However, it was a case of roles reversed upon entrance to the home straight as Tomahurry Buddy nipped back up the inside to score by one and a half lengths. The time was 29.19.

The kennel double was completed in the final race on the card as Tomahurra Lucky, like half-brother Buddy, came from off the pace to win at odds of 2/1. Running from trap two, the son of Over Limit was forced to play second fiddle to Toras Bog early on and it was the latter who held the slender advantage into the back straight. However, Tomahurra Lucky made his move entering the penultimate bend and from here, he stuck to his task well to cross the line with one length to spare over his rival. The time was 29.41.