DIRECTION AND DUDE SET TONGUES WAGGING ON DEBUT

Ian Fortune

In our continued search for the best racing debuts around Shelbourne Park, we must thank John Carr and Anthony Dwyer for pointing out one of the very best.

It seems the ever-increasing list is dominated by greyhounds owned by the Kennedy clan and the latest is Belles Direction.

He may have had only a brief racing career but who could forget his sensational debut in October 2014. Posting a sizzling 1.94 sectional, the son of Droopys Cain flew around Shelbourne in 28.24 to win his debut in the style of a greyhound with the world at his feet. Sadly, his career was interrupted by injury but he has gone onto sire some fast greyhounds in the subsequent years.

DUDE ALSO FLEW

When reminded of Belles Direction, the name of Amazing Dude also sprung to mind.

There were many similarities between the pair. He too was a powerfully built black and he won his debut in March 2015 in very similar fashion to Belles Direction. The powerful son of Royal Patrol flew around Shelbourne, clocking a superb 28.33.

He went on to reach the Produce Stakes decider where he was sent to traps the 1-2 favourite only to find bad traffic. He would still manage to run-up the classic behind Ballybough Mondo. He remained a top-class tracker through the rest of his relatively short career, winning both his opening and second round assignments in the Derby in August 2015.

ARIEL AN EYE-CATCHER IN DEFEAT

Kevin Murphy also made a very valid point when suggesting Ballymac Ariel deserves a mention in the list despite suffering defeat on debut.

Said Kevin in his email, “maybe not time wise, but I know to my eye, and yours, Ballymac Ariel was probably one the best debuts we ever saw”.

It’s hard to disagree. After qualifying in a truly stunning 27.92, she was thrown into hot company in her first start and may have finished only third but still managed to clock 28.37. After a tardy start, she found herself a mile off the pace into the back straight before showing the most incredible pace to get into contention. The pace she displayed gave warning that she would go onto be a force of nature and the eyes didn’t deceive. 

Again, if you can think of any more notable racing debuts around Shelbourne Park, don’t be afraid to get in touch at news@grireland.ie