O’CONNOR JULIAN VETS TRI-DISTANCE ACTION TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT LIMERICK

Peter Farrell

The 2026 renewal of the O’Connor Julian Vets Cashel A2 Tri-Distance gets underway at Limerick Greyhound Stadium tonight and the €3,000-to-the-winner event, which has proved fiercely competitive in recent years, is expected to be no different this time around.

In total, there are four opening-round heats on offer, with the first leg of the competition staged over the 550-yard trip.

In the opener, Ballyelan Brandy is expected to have a big say following a fine winning display last time out. On that occasion, Kathy Scanlon’s charge stayed on stoutly, suggesting the extra yardage will play very much to his strengths. Indeed, the heavyweight son of Coolavanny Calvn has also kept A1 company in the past, so a return to A2 company should pose few problems. Of his rivals, Boardofpeace looks most likely to ask the serious questions.

Heat two features a number of promising youngsters and Monbeg Hero could well prove the pick of them for owner Cormac Doyle. His latest start saw him finish strongly when going down by a diminishing neck, posting a smart estimated 28.99 around the demanding Enniscorthy circuit. While this represents a first start at Limerick, the son of King Sheeran looks more than capable of getting involved. Paraic Campion’s Kevinsfort Aldo won on just his second career start in 29.01 and looks the main threat from a plum draw in red. That said, this represents a significant rise in grade and he will need to take another step forward.

Leamaneigh Godes returns to Limerick having mixed it with some of the best in her grade in recent weeks at Shelbourne Park. Prior to that, Paddy Hennessy’s runner enjoyed a terrific spell at Limerick and she looks a major player on her return to the venue from trap six. Velvet Lagatha produced a brilliant display over six bends last time out and will certainly be staying on strongly, while Kevinsfort Hardy steps down in grade and should appreciate an ideal draw in trap one.

The concluding heat looks a particularly open contest, but Monbeg Notorious gets the narrow vote despite tackling Limerick for the first time. His Enniscorthy form reads well and the 550-yard trip should hold no fears for Cormac Doyle’s runner. Drill Baby Drill arrives fresh from two eye-catching trials around Thurles and, should he reproduce his recent sub-29-second efforts around the Premier venue, he will certainly prove difficult to contain.