RURAL KENNELS UNRACED TO KICK-START 2026 IN STYLE

Peter Farrell

Kindly sponsored by Helen O’Dwyer, the Rural Kennels Unraced 525 gets 2026 off to a flying start at Clonmel later tonight, with five first-round heats on the card.

With a winner’s prize of €6,500 on offer, this year’s renewal is expected to unearth the next batch of racing gems, names we are sure to hear much more about in the months ahead.

HEAT WATCH

A number of well-bred debutants stand out across the five heats, and the first to catch the eye is Ray Patterson’s Skywalker Bruno in heat three. A son of Dromana Bucko and Ballyverry Sarah, the May pup has enjoyed a flawless qualifying campaign and arrives with some serious trial form. His 28.80 Kilkenny effort is particularly eye-catching and, when coupled with an 18.68 sprint around Limerick, he looks the one to beat from trap six. Of his rivals, the Graham Holland-trained duo Gaytime Joachim and Brideview Oslo demand respect, while Jacktavern Alf could pose the main threat after posting a sharp 16.38 sprint around Clonmel.

Heat four sees Oriental King begin his racing career and he too shapes as a serious prospect for the Organised Chaos Syndicate. Unbeaten in three qualifying outings, including a 29.12 and a blistering 17.72 around Thurles, the son of Coolavanny Hoffa wears the striped jacket and could set a lofty standard with a clear passage. Litter sisters Zubamendi and Mustang Fashion, daughters of the outstanding Fashion Model, appear the principal dangers to the likely favourite.

Graham Holland again fields a strong hand in heat five, with Newinn Spot and Gaytime Clyde representing the Golden kennels. Newinn Spot, owned by Kenny Glen, arrives on the back of a 28.79 qualifying run, while Gaytime Clyde brings the advantage of age and valuable trial experience across a range of tracks. Add Vivaro Warrior, who has posted two rapid trials at Clonmel, including a 28.68, and this looks one of the most open contests of the night.

The curtain-raiser features Jacktavern Bull and, despite modest trial efforts, he commands respect on pedigree alone. A half-brother to the great Droopys Kathleen, he lines up in the blue jacket and it will be interesting to see how he fares given the eight-month gap between his two qualifying runs. The standout on the clock is the bookend runner Tromora Marty. Noel Hehir’s charge comes here with a 28.67 trial and that may prove sufficient to make a winning debut. Da Dreamer and Callaway Danny also represent respected kennels and neither can be discounted.

The remaining contest, heat two, sees Rallying Cash looking the main hope for Graham Holland from trap two. The Ballymac Cashout youngster clocked a rapid 16.39 last time out and is expected to take a significant step forward on debut. Kennel companion Annual Kaka looks the chief threat on his immediate inside in trap one, while Bogger Rapid’s swift 18.15 Thurles trial puts him firmly in contention for Liam Peacock from trap four.

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JOHN WHITE MEMORIAL A BRILLIANT SUPPORTING ACT

The supporting card also promises fiercely competitive action, with the John White Memorial A3/A4 Guys & Dolls 525 taking centre stage.

Kindly sponsored by the White family, this annual stake rarely disappoints and, with €2,500 on offer to the eventual winner, expect high-quality racing to complement the Unraced feature

In heat one, Rising Forest looks a smart type who could prove a cut above his rivals. With just three starts to his name, the son of Born Warrior clocked a 16.47 trial around Clonmel ahead of his Enniscorthy outing and is ideally housed in the striped jacket to open his account.

Heat two sees Taylors Tipple arrive with some impressive Kilkenny form and he represents the Paul Hennessy kennel, a factor that commands immediate respect. Among his chief rivals is Warrenstown Lad, whose recent 29.13 debut victory underlined his clear ability for owners Osmond Bennett and Paraic Campion.

Heat three appears a wide-open affair, but Goldmine Bono gets the tentative vote for Dick Purcell. The son of Broadstrand Bono has yet to finish outside the first three in six starts, recording four victories, and his Thurles form reads particularly well. He faces competition from Tom O’Neill’s Lemon Maverick in trap five and Jacktavern Turbo from the inside berth in red.

Beaming Olivia lines up for Corona Ryan in heat four and looks the one to beat on the strength of some solid Enniscorthy form. The daughter of Deerjet Sydney dipped under the 29-second mark at the Wexford venue and, while still a maiden, a first success appears imminent. Pamela Holt’s Highview Magical is likely to be finishing strongly from out wide and looks a solid qualifier.

Mustang Havoc emerges as a major player in heat five for Stephen Bourke after clocking 28.84 on her debut over course and distance. The daughter of Grangeview Ten has been somewhat luckless since, but this looks a more manageable assignment. Jacktavern Beaut, on her immediate outside in trap two, rates a danger, while the experienced Florican Heights brings solid Kilkenny form, having recently posted a 28.90.

The final heat is another competitive contest with several holding claims, but Burgess Bonnie is the selection. J.J. Fennelly’s charge recorded a 28.94 here late last year and her recent 19.10 trial at headquarters is encouraging ahead of this assignment. Dower Holly and Up The Duffs look the most likely to pose the main threats.