SUMMERFIELD TEAR SETS THE STANDARD IN JIMMY FLAHERTY MEMORIAL SEMIS

Peter Farrell

The semi-finals of the Jimmy Flaherty Memorial A2/A3 525 complemented the feature On Faya Galway Oaks decider in fine style at Galway Greyhound Stadium on Thursday night and it was Summerfield Tier that set the standard with a blistering performance.

The opening semi-final was effectively settled at traprise as Liam Carr's Summerfield Tear bounced back in emphatic fashion from her runner-up finish in the previous round. Sent to traps as a 3/1 chance, the daughter of Grangeview Ten and Grangeview Nifty pinged the lids from trap two and immediately asserted on the run-up. Already well clear entering the back straight, the classy lady continued to pour it on down the far side and quickly had the contest in safe keeping. Heathlawn Ruby improved into second chased gamely late on, however, she had no answer to the relentless gallop of the long-time leader, who powered home seven lengths to the good in a superb 28.97 .20s. On the evidence of that display, Summerfield Tear will take plenty of beating in the decider.

The second semi-final saw Hanover Gorm complete a memorable double on the night for Leeanne Fleming after kennel companion Hanover John had landed the curtain-raiser earlier on the card. Available at a generous 11/2, Hanover Gorm was swiftly into stride from trap two and once assuming command, never looked like surrendering it. The son of Slippery Robert - Ballyhale Chloe set a strong gallop throughout and, although the improving Glamorous Rocket emerged as a real threat entering the closing stages, Fleming's charge found enough to hold his rival by a length and a half. The winning time was a smart 29.27 .20s and, together with Summerfield Tear, Glengar Sofia, Heathlawn Ruby, Glamorous Rocket and Grangeview Ike, the stage is now set for a fascinating Jimmy Flaherty Memorial final.

DETERMINED KATIE LANDS BOOKMAKERS FINAL

The final of the Track Bookmaker A3/A4 550 also featured on the card and it was Breaghmore Katie that landed the €1,200 first prize, with the 13/8 favourite showing tremendous resolve to deny Balure Diamond in a thrilling finish.

Owned by M.J. Corrigan, Breaghmore Katie donned the white jacket in the decider and broke well before being narrowly headed in the opening strides by Balure Diamond in six. However, the daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Ballymac Cams quickly showcased her superior early pace to regain the initiative and turned into the back straight with a commanding three-length advantage over her nearest rival. Balure Diamond refused to go away, however, and began to close rapidly around the bottom two bends, looking a likely winner as the pair straightened for home. To her credit, Breaghmore Katie responded magnificently to the challenge, digging deep on the Galway hill to fend off her persistent rival by a neck. The winning time was 30.75 .20s.