Stream Of Sydney, winner of the John Whelan Memorial Kennedy Cup A3 525 1st Semi-Final, pictured with James Corden & Emma Buckley.Â
The Final of the valuable John Whelan sponsored Memorial Kennedy Cup at Limerick Greyhound Stadium is the main focus of attention for Greyhound people this coming weekend.
Clare hold a strong hand in this €5,000 to the winner. Although Stream Of Sydney maintained his unbeaten run with another sparkling performance in the semi-finals, it was the other unbeaten bitch in the stake, Tromora Rocket, who went narrowly quickest.
After making an incredible recovery from a tardy start in last week’s second round, Killahan Sydney was the understandable favourite heading into the second semi-final, but the black jacketed runner broke poorly and the 4/5 shot was again playing catch-up as Tromora Rocket owned by Quilty’s David Hogan took full advantage of some first bend traffic to shoot clear.
Left with an unassailable lead after both Hello Sydney and Liosgarbh Lily collided, it was all one-way traffic for Tromora Rocket, and Hogan’s charge didn’t need a second invitation as she set an electric gallop down the back straight. Showing no stamina worries, the daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Ballymac Cameo was nine lengths better off than Killahan Syndey crossing the line, with Jackals Jewel a further four lengths back in third. The time was a rapid 28.53.
Although the second semi final proved to be an upset in the betting market, there was to be no such shocks in the opening semi as Stream Of Sydney once again dominated the contest. Installed as the 4/6 favourite, Stream Of Sydney was bidding to secure a hat-trick for Austin Whelan and Pat Buckley and despite not coming away too fluently from the inside, she showed immediate early gears to zoom up the inside and take control. Rounding the opener with a clear lead, Joeys Champ was next best upon entrance to the back straight, however, numerous greyhounds were making their move, one of which was Maireads Rocket, who had improved into second after a moderate start.
However, it was all one-way traffic up top as Stream Of Sydney continued to set a frantic gallop and she maintained her lead all the way home as the October daughter of Droopys Sydney and Jet Stream Proof crossed with three lengths in hand over Maireads Rocket in second. The time was 28.55 as Brickfield Cody recovered from an early bump to book his spot in the decider in six days’ time. Interestingly, Stream of Sydney’s owner Austin Whelan is the brother of the memorial’s sponsor.
Confused Fitzy returned to winning ways in an Open sprint in race five at Limerick as the Gerry Manley of Cratloe owned greyhound scored an emphatic victory. A 3/1 chance at the off, Confused Fitzy trapped brilliantly from four and he showcased some lovely early speed to race into the opening corner in control. Tracking expertly thereafter, the son of Confident Rankin and Confused Breda kept on well close home and he was three lengths clear of Dubh Gasta crossing the line. The time was a very good 18.85.
From the 12 races on offer from last Thursday night at Limerick Greyhound Stadium, five of the Clare brigade made it to the winner’s enclosure. Getting the banner flag flying was Alberta Billy for the Cooney clan from Broadford, trained by Donal Cooney, this son of Kinloch Brae and Tullovin Fire made it a ninth career success in 29.49.
Next up Gower Lottie brought the honours to Cooraclare for Anne and John Carey, a daughter of Greenwell Hulk and Gower Lady, she landed the spoils in a career best run of 29.13 for a third career success.
The third race an A3 contest, went to Mary Crotty from O’Briensbridge with Inislosky Urchin. A daughter of Romeo Recruit and Inislosky Swift, this consistent lady, brought her career wins to 12 in a time of 29.25.
Next for the Banner was Upland Glen, for Cratloe’s Harry Galvin, a son of former Derby Champion Good News and Star Princess, career win number seven was obtained in 29.98. And Avoid the Clash for Mountshannon based Pat Curtin, recorded a first career success, a son of Droopys Cain and Royal Highflyer, he stopped the clock in 29.44.
