Knocknacree Sky goes close to beating 570 record

IN his very first race on July 15, 2016, Knocknacree Sky clocked a quite remarkable 28.40 in beating Oak Spice by twelve lengths, and while he didn’t subsequently contend for classic honours, as might then have been the aspiration, he has still managed to win prize money of €1,993 and he came along at Tralee Track last Friday night and came within 24 spots of the 570yds track record of 30.62 jointly held by Raparee Molly (2008) and Toms Brett (2012).

Running from trap 3 and sent off the 6/4 favourite, Knocknacree Sky was following up on another smashing run of 29.90 over 550yds thirteen nights previously for the syndicate which owns him and, although Millridge Grant was leading off the first bend, Dan Brassil’s charge had assumed control by the third bend and he finished three lengths in front of Fridas Secret in 30.86, with a neck back to Millridge Grant.

Other excellent times were recorded on the night, with Millridge Act clocking 17.48 for 325yds. In the very last race, which was the second semi-final of a 12-greyhound A1 525 sweepstake sponsored by the Kerry Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association (winner, €800), there was a run of 28.64 by Lybes Destiny, jointly owned by Daniel G McElligott and Donagh Buckley, of Duagh.

Lybes Destiny, like Knocknacree Sky, was following up on a very recent victory in 28.70 and he did so most impressively by bombing out of trap 4 and beating Promising by two lengths in 28.64, with the same distance back to Saleen Brax. The first two were 2/1 joint favourites.

The first semi-final saw Jasons Fifi (2/1 fav) also win from trap 4 for Noel Power, of Ballyduff (agent, P O’Rourke). This fellow is blessed with great starting ability and he brought it into play once again to take control from trap-rise. At the line, he had three and a half lengths to spare from Ballymac Misus in 28.88, with two and a half lengths back to Mohane Joey.

The final takes place this Friday night and it will be a surprise if Lybes Destiny or Jasons Fifi does not win it, though Promising, in particular, is not without a big chance.

Jasons Fifi has a perfect draw in trap 1, but he is 24 spots behind Lybes Destiny on semi-final running and the Duagh dog gets the vote because of that.

The draw is (trap order): Jasons Fifi, Saleen Brax, Mohane Joey, Ballymac Misus, Lybes Destiny, Promising (W).

Turning to the sprint run of 17.48 by Millridge Act (2/1), he broke well from trap 2 and was together with even-money favourite, Lacken Charlie, rounding the first bend, with a reserve, Gulleen Billy, in close pursuit. Coming home, it developed into a terrific duel between Millridge Act and Gulleen Billy and Millridge Act won it by a head, with two lengths back to Lacken Charlie.

Earlier, 17.54 was recorded in another sprint by Ballads Forlife. One of three 5/2 joint favourites housed in trap 5, this fellow swept into the lead around the opening bend and he raced home two and a half lengths ahead of another 5/2 joint favourite, Steeple Rd Jet, to credit winning owner, Margaret McCarthy, with a third win from nine starts.

Other winners: Kingdom Flash, 18.10; Oak Shadow, 29.29; Harry, 28.94; Mohane Denzel, 29.00. SATURDAY MORNING Fastest at Saturday morning’s SIS meeting, which started at 10.34, was Scart Tipp, which clocked 28.82 in gaining his ninth win from 41 starts for Brendan O’Mahony, of Scartaglen.

Quickly following up on a win only the previous Tuesday night was the Clareowned Inislosky Patric, which improved from 29.32 to 28.97 – at the very attractive odds of 6/1. Other winners were also following up quickly and, for sure, the SIS meetings are providing plenty of good racing opportunities for connections.

Other winners: Moyvane Scolari, 29.18; Courancove Dick, 29.32; Breton Charlie, 29.02; Mohane Odie, 28.96; Jason Pal, 29.29; Millridge Misty, 29.03.