Ballymac trainer Dowling heads to Clonmel with six strong contenders

WITH well over three decades the Ballymac kennels of Liam Dowling has been synonymous with producing and selling greyhounds that have headed betting markets at the highest levelinbothtrackandfield,on both sides of the Irish Sea. 2019 has got underway in the same vein except this time it is Liam’s son Shane that has worked the magic.

Back in late December he produced his own Ballymac Whisper to notable success in the Abbeyfeale Derby Trial Stake. So impressive was his victory that he immediately assumed the title of clear favourite for the 2019 Derby in Powerstown Park, Clonmel.

A share in the dog was subsequently sold to John Boyle, founder and chairman of this year’s Derby sponsor Boylesports. The dog has since been appropriately renamed Boylesportsmagic and anybody who witnessed his devastating turn of foot in Abbeyfeale over the Christmas will agree that he is indeed the dog to beat in this year’s puppy classic.

Shane has certainly inherited his father’s sharp eye. In May 2017 he selected this 12-week oldMafiMagicpupasthepick of the litter born to Ballymac Adelpha. Indeed his judgement would have been proven correct back in early October only for an unfortunate injury halting his qualification attempt, when seemingly having the Glin Trial Stake at his mercy.

While many believed his season was over almost as soon as it had started on that cold Saturday afternoon back in October, Shane kept the faith and intensive rehab began.

“It looked bad at the time but we had him swimming soon after and he responded brilliantly thank God,” explained the young Ballymac handler. “My hands were almost worn from rubbing him, but it done the trick.”

The kennel star was back on the gallops within seven weeks and the plan to go to Abbeyfeale was devised. “I wanted to go Abbeyfeale as it’s a great field and they always have a top class meeting there. We were delighted with the way he ran. He needed to be as good as he was because there was some top class dogs in the Stake.”

It’s been a tremendous season so far for the Dowlings. They head to the National Meeting with six qualifiers, three in the Derby, two in the Oaks, and Ballymac Meena in the Champion Bitch Stake. The latter is without doubt the darling of the kennels and evidently holds a soft spot in Shane’s heart.

“She’s everyone’s favourite here. We almost lost her to a virus 12 months ago, but she has the heart of a lion and somehow she found the will to survive. She’s been phenomenal for us the last couple of years [on track and field]. The highlight of the year for all of us here was without doubt her win in the Kingdom Cup at Christmas.”

The highly rated Ballymac Enya is close to the summit of the Oaks market. When pressed on her chances in the Classic Shane is hopeful but realises the enormity of the challenge.

“She has performed well and she’s so keen and genuine, which may well be her Achilles heel. Hopefully herself and Ismay (Dowling’s second qualifier) get a good run at it.”

Litter brother Hugo and Bingo complete the list of Dowling’s entries and both have big chances in the Derby.

With so many qualifiers, many hands are needed and Dowling says they’re fortunate to have such a good team around them. Unfortunately missing from the camp this year will be their great friend Alan Newman who is recovering from illness.

“We’ll miss Alan terribly this year; he’s like one of the family and a great friend to us. He’s on the mend and hopefully we’ll have something to celebrate with him on Tuesday evening!”

Ever the sportsman, Dowling is keen to wish the very best of luck to all the Kerry qualifiers. Luck, and plenty of it, is a vital ingredient to succeed in this noble sport.