Killahan Ginger wins KGOBA final for McKenna

TRALEE Track was fairly buzzing on Saturday night, with families celebrating the First Communion of their children, and it created a fine atmosphere for an 11-race programme that featured the final of an A6 525 sweepstake sponsored by the Kerry Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association.

There was a purse of €1,200 at stake in the Kerry GOBA final and it was claimed by Vincent McKenna, of Abbeydorney, whose dog, Killahan Ginger (5/2), won the most exciting of finishes by a head from 4/6 favourite, Shanless Paddy, in 29.10.

A wide seed, Killahan Ginger is blessed with great starting ability and he made it tell again, as he had done so effectively at the semi-final stage. In contrast, Shanless Paddy broke nothing like as well from trap 4 as he had done from the same box a week previously, but, very much to his credit, he was able to extricate himself from the chasing pack on the back straight and, after joining Killahan Ginger, he actually looked the more likely winner turning for home.

It was to be a battle royal between the pair to the line and Killahan Ginger showed that he possesses spunk as well as starting ability by edging out for his head victory, with three and a half lengths back to Manhattan Sky.

Fastest over the standard trip was Loher Ben, which was very impressive in winning the tenth race (A3 525) in 28.82 for local owner, Noel O’Leary. Loher Ben powerfully swept past Ahavoher Vic and Inislosky Patric on the back straight and he went on to score by four and a half lengths from Inislosky Patric.

Just one bookmaker, Patsy Browne, was in attendance. Without him, those having a decent bet would have been left in limbo – and there would have been no SPs from Tralee!

Other winners: Ballymac Meena, 17.61; Gavin’s Book, 29.19; Shift Blakes Ace, 29.37; Doonhill Rebel, 17.73; Wellwater, 29.06; Coolboy Bob, 17.92; Bohane Joey, 29.62; Deadly Pepe, 17.74; Ballyera Conor, 29.03. SATURDAY MORNING The locally-owned Lenas Cindy was the star of the show on Saturday morning when flying home for a one-length victory in 28.90, while another locally-owned greyhound, Sign On Garfiney, was making it three wins in eleven days when clocking 29.44 in the finale.

Other winners were Send It Kay, 29.17; Costa Volcan, 29.23; Feora Bailey, 29.49; Skips Dubh, 29.13; Boher Romeo Blue, 29.45; Lispole Vinnie, 29.33.