LINES COMES IN ‘TIME’ FOR ELSIE AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

Early speed was once again the key to success for Ballyhoe Elsie at Enniscorthy on Monday night as Colm O’Neill’s daughter of Lenson Bocko and Rural Romance captured the Time Greyhound Nutrition Open Unraced Stake.

While the sectional wouldn’t suggest she flashed out, posting 3.33, she certainly did come away considerably faster than her rivals. The Pat Whelan trained September ’21 whelp opened a two-length lead into the turn and by the second bend was three lengths to the good.  

Annual Coco was only fifth into corner but stayed tight to the fence, missing come crowding to move second. Ballyhoe Elsie was moving with real purpose out front, however, and she increased her advantage further to go four lengths clear into the third turn.

It was from this point that Annual Coco started to bridge the gap. Swinging off the final turn Ballyhoe Elsie did seem to be tiring but the line came in time for her and she emerged a deserving half length scorer in 29.08. Given the speed she displayed to the third turn, it would be no surprise if the winner was to go considerably faster in the future when she strengthens up a little.