MORE TRIALS OF NOTE

Ian Fortune

On our continued look back at some of the great trials of the past, Chris Connolly and Dolores Ruth were in touch and reminded us of a couple of doozies.

JOSH WAS

Chris pointed out that Gilbeyhall Josh dipped under the 21-second barrier at Dundalk in February 2007, the first time it was ever broken.

His 20.99 spin was a length inside the track record of Droopys Rodger, set the previous July.

Incidentally, the track record was twice broken later in the year by Ciaras Castle (20.96) and Ginko (20.95). Remarkably it would be another seven years before 21 seconds was broken again at Dundalk.

The Francie Murray trained Gilbeyhall Josh was exceptionally fast. He had stunning early speed and reminded many of a dog we wrote about yesterday, Knockeevan Star. That’s is probably no surprise given the fact that he the dam sire of Gilbeyhall Josh. 

UNRACED BILLY WENT FASTER THAN HAWK

Dolores Ruth came up with a gem in Razldazl Billy.

When still an unraced greyhound in August 2005, he posted a rapid 28.54 around Shelbourne Park, hinting at what was to come. It was a massive run and was only highlighted by the fact that Westmead Hawk, the reigning English Derby champion, also trialled at the same session, posting 28.61. Both were big displays but for an unraced dog to go faster than one of the best ever was quite a feat.

Little did those on the stands that night - of which this scribe was one - know that we were watching both Derby winners of 2006 in action. Of course, Westmead Hawk would go on to defend his English Derby crown the following summer, while Razldazl Billy would emerge a brilliant winner of the Irish equivalent in Dublin.

Again, our thanks to Chris and Dolores for getting in touch. If you can think of any more trials worthy of inclusion, drop us a line at news@grireland.ie