TRIALS THAT MADE HEADLINES
Ian Fortune
Yesterday we spoke of the incredible trial of Bockos Diamond last weekend and requested your memories of the best trials of the past.
And we have had a few cracking responses to our plea. Our thanks to those that responded which really did bring back some great memories of wonderful greyhounds.
ORAN JACK’S FLYING SPRINT
First off the mark was Ollie Hestor, who reminded us of an incredible trial from one of the greats of the past, Oran Jack.
Michael Grealish’s son of Yellow Band was one of the best of his era, capturing the 1981 St Leger at Limerick. He would go on to sire the 1986 Derby champion Kyle Jack and 1986 Laurels winner Big Oran.
But the reason we are talking of him is a sprint trial he recorded at Galway in the early 80’s, posting 17.38 for the 325yd trip on the old grass track. At the time it was 41 spots inside the sprint record of Quiffer, who posted 17.79 in August 1982. Incidentally, that record stood until Ollie’s own Clare Lodge posted 17.72 in 1993.
To highlight the strength of the trial, the current record of Droopys Marco, set on sand in 2004, stands at 17.37, just one spot faster than Oran Jack some twenty odd years earlier.
DERBY CHAMP KOBE FLEW
Our second trial put forward was that of The Other Kobe in May 2022.
Peter Crawford reminded us that long before he won a race at Shelbourne, let alone a Derby, the brilliant son of Ballymac Best flew around the Dublin circuit in 18.13 for the 350yd trip.
At that time, it was just days after Gizmo Cash had posted a scarcely believable 18.18 for the trip, taking over two lengths off the previous best of one of the great sprinters of modern times, Ardnasool Jet. In hindsight, it is probably no surprise that The Other Kobe would emerge as one of the best greyhounds of the past decade and a tremendous Derby winner in 2023.
STAR GOES BALLISTIC
Sean Savage came up with an absolute gem.
Back around the turn of the century, Knockeevan Star was a bit special. He had the most incredible acceleration and pace to the third turn. He was very much a talking dog with so many following his every step.
He was a true revelation and captured some big prizes through his career including a Scottish Derby, a National Sprint title and the Puppy Derby around Sunderland.
He also produced some brilliant performances around Shelbourne Park including a jaw-dropping trial over the now defunct 360yd trip. The 19.05 mark of Upper Spark remains to this day. A national record for 360yds and set on grass, it was a tremendous run but Knockeevan Star was a very special greyhound.
His raw speed was legendary and on a fine night in Dublin, he once posted a jaw-dropping 18.78 for the 360yd trip on grass. There were audible gasps from those present on the steps of Shelbourne Park that evening.
Our thanks to Ollie, Peter and Sean for their input. If you can think of any more stunning trials from the past, why not get in touch at news@grireland.ie