BIG JIM MAY RETURN DESPITE INJURY

Ian Fortune

There was real heartbreak for Brendan Murphy at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night with his kennel star Ballinabola Jim picking up an injury in the second semi-final of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby when looking a certain qualifier.

The hugely popular son of Good News, who has fondly been referred to as Big Jim in recent weeks due to his 90lb frame, was a clear second to Cheap Sandwiches when he lost his action early in the back straight. It was obviously a muscle injury as he did gallop on behind the pack.

Murphy confirmed the news earlier this week. Said Brendan of his powerhouse, “He tore the gracilis. We got some spin out of him but it wasn’t meant to be. It’s outside the door as they say but it was a tough one to take. He would have stayed on to qualify.”

At the time, it was believed he may never race again but further news came through this morning that the outlook was a bit brighter and he will be operated on later this week. Brendan has his fingers crossed but reports that his star has never had a moment’s pain and seems happy as a lamb.

If he does return to action in the new year, it seems likely he will be aimed at the Shelbourne Open 600. Now that wonderful to see.