KATHLEEN SMASHES THE CLOCK IN PUPPY OAKS

Ian Fortune

Droopys Kathleen is the fastest greyhound to ever race over 525yds at Shelbourne Park.

Droopys Kathleen pictured with trainer Robert Gleeson and Alan Dobbs after her track record run of 27.58 in the 2nd semi-final of The Gourmet Island Puppy Oaks at Shelbourne Park.        Pic: Imelda Grauer

With the Boylesports Derby quarter finals the feature at the Ringsend venue on Saturday night, Droopys Kathleen appearance in the semi-finals of the Gourmet Island Puppy Oaks was pushed down the billing somewhat but she deserves her own headlines after smashing the long-standing 525yd track record at the famous venue.

This was the most incredible display of pace and power as she stopped the clock in a scarcely believable 27.58, confirming her standing as the most exciting puppy on the planet, while also earning her place in history after just four career starts. 

Incredibly, the layers at Shelbourne Park seemed keen to take her on at 4-7, perhaps believing a trap six draw would be a hindrance. They were gravely mistaken with a loud roar from the crowd accompanying her opening strides as she shot from traps to quickly go the front.

She may have cut inwards in the early yards but, once clearing the turn, left her rivals standing. Displaying the most incredible pace down the back straight, she raced further and further clear of those in chase.

Posting a sensational 15.71 to the third turn, she continued to pile on the pressure as they turned for home. Bounding on with real purpose, she would eventually come home twelve and a half lengths clear of Coolavanny Shone. Her clock of 27.58 was a full nine spots faster than the almost twelve-year old record of Paradise Madison. Have no doubt, Droopys Kathleen is very special, and perhaps as good as we have ever seen.

Video: Droopys Kathleen's Record Breaking Run

Click here to watch on Youtube

ROXY KICKS OFF PROCEEDINGS IN STYLE

Unanimous Roxy gave odds-on backers a fine start to proceedings, winning the opening heat, which was also the first race on the card, in superb fashion.

Although not the fastest into stride, the Pat Buckley trained daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Mystical Luna charged into the turn and burst her way to the front.

In doing so, she hampered both Rosy Cross and Darbys Dancer. A powerful galloper, Ciaran O’Sullivan’s bitch was never going to be stopped once taking over at the head of affairs. Unanimous Roxy would go on to see off Rosy Cross and Darbys Dancer by two lengths and three and a half lengths in a very fast 28.15.

Gourmet Island Puppy Oaks

Final draw

1 DROOPYS KATHLEEN

2 ROSY CROSS

3 UNANIMOUS ROXY

4 HOPES KITTY

5 COOLAVANNY SHONA

6 DARBYS DANCER (W)