CILL DUBH COTHAL STARS IN THE A1 KASKO DERBY DECIDER

Barry Drake

Cill Dubh Cothal (Ballyhimikin Jet-Knockdrinna Ruth) put on a spectacular performance to win the feature at Curraheen Park on Saturday night, the €6,000-to-the-winner A1 Kasko Derby.
Trained by Michael Donnelly for owner Michael Bergin, Freshford, the impressive winner had a tricky draw in five; however, with a loose box in four, that certainly improved his chances. Sent off the even-money favourite, the July '24 whelp produced a flying start, clocking a really fast 3.28 split to easily win the early lead.
Kicking clear on the back straight, the race was always in safe keeping in front. On his fifth career outing, the classy performer stayed on well at the head of affairs and in the end, he stopped the clock, in 28.10. Six and a half lengths back to Patterdale Timmy in second place. Going on this winning performance, Cill Dubh Cothal will be on to watch in the upcoming Irish Greyhound Laurels at Curraheen Park. Happy Me, who was drawn in trap number four, was the non-runner in the feature final. It was an outstanding competition over the last couple of weeks, and a huge thanks go to Kasko.
Next best on the clock was the Adam Dunford-trained Petulance (Tommy Shelby-Galadriel) as the well-backed 7-4 shot clocked 28.17 in the second, an A2 contest. Owned by the King Pins Syndicate, the improving June 'whelp came away racing from six, posting a rapid 3.26 early sectional. In total control early, the outcome was never in any doubt as the brilliant winner came home seven and a half lengths clear of Ballygibba Major, in 28.17.
Bushpark Lennie (Dromana Bucko-Bushpark Katie) was the standout performer in the semi-finals of the Galloping Kennels A3 semi-finals. Trained by Graham Holland for owners the Bushpark Family Syndicate, the 4-6 favourite was in cruise control early, after displaying massive early speed from trap five to storm around in front. Pulling right away throughout, Lennie came home with 14 and a half lengths to spare over Bucks Free, in 28.51. It's going to be a cracking final next Saturday night with Bushpark Lennie expected to start as a short-priced favourite going on that winning effort.
The second semi-final was all about Code Four (Ballymac Cashout-Ruling Peper) as the 4-1 winner made all the running from trap five. In the ownership of Michael Ryan, the early paced winner showed up best early, and he went on to make all the running. A 28.71 winning display, five and a half lengths back to Orderly Queue in second place.
Portrush Ben (Ballymac Cashout-Dingys Diva) impressed in the Open Sprint, winning for local trainer Pat Kiely and owner Adrian McGarry. The well-backed 4-6 favourite came away well from three, and he drove a great opening corner to lead from Post Robyn. Powering home, the strong-running winner scored in 17.51, two lengths clear of Post Robyn. Another fantastic winning performance from the pacey winner.