CLYDE SPRINGS SURPRISE IN RURAL KENNELS DECIDER

Peter Farrell

The final of the €6,500-to-the-winner Rural Kennels Unraced 525 headlined a high-quality card at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium on Sunday night, and Gaytime Clyde chose the perfect night to shed his maiden tag with a thoroughly polished performance.

Kindly sponsored by Helen O’Dwyer, the 2026 renewal of this prestigious stake once again lived up to expectations. Newinn Spot had been the standout performer throughout the competition, producing electric early pace and repeatedly breaking the 16-second sectional. However, having been forced to settle for second behind ‘Spot’ in the semi-finals, kennel companion Gaytime Clyde turned the tables when it mattered most to hand owner Brendan O’Connell a memorable success.

Newinn Spot went to traps as the clear favourite at 4/6, with Jacktavern Alf next best at 7/2. Vivaro Warrior was priced at 9/2, Gaytime Clyde at 11/2, while Skywalker Bruno (14/1) and Grouchos Cossie (28/1) completed the line-up at double-figure odds.

EARLY TRAFFIC FOR SPOT

The trap draw presented a potential obstacle for Newinn Spot in four and those concerns were realised at traprise, with the favourite impeded by the outward-seeking Vivaro Warrior in three and the inward move of Jacktavern Alf in five. As a result, early momentum was lost and it was Skywalker Bruno and Gaytime Clyde who emerged to dispute the lead on the run-up.

CLYDE POWERS CLEAR

Showing sharper early speed and benefiting from an inside line, Gaytime Clyde asserted rounding the opening bend, with traffic stacking up behind as Newinn Spot powered into the bend in an attempt to recover. Holding a narrow lead of just over a length entering the back straight, Gaytime Clyde maintained control as Newinn Spot improved into third and then second by halfway to give Graham Holland a one-two at the halfway mark. In truth, however, the leader was never under serious pressure.

Opening up by two and a half lengths at the third bend, the son of Droopys Sydney and Gaytime Tilly continued to strengthen, stretching his advantage to three lengths turning for home. With Newinn Spot unable to close, the result was beyond doubt. Staying on powerfully, Gaytime Clyde pulled clear to score by an extending five and a quarter lengths, with Skywalker Bruno rallying late to grab second. The winning time was a fast 28.60 and there is little doubt that several of these will be making their presence felt again in the weeks ahead.