COLOURS GIVEN GREEN LIGHT IN PURSUIT OF GOLD
Ian Fortune
Coloursaregreen has long been a greyhound that gave the impression he would develop into a star.
On Saturday night at a busy Shelbourne Park, the son of King Sheeran produced the sort of display that many were expecting to land early season showpiece, the Tote Gold Cup in the manner of a greyhound that was determined to make a statement.
He may have been available at double figure odds during the week but it was clear from the early exchanges that the layers had underestimated his chances.
This was a fascinating contest, both on paper and in reality. Solo And Go, despite a tough draw in five, went to traps the 9-4 favourite and those that stayed loyal to Liam Dowling’s speedster would have been very hopeful into the turn.
Swords Style was just in front at traps but Solo And Go also broke smartly, while on their inner Coloursaregreen also came away racing. Into the turn, Solo And Go displayed his massive early speed to show in front but Colouraregreen also went up fast to sit a close second.
Things got tight at the bend with Solo And Go cutting across his rival. It seemed as though the favourite had done enough, forcing Coloursaregreen to check off the fence between the first and second turn but, in the subsequent fifty yards, the complexion of the race changed.
It’s possible Solo And Go was clipped slightly on the heels as he didn’t carry as much momentum into the second turn as his pursuer. Coloursaregreen was electric. Showing wonderful pace and track craft, he shot around the Solo And Go as they approached the sprint boxes.
By halfway, he had just over a length in hand and was still forcing the issue. Hitting the third turn with a two length cushion, the race was Coloursaregreen’s to lose. Solo And Go continued to chase hard with Ballymac Siun moving third into the third turn but they were chasing shadows.
Coloursaregreen was on his way to a famous victory. Unlike seven days earlier when folding somewhat on the run in, the brilliant son of King Sheeran and Magical Mary hit the line full of running to claim a three length victory over Solo And Go in 28.38. Ballymac Siun was a length and a half further back in third with Crossfield Matt best of the remainder in fourth.
For Paul Hennessy, it was a remarkable eighth Gold Cup success, coming twenty seven years after his first. Owners Brendan Cocoman and Ian Cunningham were delighted and quickly suggested the English Derby could be on the agenda for Colousaregreen. But for the moment they can concentrate on enjoying this latest big race success.
Kerstey O'Sullivan presents the trophy to Aisling Byrne and the connections of Coloursaregreen, winner of the 2026 Tote Gold Cup. Pic: Imelda Grauer
TANK SHOWS HIS CLASS
Paul Hennessy also ended the night in style with the hugely talented Lennies Tank going clear early to hold off a determined late challenge from Ballydoyle Tina.
In victory, Lennies Tank posted a fastest of the night 28.23, but much like his kennel companion Coloursaregreen, this was clear warning to his potential future rivals that he could be a major force in 2026.
Ballydoyle Tina ran on well after being hampered at the opening bend with Ballymac Kamala a further two and a half lengths back in third but Lee Craze’s Lennies Tank was simply too sharp for his rivals. The son of Good Cody and Deelish Oreo will be a classic contender through the remainder of the year.
There was also great interest in the reappearance of Droopys Kathleen in this contest. The star performer was tardy at traps and was further hampered on the bend, finding herself with far too much to do behind rivals. She plugged on without ever threatening, eventually finishing fifth, but connections will take comfort from the fact that she came through the race safely and will be expected to improve greatly for the pipe-opener.
HIDALGO ON A MARCH
Lemon Hidalgo got the evening off to a bright start, leading from the third bend and finishing well to win in 28.47.
Brickhill Sky was always to the fore with Kereight Pimple pressing hard but neityher could contain Lemon Hidalgo. Going to the front on the outside of the track, Tom Lennon’s son of Ballymac Best and Lemon Ariana drew clear to see off Brickhill Sky by two and a half lengths.
ROMAN SPRINTS TO VICTORY
Crossfield Roman showed good early pace to lead throughout over the sprint trip.
A 6/1 chance in the betting, he made the most of an ideal draw on the fence, racing to the fore throughout. Brendan O’Shea’s son of Droopys Sydney and Crossfield Feena would contain the running on Fahee Phantom by three parts of a length in 18.71. Sogna Ancora was sent off the 11/10 favourite but carried no luck, taking a tumble on the turn before running on behind the pack in last.
SHIV DIGS DEEP
The semi-finals www.grireland.ie A0/A1 525 were the third and fourth races on the card.
The Donal Murphy trained Badminton Shiv (Ballymac Cashout/ Badminton Queen) displayed fine early dash to make every inch to hold off the fast-finishing Boylesports Blue to win the opening heat in 28.65. The latter was off the pace for much of the way but ran on with gusto to finish just a head behind David McGrath’s Badminton Shiv.Max Wago was the same distance away in third.
PRINCE WINS WITH AUTHORITY
Ollie Bray and Leonard Kinsella’s Gallant Prince (Ballymac Cashout/ Slippery Diva) took the second semi-final with a more authoritative display, leading from the opening bend and running clear to win in 28.52.
Goodnitekathleen chased bravely but was crowded on the third bend before finishing second. Instead, Gallant Prince raced to a comfortable two and a half length success.
KITTEN PURRS
Town Kitten produced a battling display in the first of the Tot Betting A1 semi-finals, leading around the last two bends to see of the warm favourite Droopys Painting.
Hazelhill Marty flew into the turn to set a strong galop but Town Kitten was always too close in second.
Sean Dooley’s daughter of Dorotas Wildcat and Town Mouse charged at the leader into the third turn before making her move. IN front by the final turn, she held off Droopys Painting by three-quarters of a length in 28.77.
HYLAND ON TOP
Miami Hyland was most impressive the in the second semi, going clear early and drawing right away to win by two and a half lengths in 28.52.
Roscomroe Rocky ran on for second, with Gallant Princess third but this was all very straightforward for the Garry Dempsey trained Miami Hyland. Owned by Seamus Taaffe and Dave Lawrence, the son of Ballymac Cooper and Ballymac Sahara was never under any pressure.