EXTRA MARGIN MAKES AN INSTANT IMPRESSION AT GALWAY

Peter Farrell

While there was no sweepstake action on offer at Galway Greyhound Stadium on Friday night, there were still some fine performances throughout the card, with a number of eye-catching displays catching the attention.

The first to star was debutant Extra Margin (Ballymac Cashout – Ougham Sky), who justified 4/5 favouritism with a hugely impressive display for Gerry Holian and Susan Garrahy. Just an April ’25 whelp, the youngster came into his first career outing on the back of a modest qualifying campaign, but he was flawless in running out a wide-margin winner. Drawn in two, the strapping blue pinged the lids and showed a fine turn of early speed to establish a four-length advantage entering the back straight. Stretching out brilliantly down the far side, Extra Margin continued to turn the screw as his rivals struggled to keep tabs on the leader. Inception emerged from the chasing pack and was an eye-catcher herself in second, but the bird had long since flown out in front as Extra Margin crossed the line with six lengths in hand. The time was a smart 29.22 on a track rated .20s and, for those familiar with Galway form, that represented a terrific effort on debut. No doubt we will be hearing plenty more from this promising youngster in the months ahead.

COMPANY MAN DOMINANT IN MARATHON

Another runaway winner on the night came in the Distance Racing @ Galway Novice 810, as Company Man returned to winning ways for the first time since August.

Owned by Michael Keating, the son of Grangeview Ten – Marley Star took charge early wearing the stripes, and the 4/6 favourite quickly powered into a six-length lead. Extending his advantage further at the halfway mark, the extra yardage proved no issue for Keating’s charge as he maintained a relentless gallop all the way to the winning line. Ultimately, Company Man crossed the line twelve lengths clear of his nearest rival, stopping the clock in 46.51 .30s.

LISSATOUK DOUBLE

Elsewhere on the card, there was a fine double for the Lissatouk kennels as both Lissatouk Pearl and Lissatouk Robbie landed their respective contests for owner Seamus McMahon.

It was ‘Pearl’ who was first to strike, showing plenty of determination to come out on top following a closely contested affair. Wearing blue, the daughter of Ballymac Cashout – Lissatouk Dolly broke smartly and disputed the lead throughout the opening stages before making her move around the bottom bends. Showing great courage to hit the front at the penultimate turn, the 2/1 shot stayed on strongly thereafter to see off Lakeside Tommy by two lengths in 29.64 .20s.

In the concluding race, Lissatouk Robbie (Deerjet Sydney – Lissatouk Peggy) completed the double with another professional display. A winner on his previous outing, Robbie made it six career victories as he took charge early wearing the stripes before drawing clear of his rivals in convincing fashion. Never seriously threatened thereafter, he galloped on strongly to record a comfortable six-length success, stopping the clock in a fast 29.18 .20s.