HARVEY IN A HURRY AT GALWAY

Peter Farrell

While it was a relatively quiet night at Galway on Friday, with just seven races on offer, there was a performance of real note as Annadown Harvey produced an exceptional display in the second semi-final of the Greyhounds Make Great Pets A3/A4 525.

Owned by Gerry Dillon, Annadown Harvey was a winner of his opening-round assignment in 29.52 .10s, however, he was to produce a career-best effort last night, running rampant to record a sixteen-length victory over his rivals. Installed as the 4/5 favourite, the son of Grangeview Ten - Annadown Cutie, a September 24’ whelp, was on-song from the outset as he broke well from trap one to outpace his rivals on the run-up. Already five lengths clear entering the back, the gap only increased with every stride as the brindle showcased his superiority over his rivals. Running to a virtual solo thereafter, Annadown Harvey crossed the line sixteen lengths clear of Balure Diamond in a brilliant 28.74. On the basis of this performance, expect this tracker to prove incredibly hard to beat in the decider next weekend.

In the opening semi-final, the red jacket also prevailed as Five Alley Chief sealed a fifth career victory for joint owners Olivia and Paul Hogan.

Five Alley Chief surrendered his advantage in the opening round, but he wasn’t to suffer a similar fate this time around as he broke well from one before going toe-to-toe with Confused Dexter down the back. With little to separate the pair until the halfway mark, the son of King Sheeran - Hopalong Sal started to rev his engine between the bottom two bends and, from there, he stayed on strongly to prevail by four and a half lengths from Heathlawn Ruby in second. The time for the 2/1 chance was 29.03, a fine effort on the night.

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