LADY A FIRST FOR REX

Ian Fortune

Swords Rex was a truly exceptional greyhound.

During a wonderful career on the track, he claims two classic victories as well as going close in many more, including an English Derby, Irish Laurels and Irish St Leger.

But it is his successes in the 2022 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick and the following year’s Easter Cup at Shelbourne Park that really stood out. In his racing career which lasted some two and a half years, he was a superstar.

Fast forward to this past weekend and it was wonderful to see him become a winning sire for the first time from just his second runner. Marlhill Jenny overcame traffic at Clonmel on Friday evening to lead in the closing yards for a half-length victory in 29.74.

Not long after, on Saturday night Swords Rex had another runner in the form of Angry Alice. While she didn’t win, she displayed plenty of promise in a three-length defeat, posting 28.90 in the process.

It may be early days for Swords Rex as a stud dog but the signs are encouraging. Given his ability and wonderful pedigree, it would be no surprise to seehim developing into a top sire.