PATCH TAKES THE HEADLINES

Ian Fortune

Da Quiet Patch took the headlines at Shelbourne Park on Friday, landing the final of the Christmas Regulars A3/A4 525 in the manner of a greyhound that won’t see that grade again anytime soon.

Patrick Kehoe’s son of Good Ness and Saoirse Mo Croi was the 2-1 favourite ahead of the off after a superb semi-final display and it was evident from the opening strides he was going to emerge a comfortable scorer.

Breaking smartly from three, he would take charge into the turn before pulling further and further clear to emerge a very easy winner. Prince Lucius ran on strongly to take second, some eleven lengths behind Da Quiet Patch, who stopped the clock in 28.67.

MAGIC MIKE TOO GOOD

Monodie Mike would win the second final up for decision, that of the Happy Christmas A2 Dual Distance. The market reflected the open appeal of the contest with Monodie Mike going to traps the marginal favourite at 5-2.

La Calabaza went up fastest but he was under immediate pressure when Monodie Mike turned in second. Trained by Dave Bourke for the Southside Boys Syndicate, Monodie Mike began to make his move into the third turn.

Coming around the early leader, he drove on at the third turn before easing clear. The son of Ballymac best and Kishlawn Amelia would eventually come home two and a half lengths clear in 30.06. Augusta Fairway ran on well to take second.

ROXY INITIATES A DOUBLE FOR DAVE

Incidentally, winning handler Dave Bourke had earlier initiated a double with Brackile Roxy winning over 750yds.

Charging to the front on the fifth bend, Denis Fraher’s daughter of Roxholme Olaf and Banter Breeze would go on to beat Breffni Sheila by three lengths in 42.39.

GOTCHA IMPRESSES

Another to impress included Glory Gotcha in the sprint.

Sheila Duncan’s son of Burgess Bucks and Glory Katy flew into the turn to take charge before easing on to win by three lengths in 18.62.