STUNNING TRIAL FROM UNRACED YORKIE

Ian Fortune

There weren’t too many standing on the steps of Shelbourne Park on Friday evening ahead of racing but those that were would have seen an exceptional trial by a young greyhound with obvious talent.

A well balanced white and black greyhound was placed in traps by Owen Mckenna and proceeded to win his trial by seven lengths. Moving with real fluency, he clocked a sizzling 15.90 to the third turn off a 2.06 sectional, while he increased his advantage over his kennel companion in the closing yards to eventually come home seven lengths clear.

The dog in question, we later found out, was an unraced puppy called Yorkie Ollie and his end time was an incredible 28.00. Owned by Michael Hennessy and Adrian Sheils, the son of Magical Bale and Outdoor Roller is just a November ’22 whelp but it’s clear that he could be making headlines in the future. Of course, he is a younger full brother to Scaglietti so perhaps it’s no surprise he has real talent.

Off the top of my head, I can only ever remember one faster trial by an unraced greyhound around Shelbourne Park. That came from Ballymac Ariel when she posted a scarcely believable 27.92 back in October 2020. She would go onto be a star and it would be quite a shock if Yorkie Ollie didn’t do the same. He’s certainly one to keep an eye on.

Incidentally, the bitch he beat in the trial was Grangeclare Lady. She too remains unbeaten but a 28.42 return suggests she is another with a big future. She also happens to be bred in the purple as the latest member of the Droopys Sydney/ Susie Sapphire litter to impress.