‘TIME’ TO SHINE AT LIMERICK AS GRADERS DERBY KICKS OFF
Peter Farrell
Kindly sponsored by TIME Greyhound Nutrition, the TIME Club Derby A4 525 has, as expected, attracted a massive entry for the 2026 renewal, with the opening 12 heats getting underway tonight and the remaining 12 scheduled for tomorrow night’s card.
Boasting a terrific €20,000 winner’s prize, connections will need to tread carefully given the 28.90 clock stipulation in place. Nonetheless, expect some eye-catching displays, with talented youngsters complementing the seasoned performers.
A LOOK AT THE HEATS
Heat 1 – The curtain raiser can see Magical Fiona kick-start her campaign for Patrick Guilfoyle. The September pup has just three starts under her belt, finishing strongly in recent sprint outings, suggesting the return to four bends will pay dividends. The main threat looks to be Kosovo, who shed his maiden tag with an emphatic eight-length victory at Kilkenny last time out.
Heat 2 – Grangeview Rocko gets the vote in heat two despite still searching for a first career victory. Michael Hogan’s runner posted 29.16 on debut around Kilkenny, so his ability is clear, and it’s fair to say this represents an easier assignment than the Kilkenny Track Champion Open Unraced.
Heat 3 – Owned by the Lawlor-Mooney-Carter Syndicate, Arrow Oreo gets the vote after catching the eye in recent defeats around Kilkenny. The daughter of King Sheeran has just one victory from ten starts; however, she is well housed in red and could gain the clear early passage that is crucial to her success.
Heat 4 – There are some interesting runners in heat four, but the standout on paper appears to be Leyland Run in trap six. The son of Coolavanny Hoffa is two from three around Thurles and comes into the event chasing a hat-trick of victories. His recent 29.32 around one of Ireland’s toughest circuits reads particularly well and he looks the one to beat.
Heat 5 – Brendan Murphy always warrants respect and he is represented by Ballinabola Baz in heat five. A striking white and fawn, he posted 29.17 on debut around Enniscorthy, suggesting clear ability, and he could prove one of the outright fancies for success. Ballysloe Tash also commands respect after posting 29.38 around Thurles last time out and has a plum draw on the rails.
Heat 6 – Paraic Campion landed the GOBA stake last weekend with Kevinsfort Trump and his Hollyhill Cody looks the one to beat in heat six. A former A1 performer, he takes a notable drop in class and can return to winning ways from trap three. Coolanga Elite gets the nod to give him most to think about from trap one.
Heat 7 – Burgess Banker is another that contested the Champion Unraced at Kilkenny and is selected to break his maiden tag at the third time of asking. A son of Burgess Bucks, he endured a rapid qualifying campaign and if reproducing those types of clocks, he will take plenty of stopping.
Heat 8 – 2025 TIME Derby champion Maid Of Iron returns in heat eight, though she has endured a difficult campaign since landing that memorable success twelve months ago. Without a win since, she is drawn perfectly on the fence but will need to rediscover her best form to feature. Instead, the sole wide runner, Charlies Choice, gets the vote as he bids for a third straight victory. The son of Signet Ace campaigns around Kilkenny and looks to be operating at the peak of his powers.
Heat 9 – Hellroad Sleeper has strong Limerick form to his name and could take advantage of an open-looking affair in heat nine. The son of Ballymac Cashout is a strong-running sort and has the experience to secure a fifth career success. Aces Alf looks the chief threat from trap six.
Heat 10 – Thurles form is always difficult to ignore and Supersonic Tess posted 29.21 in a recent outing, a performance that stands out for Sean Fitzpatrick in heat ten. Just an October pup, the daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet remains open to huge improvement and can certainly get involved if reproducing anything close to that clock. Razldazl Tully possesses nice early speed for Dolores Ruth, an attribute very much suited to Limerick.
Heat 11 – Kilcash Bluegirl ran a superb race in defeat at Enniscorthy last time and, while this represents a step up in grade, she looks to be heading in the right direction for Thomas Leahy. A stout stayer, that 29.14 clock reads particularly well and although she doesn’t win too often, this could be her night. Cashen Darney has shown both pace and power in the Kingdom for Chris Houlihan and is one to keep an eye on.
Heat 12 – The concluding heat on the opening night can see Jaytee Dallas sign off in style for Paul Hennessy and John Turner. Just an October pup, the fact he contested the Enniscorthy Unraced is a clue in itself. He has endured a couple of bumpy starts recently at Kilkenny but can bounce back to winning ways in this contest. Evan McAuliffe’s Barranca rates as the chief threat after taking charge late on in her latest Galway outing.