Derry Greyhounds: Community Spirit is the victor at Brandywell

With racing at Brandywell cancelled on Monday due to acts of vandalism, the Supporters of Brandywell rallied round to show their support for the Brandywell Track Management Team.

Many Supporters arrived throughout Monday evening to offer whatever help they could which allowed the Management Team to focus on clearing up the damage. Out of the adversity came the opportunity to foster Community Spirit and show resilience. Whether it was hands on help, bringing snacks, sharing a cuppa, or just offering moral support, it was abundantly clear how much this venue means to the Community.

A statement from the Brandywell Greyhound Track on FaceBook, in response to the vandalism, read ‘…We welcome all and are open to working with those involved to include them in our sport and show them what a positive impact it has for all our patrons.’

Indeed for many patrons, the Brandywell Greyhound Track is a place of hallowed ground which they have a strong emotional connection and affection for. It can be described as topophilia which is the strong sense of attachment and belonging to a venue, place or hometown and as such can evoke powerful positive memories.

Greyhound racing has been part of the fabric of Derry society for almost 100 years, it is part of local history and culture and there is reference to it in Phil Coulter’s famous ballad ‘The Town I Loved So Well’. It is a rich heritage that belongs to everyone in the City and greyhound racing is open to all to experience at the Brandywell every Monday night where they would be most welcome.

Action from Lifford Greyhound Stadium

There may have been no sweepstake action on offer at Lifford Stadium over the past weekend but there was still plenty of eye-catching performances, none more so than Station Cracker (Ballymac Bolger – Double Standard) in the opening race on Friday night.

Owned by the father and son combination of Ray and Andrew White, the March puppy was unlucky in her first career start after missing the break, however, there were no such problems this time around after a slick exit from one.

Lifford on Sunday Race 4 - The ROSIES CAFE S3/S4 325 was won by TWO MORE BRENDAN in 17.88. Pictured with; Jack Mc Quillan (centre) Cian Daly (left) & Darcie Doherty (right).

Outpacing her rivals into the bend, the even money favourite pressed home her advantage late on to secure a six and a quarter length win over Ardnasool Ezme in second. The time was a fast 17.77.

Race seven saw another win for the ever-reliable Starcash Barry. Owned by Dean Toland, this lad was chasing his eleventh career win and he duly popped out of trap one to show his customary early speed to lead. Setting a powerful gallop down the back, the even money son of Droopys Noah and Lightfoot Marie staved off late pressure from No More Rolos to win by three parts of a length in 29.31.

EAGER DOUBLE

Damien McConville had a fruitful night at Lifford on Friday as his litter comrades, Eager Aine and Eager Rosie. It was ‘Aine’ that was first to prevail as she proved a class above her A5 rivals in race five.

Lifford on Saturday; Race 7 - The GREEN AND GOLD OF DONEGAL A4 525 was won by Starcash Barry in 29:31. Pictured with owner Dean Toland.

Dreenan Jill shot from traps in this contest, however, she was quickly pegged back by McConville’s charge as the daughter of Drumcrow Darwin and Drumcrow Holly excelled in the early yards from six. Thereafter, the 2/1 chance drew clear of her rivals as she set a powerful gallop to cross the line four lengths clear. The time was a smart 29.22. In the very next race, ‘Rosie’ sealed the double over the extended 550-yard trip. Sent off as a 5/2 chance, she too was led in the early exchanges, however, showed the best of the track craft to come through and win by one length. The time was 30.87.

SUNDAY

On Sunday afternoon, it didn’t take long for the quality to shine through as Ardagh Sorrento recorded a maiden win for Conor Crossan. A member of a top litter, the son of Broadstrand Bono and Venice had been in the wars in recent starts, however, trapped lively wearing the stripes on this occasion to immediately draw clear of his rivals. In doing so, ‘Sorrento’ powered up the home straight to cross the line two and a half lengths clear of Lotus Hunter in second. The time was 17.81.

Indeed, that wasn’t the only fine performance over the two-bend trip on Sunday afternoon. Trained by Michael Taggart for Paul Ryan of Derry, Blackstone Benny left it late to bounce back to winning ways, however, he did so in outstanding style.

Lifford on Saturday; Race 6 - OLD DALYS A4 550 was won by Eager Rosie in 30.87. Pictured with owner Damian McConville.

A 7/4 chance at the off, the son of Droopys Sydney and Calzaghe Jan was on the receiving end to that phenomenal debut performance from Epic Ace at HQ last time out and although not too fluently into stride from four, always looked a threat around the bottom two bends on this occasion.

Grinding down Izzys Jessie, who was in full control, ‘Benny’ never relented in crossing the line a half-length too strong, in 17.65.

Switching back to the standard trip and it was no surprise to see Charles Coyle back in the winners enclosure with Tobergal Beauty (Magical Bale – Rental Dispute). Owned by son Nathan, this lady was without a win since late August, however, she picked this performance from the stars in producing a career best effort.

Lifford on Sunday; Race 2 - The BALLYDOYLE GALLOP S7 325 was won by Ardagh Sorrento in 17.81. Pictured with Conor Crossan

Flying from trap six, the 2/1 chance posted a 2.53 sectional and in doing so, this enabled her to open a commanding lead.

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Shelone Glory gave chase in second and certainly bridged the gap, however, it was too little to late as ‘Beauty’ crossed the line with three parts of a length in hand. The time was 28.98.