Day 2 of the Una O’Sullivan Memorial Cup saw all the upsets take place in the top half of the draw whilst the bottom half went very much as predicted. Which means that the betting as we head into the quarter-finals has a slightly lopsided look to it with most neutrals expecting the winner to now come from that bottom half. However how often before in coursing have we seen that it is an advantage to be in what is perceived to be the ‘easier half’ and none of our quarter-finalists can be ruled out as we reach the halfway stage.
MOYLE MAGIC: Not sure if the Irish Cup itself was the original plan this weekend for the Galloping Lads Synd owned bitch pup and connections were expecting the journey to end once she met the dogs. However her early pace sealed the fate of Light Brown very quickly this afternoon and she has the red collar all the way now. BANOFFEE PIE: This pup seems to be enjoying Patrickswell every bit as much as his dual Irish Cup winning sire. James Bourke & his family bred two semi-finalists in this season’s Boylesports Derby and now own an Irish Cup quarter-finalist. TONEVANE TOGO: Much more was expected this season from the 2024 Derby quarter-finalist (Cup at Thurles was sole success) but his joint owners Darragh Sheehan & Stephen Reidy are finally getting the performance they knew this dog had in him. Very quick from slips in both courses today. STICKMEIN: Qualification for Day 3 adds to what has already been a most successful season for Glen Healy & family with numerous trial stakes wins incl this lad and the All Ireland Open last weekend. Manner of his defeat of Cool Spirit in RD2 gives him a big say in top half.
BOBBY BROWNE: This pup was expected to make it to last day in Clonmel earlier this month but surprised by Ballinabola Cha in third round of Derby. No such worries today and he was the first dog to break 11.50 (equalled later in Irish Plate). Named by Jimmy in memory of his late nephew who enjoyed days like today and would be a popular winner. NAVALNY: It was a crushing blow for the Comerford family when he had to miss the 2024 Derby. Now two Cups and a Champion Stakes later he is on top of the coursing world. No flashy clocks but middle pace is superb and makes it look easy. MAGICAL FIONN: The TA Morris Stakes runner-up from last season has only tasted gold once this season so far (Lixnaw). However the Guilfoyle family owned runner has produced a series of three impressive runs here this weekend. The greyhounds he beat in RD1 & RD2 are serious contenders in Purse and Plate which is always a good line of form. CHALLENGER DEEP: Like Bobby Browne he too was narrowly denied a place in last eight of Derby a few weeks ago. Gives Paul Horig a strong chance of back to back Irish Cups although he had to put paid to the chances of the defending champion Gigantor this afternoon (running for two different trainers ).
In the Patsy Byrne Select Bitch Stakes the eye catching performances in RD1 came from the pups My Cool Marie and Ballymore Lady. The latter has probably the easier draw following the elimination of the ante post fav Shes Our Sky but it is a very competitive competition. The pups Master Tactician and Escalation continue to impress in the Dick Fitzgerald Irish Purse and could progress to the final. The 11.49 clock from 2023 Irish Cup winner Cool Spirit this afternoon will surely see him installed favourite in the morning for the Bill Chawke Irish Plate with Coverbridge looking like he could provide the opposition from the other half.
Top class coursing today at Patrickswell with conditions ideal and all the clocks holding up very well. Overnight rain is expected to clear in time for coursing tomorrow and it has all the potential to be a fitting conclusion to the 2024/25 coursing season. Make sure you are there !!