Ballymac Floral which won the 2021 Oaks at an historic four day 2022 National Meeting could be in the news again on another milestone day for the National Meeting tomorrow. No less than six of her progeny will be in action including the very warm favourite for the BOYLE Sports Derby, Ballymac Awil. Litter comrades Mallory Park (Derby) and Ballindaggan (Oaks) are also through to Day 3 and three of her second season progeny Moyle Magic, Ballymac Mulan & Ballymac Loral will go to slips for the Champion Bitch Stakes & the Virtual Coursing Museum Trophy. However Ballymac Awil is the one which has lit up this 100th National Meeting so far with his 12.18 clock this morning and his dismissal of Abbey Einstein this afternoon. He is now as low as 1/1 with the bookmakers and is starting to stamp his authority on what looked a very competitive renewal. What might progress to meet him in the final is much harder to call with very little between the four quarter-finalists in the bottom half. Seven Barrows reminded many of us this afternoon of his Derby winning sire Upper Hand with the way he fought back to deny Magical Titan in the very last stride in what was the course of the meeting so far. We could be in for another thriller in RD4 when he goes to slips with Unforgivable.
The betting would suggest that the 2026 Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks might rest between Cujo and Rushview Rose (pictured) and both bitches have been brilliant so far. Rushview Rose would appear to have the tougher route to the final and any of the quartet in the bottom half would be a worthy finalist. Hopefully Daoimean Dubh, a comrade of the aforementioned Seven Barrows and another Derby quarter-finalist Mr Trendsetter (all progeny of the great Laurina) is ok after her tumble this afternoon. Up in the top half it was hard not to be impressed by the early, middle & late pace of Cujo and we can see why those leaving Johnstown & Urlingford thought they had seen a future Oaks winner.
Butterfield, which came out second in yesterdays RD1 Oaks thriller v Daoimean Dubh looks the one to beat in the Canine Physio Care Kitty Butler Stakes with Coombunny Fox her possible opponent in the final. The Stockproof Fencing Products TA Morris Stakes is much harder to call but Tedtastic and Silent Treaty, on opposite ends of the stake, produced two nice back to back runs today and are likely finalists.
It was another great day of coursing with the hares and the field a credit to Team Powerstown and there is every reason to believe that the concluding day of the 100th National Coursing Meeting will be one to savour. Very best wishes to all involved with a runner in the nine events down for decision tomorrow. It will be very special to be bringing a greyhound to slips on such an historic occasion and there are thousands of coursing supporters out there who would love to swap places with you !!!!
Results, Clocks & Latest Betting now in Quick Results
Footnote: We have been asked to announce that the Duleek Open meeting scheduled for Sunday February 8th will not take place this season due to rainwater on the preserves.