History maker

Saturday night’s second-round action in the Connolly’s Red Mills Irish Laurels saw racing at Curraheen Park brought to a whole new level when Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Vic became the first greyhound to break the 28-second barrier in competitive action at the venue.

The one-time Derby favourite left some very useful rivals for dead as he led all the way in a stunning 27.94, taking nine spots off the old mark.

Shane Dowling, son of trainer Liam, said: “He was always close enough to doing it, I suppose. He was the dog of the Derby the first three rounds and he was just unfortunate to miss the break [in the quarter-finals]. We always knew he had it in him, but that run was exceptional.