Hero 11/8 for Kirby Memorial after scintillating display

Boylesports Hero will be the favourite to land next weekend’s final of the €80,000-to-the-winner Con and Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick following a scintillating display of raw pace in Saturday night’s semi-final.

Vans Viking broke best of all and easily cleared those on his inner as he moved for the rails on the run-up. That carried him around a length clear of Boylesports Hero, who didn’t flash out but showed his customary brilliant early pace. The challenger then became the leader with a tremendous display of pace along the backstretch and into the third bend.

Despite swinging wide into the homestraight, the Brendan Matthews-trained and John Boyle-owned runner held the tight-railing Vans Viking by a length in 28.35. Pennys Deanridge ran on well to take third place, three lengths further back.