Magical On Fire conjures dramatic Irish Greyhound Laurels victory
TOP DOG: Pat Flanagan, Chairman GRI; David Clifford Footballer of the Year, and Tim Lucey CEO GRI at Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium for the Bar One Irish Greyhound Laurels Final on Saturday night. Pic: Gerard McCarthy
The stars were aligned for Saturday night’s final of the Bar One Racing Irish Greyhound Laurels as Curraheen Park hosted as big a crowd as it has seen for such an event in quite some time, and the feature of the night delivered with a performance faster than any previously seen in the history of the competition.
If that sounds like a runaway success leading to a fast clock, you have been misled, because this was a thriller from start to finish, and the sole female in the finale, Magical On Fire, prevailed in the most dramatic of climaxes.
The good and the great of GAA – and most of Kerry - were there to support Solo And Go, and he was not there to disappoint. With a fast exit, he made the most of the inside draw as he led around the opening bends and into the backstraight. His kennel mates, brothers Ballymac Brandan and Ballymac Setanta, didn’t fare so well, as they bumped on a couple of occasions and left each other with no chance.
Magical On Fire, however, who had showed herself to be in rude health as she was brought out on to the track, broke as well ever and was able to put herself into the chase position. Solo And Go led by a little over two and a half lengths as they raced down the back, but one sensed the power-packed bitch might be a shade too close.
Lemon Joey was just in behind, though a slight but crucial check on the approach to the third bend, hindered his chance.
Solo And Go, posting a flying 15.82 sectional, led around the final bends, but the bitch was getting closer all the while. Nibbling away at the lead, she stepped out right to mount a challenge in the straight and with one late lunge, she got up on the line to deny Solo And Go by a head, in a superb 27.93, with Lemon Joey a fine third.
The runner-up, brilliantly brought along to produce his best on the night that mattered most lost out to a lady who has thrived on racing these past few weeks, and who only promises to get better.
For winning trainer and owner Pat Guilfoyle, who has won most things the sport can offer, this was a second Laurels success, three years on from Good Cody. It was also back-to-back victories for the ladies, with Crafty Shivoo having ended a 31-year drought for the bitches when successful in 2024.
“She was absolutely incredible,” said Guilfoyle. “She’s always looked special, from day one, and has a particular liking for Cork track.
“If I’m honest, I didn’t fancy her. I think the world of her, and if she was in trap one, I’d call her a certainty, but she had a very, very tricky draw. No matter how I analysed the race, I couldn’t see how she’d get a run, but thank God she did, and she showed her class.
“It’s our second time winning it – we won it three years ago, with Good Cody. It’s a lovely stake and a very prestigious stake, next to the Derby, so to win it again, we’re thrilled.” Young Jayden Loughnane, a young greyhound racing enthusiast, who works with Guilfoyle and has been so important in this lady’s success, was similarly over the moon.
“I’m just so thrilled, I can’t even describe it,” said Loughnane. “She was the underdog really, but she’s an unbelievable bitch – the bitch of a lifetime. I’m delighted for Pat and all the Guilfoyles. We’re lucky enough to have had good nights before, but this is special.”
