Back in August, Timahoe native Karol Ramsbottom showed his class as not one but two of his dogs won their heats in the derby to progress to the second round.
There were some brilliant displays both in victory and defeat as the 2023 Irish Greyhound Derby kicked in Shelbourne Park.
Laois Trainer Karol Ramsbottom once again showed his Derby form with not 1 but 2 of his charges winning their heats and progressing to the second round.
There were some stunning displays from Kerry Trainer Liam Dowling, and Tipperary duo Pat Guilfoyle and Michael O’Donovan.
Dowling and Guilfoyle recorded hat tricks, while O’Donovan sent out the standard setter Another Holiday and the easiest winner of the entire opening round, Ryhope Beach.
There was a tremendous buckle in Heat 10 between warm favourite Annagh Bailey and the ultimately victorious Deadly Showtime.
The latter flew from traps to hold a near two-length lead into the turn but was under serious pressure when Annagh Bailey slipped around in second.
This set up a great clash with Annagh Bailey challenging Deadly Showtime into the third turn.
Anagh Bailey finally got on terms between the last two bends and may have briefly headed Deadly Showtime but this contest was far from over.
Trained by Karol Ramsbottom for the Blue Light Syndicate, Deadly Showtime stuck closely to the fence and rallied to deny Annagh Bailey.
The son of Droopys Sydney and Ruby Valley kicked off the final turn to score by a half length from Anagh Bailey in 29.83.
Lotto Other News ran well to finish just two and a half lengths further back in third, holding the strong running Catunda Syd by a head.
Sober Glory provided Karol Ramsbottom with his second heat winner of the round in Heat 17, showing great pace and strength from halfway to reel in long-time leader Tommys Hewick.
This was billed as a match between Sober Glory and Cree Jo Jo but the latter completely missed the start and was never a factor.
Instead Hello Mom broke fastest but she couldn’t hold Tommys Hewick around the opening two bends.
Sober Glory was a close third behind the pair but was forced to check his stride as they hit the second turn with no room to race.
Tommys Hewick moved into a clear lead down the back straight but Sober Glory started to really motor as they hit halfway, moving into second by the third turn before setting his sights on the leader.
Sean Malone’s son of Droopys Sydney and Calzaghe Jan is immensely strong and he gradually reeled in Tommys Hewick to take the verdict by three parts of a length in 29.45.
Tommys Hewick ran a huge race in second with Hello Mom progressing to the second round, four lengths back in third.
The competition continues on Friday and Saturday, August 4 and 5 with second round heats on each night.
