Two Clare runners in traps for Limerick final

THERE will be two Clare-owned runners in the final of the Thomond Asset Management A4 event over 525 yards at the Limerick Greyhound Racing Stadium.
First to qualify for the final was Portdrine Prince owned in Cratloe by Liam Carroll. The black son of Premier Fantasy-Invincible Diva was in front at the second bend but was caught near the line by reserve runner, Bunoke Rumble who won by half a length in 29.71.
The other semi-final winner was  the Kilmallock-owned Rancher’s Mojo who led at the home bend to win by half a length in 29.54 from Athlacca Husy. Third place went to Fernpark Phanter (Anna Carey, Cooraclare), two lengths farther back.
The Nenagh-owned Itellyaboy was in command all the way in the opening race, an A6 graded 525 but had to survive a late bid by Rallying Rumble (Dan Flynn, Meelick) for his half-a-length win in 29.59. A length and a half back for third spot was Cooolready Shaun (Mary Crotty, O’Briensbridge).
John O’Kelly’s Cragaknock Lilly was runner-up to the length and a half and 19.20 winner of an S6 graded sprint race, Wings of Maldini.
Third home in an A5 graded 575 was Wellstone Impact owned in Shannon by Patsy Riordan.
Mullagh owner, John O’Kelly, got into the winners’ parade ring in Limerick on Saturday night with his reserve runner, Cragaknock Zeno, winner of an A7 graded 525 yards with a clock of 29.65. In a tight finish, the daughter of Black Shaw-Cragaknock Grey just got up to beat Carvil’s Hill by a head.
Despite showing good early pace, Portroe Craic, trained in Killaloe by Nicola Downes had to be satisfied with runner-up spot in the Limerick and Clare GOBA A4 600 final. The Croom-owned Cherrygrove Alma was going better nearer home to win by four and a half lengths in 33.07.
Inislosky Swift, owned in O’Briensbridge by Mary Crotty, qualified for the final of the Milldean Phanter A2 affair over 525 yards by coming second in the second semi-final heat on Saturday night. The 28.78 winner by one length was Ballylean Bolt. Cnock Fairy won the opening semi-final in another fast time, 28.86,
The Clare-owned Liosgabh Bolt (David Canty) and the Donal Cooney-trained Killuran Tornado finished third in their respective races.