SWORDS REX was yet again the fastest in the quarter-finals of the 2023 willwego.com Irish St Leger at Limerick, as he dominated his quarterfinal in a time of 29.35.
Trained in Tipperary by Graham Holland, this talented runner has now been clipped into the 2/1 from 7/2 favourite to be crowned the latest Classic winner at Limerick. He was fast from trap three with the Jack Kennelly trained Beepers Lariat two and a half lengths back in second place. The Pat Buckley of Doon trained Ballinabola Una grabbed third spot.
The defending champion Bobsleigh Dream remains unbeaten in this year’s competition after she won heat three in 29.64 for Buckley.
Trinity Junior was the favourite to win the race and despite setting the pace, Bobsleigh was just too good for him as she chased him down on the back straight to win by a length and a half. Bobsleigh Dream is 8/1 to successfully defend her crown along with the Peter Cronin trained Trinity Junior.
It was another good night for Riverside Kennels (Holland) as Clonbrien Treaty won heat four in 29.38 making him unbeaten along with Bobsleigh Dream. This son of Pestana – Clonbrien Millie adores this track. He was quick away from trap six and won by five lengths with his kennelmate Gaytime Hugo also qualifying. Clonbrien is 4/1 from 5/1 to win the €30,000 purse.
The opening heat was won by Mr Chelm and it’s fantastic to see this greyhound return to winning ways for Cronin. It was a tough heat but the formally named Kildare took control to win by a length and a half in 29.60 to Sober Glory and Another Holiday. Mr Chelm is now 8/1 from 10/1.
Sarah Kinsella, of Greyhound Racing Ireland, said: “The willwego.com Irish St Leger boasts a huge prize fund with €30,000 going to the winner. It’s a hot renewal with Swords Rex the 2/1 from 7/2 favourite to win the title but his kennelmate Clonbrien Treaty is hot on his heels at 4/1. Defending champion Bobsleigh Dream remains value at 8/1 and what a story it would be if she manages to pull it off. We can’t wait to see who our six finalists are going to be.”
