BALLYMAC Danica made it a memorable opening night to the €150,000 Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake as with a run of 27.83 win set a new 525 yard track record at Limerick.
She is trained by Kerry’s Liam Dowling and nominated by Ballysteen GAA.
Dowling also enjoyed earlier success with Ballymac Senan (Fedamore).
Trainer Robert Gleeson is no stranger to Kirby success and he has a real player in the 2024 renewal with Droopys Metaphor (Mungret St. Pauls), who romped to success.
There was another impressive performance from Rushy Meadows (Askeaton Kilcornan Desmonds GAA) as two-time Kirby winner, Brendan Matthews, showed his hand in the renewal.
There was a shock as the Shaun Conway trained Noirs Ben (Murroe Boher) crossed over in front at odds of 8/1.
Another upset was through 20/1 outsider Quarry Boy (Doon GAA).
Action for the remaining 48 runners continues on Saturday, 7.40pm.
The night will also mark a big family celebration for Easter with a visit from the Easter Bunny along with free Easter Eggs, face painting and colouring competitions for the children.
