Derry Greyhounds: Sniper Kennels on target with a winning treble

By Staff reporter
Published 8th Apr 2022, 16:33 GMT
Sniper Ria, the Sprint Track Record holder, with brothers Gavin (left) & Kealan O’Kane. Gavin’s daughter Ria (who the dog is named after) left of photo. Kealan’s daughter, Orla Wray is right of photo.placeholder image
Sniper Ria, the Sprint Track Record holder, with brothers Gavin (left) & Kealan O’Kane. Gavin’s daughter Ria (who the dog is named after) left of photo. Kealan’s daughter, Orla Wray is right of photo.

The older more experienced hounds reigned supreme on a drizzly Monday Night at the Brandywell with Drop The Torpedo (Droopys Nidge x Shirocco Star, Oct 20) being the only 2020 whelp to win.

This stunning looking fawn lad had won his 3 qualifying trials and he got the better of a close buckle with Free Derry on the homestraight to win on his first career start in 17.25 for Gerry McGettigan in the Support Greyhound Racing Sprint.

Random Borris (Laughil Blake x Random Biddy, Oct ’19) is a lightly raced ex-Waterford hound that had won in 29.71 before moving north under Sean McGrotty’s ownership.

After a couple of unsuccessful attempts at Drumbo he was impressive when landing the second race, the Greyhound Data Sprint, in 16.75 on only his second race around the Brandywell circuit. He drove a very good first bend and stretched the field with a 5.5 length victory.

The O’Kane family were in attendance on Monday to celebrate with Sniper Ria who broke the 300 yards track record at Brandywell last week. They were presented with the Generous Kennels & Brandywell Greyhound Supporters Group Trophy by sponsor Charlie Baxter in recognition of her 16.40 record.placeholder image
The O’Kane family were in attendance on Monday to celebrate with Sniper Ria who broke the 300 yards track record at Brandywell last week. They were presented with the Generous Kennels & Brandywell Greyhound Supporters Group Trophy by sponsor Charlie Baxter in recognition of her 16.40 record.

Coologue Ragner with (from left to right) Kevin O’Kane, Kealan O’Kane and George McBrearty. Orla Wray at front of photo.

It turned out to be a terrific evening for all three of the O’Kane’s Sniper Kennels runners. Wexlim Lady (Laughil Blake x Playmistyforme, Jun ’18) was their first representative and she tracked the bends well, running on strongly up the home straight to get the better of the early leader, Kyleview Blake by 2 lengths in 16.84.

We switched to 500 yard action for the next 3 races and Beautiful Peggy (Ela Ela Genie x Velvet Holly, Jun ’19) for Michael Feeney was once again back on the podium in the Supporters Group 500 after a really gritty performance in a quality field. She was moderately away from traps but had enough early pace to take the lead going into the first bend and although the very talented Titanic Jay was in hot pursuit, Peggy kept up a strong gallop to win by 1.5 lengths in a fast 27.95.

After a successful 2021, Peggy is currently leading the league table for dogs with most wins at Brandywell in 2022. She also won the O’Neill’s bag of dog food, kindly sponsored by Andrew O’Neill.

Five and a half year old veteran Coologue Ragner (Skywalker Farloe x Russanda Razl, Sept ’16) was the second representative from the Sniper Kennels to win. Ragner now has 19 career wins on his CV. His early pace took him clear of crowding at the first bend and he ran on well to win the Support Track Lotto 500 in 28.34 for father and son team, Kevin & Kealan O’Kane.

The O’Kane family had not long left the winner’s podium until they were back celebrating an incredible third winner on the night. This time it was Knockroe River (Storm Control x Rosmult Racer, May ’19) in what was a race of changing fortunes, where all the competitors looked to have their chance at victory, who ran on the strongest to land the spoils in 29.02 in the Supporters Group 500. River completed what was a truly memorable night for the O’Kane family.placeholder image
The O’Kane family had not long left the winner’s podium until they were back celebrating an incredible third winner on the night. This time it was Knockroe River (Storm Control x Rosmult Racer, May ’19) in what was a race of changing fortunes, where all the competitors looked to have their chance at victory, who ran on the strongest to land the spoils in 29.02 in the Supporters Group 500. River completed what was a truly memorable night for the O’Kane family.

Drop The Torpedo with owner Gerry McGettigan (left) and Tony Maxwell (right).

Why Geldof (Droopys Buick x Why Tanyard Lass, Nov ’18) was a classy trap to line winner of the last race, the Sponsor A Race Sprint, for Brendan McLaughlin in 16.88. Geldof is such a versatile dog and has been successful both on the track and field. He has fast early pace and his Youghal form proves he can stay 525 yards. He is a dog that clearly enjoys his racing and gives his best each time.

Remembrance Night at Brandywell

The Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation are supporting a Remembrance Night at Brandywell on Monday 11th April 2022 in memory of all those racing enthusiasts in our community that are no longer with us.

If you wish to honour the name of your dearly departed family or friends in the race programme on the night, then please contact any of the Committee members via their Facebook Group: Brandywell Greyhound Racing Supporters Group, before Friday 8th April.

Greyhound racing has a long legacy in the Brandywell and many of the racing enthusiasts that attend Brandywell today are descended from families who have been involved in the sport through the decades.

Related topics:BrandywellDerry
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