Brandywell report for Monday 29 September

The Doug Shrimpton Memorial Sprint, sponsored by Mark Shrimpton. It was won by Generous Cashout in 16.55. Charles Baxter (left) receives the winner’s trophy from Mark Shrimpton

Generous Cashout stars at Brandywell

On Monday, the Brandywell track welcomed Mark Shrimpton from Malta as he remembered his late father, Doug Shrimpton, through his race sponsorship at the venue. This event was part of a program featuring seven races, including the commencement of the Liam Melly Memorial 525 heats.

The highlight of the evening was the Doug Shrimpton Memorial Sprint, where track specialist Generous Cashout (Ballymac Best x Generous Daisy, Sep ’22) outclassed his competition. Racing from trap four and bred by Charlie Baxter, he established his lead by the first turn and despite veering wide exiting the second bend, clinched his fifth victory on this track this year with a fast time of 16.55, winning by 4 lengths.

The action began with three exciting sprint races. Brian Robinson’s Rozys Wild (Dorotas Wildcat x Drumcove Roxy, Jun ’24) claimed the first victory. Although starting moderately from trap six, Rozys Wild skillfully maneuvered into the lead at the first turn, ultimately securing a win over Meenagh Malaga by 0.75 lengths in a time of 17.06. Both debuting dogs impressed with their performances.

In race 2, Ballyskeagh Nova (Ballymac Vic x Avongate Nova, Jun ’23) achieved consecutive wins on this track. Starting from trap four, Nova outpaced her tightly-grouped competitors at the first turn and went on to win by 0.5 lengths in 17.40, edging out the fast-finishing Macash Derry.

The Liam Melly Memorial 525 heats took place in races 4, 5 and 6. Justys Flyer (Rileys Hill x Over Easy, May ’23), owned by Justin Graham and Patrick McQuade, led the way in the first heat. Starting from box five, he maintained his lead throughout the race with a finishing time of 29.39, defeating Ballygloss Angus by 1.5 lengths.

The Liam Melly Memorial 525. Round 1, heat1 won by Justys Flyer in 29.39.  Pictured with Roy Ruddy.

The second heat also saw a win from trap five. Zoos Ariel (Malachi x Helens Bay, May ’23) narrowly defeated Meenagh Manila, demonstrating superior stamina in the home straight to win by 0.5 lengths in 29.36. Rossna Millie made an impressive late surge to secure the third qualifying spot.

 The Liam Melly Memorial 525. Round 2, heat 2 won by Zoos Ariel in 29.36.  Pictured with owner Richard Grieve.

In the final heat of the Liam Melly Memorial 525, James Campbell’s Bogger Ollie (Callaway Pro Am x Bogger Megan, Oct 23) emerged victorious. Despite a moderate start, Ollie exhibited a burst of speed on the bends and won by 8.25 lengths in a time of 29.46.

The concluding race of the night, also over 525 yards, saw another victory for trap five. Brendan Harkin’s Roanna Gonzo (Burgess Bucks x Ballyoran Maid, Oct ’22) secured his first win on this track, adding to his tally of six career victories.

The line-up for the semi-finals of the Liam Melly Memorial 525 is as follows:

1st Semi-Final: T1 Starcash Barry, T2 Meenagh Manila, T3 Lye In Wait, T4 Ballygloss Angus, T5 Justys Flyer, T6 Centenarys Leo.  

2nd Semi-Final: T1 Scally Annie, T2 Catunda Quinn, T3 Bogger Ollie, T4 Zoos Ariel, T5 Mineola Man From, T6 Rossna Millie.