Catunda Quinn Triumphs in Signet Ace at Stud Trophy at Brandywell

Due to the high temperatures, race meetings at Lifford were postponed over the weekend in the interests of greyhound welfare, but conditions improved by Monday to allow a seven-race programme at Brandywell to take place, featuring the Signet Ace @ Stud Trophy, sponsored by Kevin Hutton.

Race-by-Race Results from Brandywell

Race One: Ballyskeagh Nova Claims Debut Victory

• Winner: Ballyskeagh Nova (Ballymac Vic x Avongate Nova, Jun '23)
• Owners: Patrick Gibson and Paul O'Neill
• Time: 17.25
• Distance: 300 yards

Ballyskeagh Nova claimed her first career win despite initially losing ground at the second turn. Her littermate, Sevenofdiamonds, already has an impressive record over the sprint trips at Central Park, suggesting strong breeding lines.

Race Two: Luminous Nelly Makes It Two in a Row

• Winner: Luminous Nelly (Serene Ace x Likely Gift, Sep '23)
• Trainer: Thomas Mullan
• Time: 17.37
• Distance: 300 yards

Luminous Nelly made it two consecutive wins, holding her inside position and resisting Enchanting Pepsi's late challenge. Mulroy Torpedo finished a creditable third after being crowded at the first bend.

Special guest Sienna, visiting with her family from the US, got to cuddle Nelly after her victory in race two (picture above).

Race Three: Veteran Ontimeforthree Delivers Fastest Time

• Winner: Ontimeforthree (Laughil Blake x Scullys Flo, Aug '20)
• Owners: Paul and Justin Hughes
• Time: 16.74 (fastest of the night)
• Winning Margin: 4.25 lengths

The veteran competitor, who turns five years old next month, delivered the night's fastest time while recording his eighth career win. A dominant performance from the experienced campaigner.

Feature Race: Signet Ace @ Stud Trophy - Catunda Quinn Claims £250 Prize

• Winner: Catunda Quinn (Ballymac Anton x Cabra Diva, Feb '22)
• Owner/Trainer: Stephen RadcliffeTime: 28.28
• Winning Margin: 1.5 lengths
• Prize Money: £250

Catunda Quinn overtook Shrewd Stories to claim victory, marking his 13th career success. The Stephen Radcliffe-trained winner showed excellent finishing speed to secure the feature prize.

Thanks must go to Kevin Hutton for sponsoring this event, along with the Dorotas Wildcat @ Stud Trophy Race held a few months ago. Trainer Stephen Radcliffe also won that event with the Colm McConomy-owned Inniskeen Mandy. This marks the second year that Kevin Hutton has generously supported these two feature races at Brandywell.

Race Five: Corcass Coyote Breaks His Maiden

• Winner: Corcass Coyote (Good News x Corcass Hope, Oct '23)
• Owners: Patrick Edgar and Richard Graham
• Time: 28.42
• Distance: 500 yards

Corcass Coyote earned his first career win, looking like a shrewd purchase from the recent Cork Sales. Despite being crowded on the run to the first bend, his early pace carried him clear before holding off Galliagh Voice's late challenge. The 500-yard trip perfectly suited his running style.

Race Six: Easy Choice Claims Third Career Victory

• Winner: Easy Choice (Good News x Barfett Bullett, May '23)
• Trainer: Dermot Coney
• Time: 28.05
• Trap: Six

Easy Choice captured the sixth race from trap six, claiming his third career victory. Spiritinthesky finished strongly in second place and showed promise for future engagements.

Race Seven: Old Fort Lakota Dominates the Finale

• Winner: Old Fort Lakota (Coolavanny Hoffa x Atealive, May '23)
• Owner: Tony Teague
• Time: 16.92
• Distance: 300 yards

Old Fort Lakota dominated the finale over 300 yards, showcasing something approaching her top form. The consistent Meet More Often secured second place in what proved to be a quality contest to close the evening's action.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Brandywell Fixtures

Next Brandywell Meeting: Monday, 28th July

Featured Events:

• Johnny McLaughlin Memorial Sprint
• Daniel Canning Memorial 500 heats

Both memorial events promise to attract quality fields and continue Brandywell's tradition of honoring significant figures in Irish greyhound racing.

Weather Impact on Irish Racing

The weekend's postponements at Lifford due to high temperatures demonstrate the industry's continued commitment to greyhound welfare. Monday's improved conditions allowed the Brandywell meeting to proceed safely, showcasing the sport's responsible approach to animal welfare during extreme weather conditions.