Droumeragh June hands Cahersiveen owner O’Meara and Ballyheigue trainer Reidy victory in A6 525 final

The even-money favourite, Outdoor Abú, didn’t repeat her brilliant semi-final start from trap 5, but she was still able to lead the field on the back straight and still be in front turning for home, at which point Jamiemac was forced to check when in a strong challenging position.

Behind them, Droumeragh June was eating up the ground in a very significant way and it was quite something by her, and by the man behind her, Michael A Reidy, that she was able to drive to the line with such speed and determination that she was able to claim victory by half a length from Outdoor Abú in 29.30, with a length back to Jamiemac.

Everything else on the night was of secondary importance to the victory of Droumeragh June, but first-round heats of a Novice 3 525 sweepstake (winner, €1,000) also drew plenty of attention and, actually, they surely made a bit of national history by the fact that three of the four first-round winners were eliminated because of the very good times they recorded and the fourth winner (along with other qualifiers) was eliminated because of the trial time recorded beforehand.

The Ray Fleming-trained Portmageeallstar clocked 28.88 in winning heat 2, the Edward O’Sullivan-trained John Zola clocked 29.06 in winning heat 3 and the Patrick Guilfoyle-trained Magical Dylan clocked 28.99 in winning heat 4. They were not allowed to better 29.30 and out with them has gone the heat 1 winner, Tommys Lad, also trained by Edward O’Sullivan, because of his trial time.

Both John Zola and Tommys Lad are owned by Tommy Clifford, of Tralee.

Previous trial form reduced the field further and also eliminated was a greyhound which must run one conduct trial. Altogether, the field has been cut up so badly that one greyhound which finished last is included in the round 2 draw.

Definitely not a scenario you’d ever like to see repeated, but, come final night, there will, of course, be one happy winning owner.

Other winners on the night were Beginish Nina, 17.87; Himalayan Kevin, 17.88; Brosna Chloe, 17.88; Move The World, 29.09; Loher Tiger, 29.12; Bolus Magpie, 29.22.