25/1 shocker for Prince Fitz
IT is quite incredible the way that prince of trainers, Pa Fitzgerald, keeps on turning out winners on track and field, and the Tralee man pulled off a 25/1 shocker with Ballymac Under at the quarterfinal stage of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby at Shelbourne Park last Saturday night. Ballymac Under, owned by Londonbased Duagh man, Patsy Byrne, led off the first bend and he defied all challengers to score by three-quarters of a length in 29.96 (550yds).
Going through with him to the semi-finals this Saturday night is Dromore Hero, owned by John and Thomas Murphy, of Brosna, and trained by Jim Morrissey. This fellow finished third in his heat in an estimated 28.95. It's marvellous to have two runners carrying Kerry interest in the last twelve of the Irish Derby and, while they are not among the top fancies, everything has a chance at this stage.
The best of luck to Pa Fitzgerald, Patsy Byrne, the Murphys and Jim Morrissey this Saturday night. Hopefully, both greyhounds will qualify and be in there with a chance of landing a € 120,000 jackpot in the final a week later.
