Tracton's Kieran Lynch has become the first Cork trainer in 22 years to land the Laurels title.
TRACTON’S Kieran Lynch has become the first Cork trainer in 22 years to land the Laurels title.
Before a full house at Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium last Saturday, top dog Rockybay Foley met all the expectations as the 4/5 favourite crossed the line in 28.27 seconds to secure the 2018 Irish Independent Irish Laurels.
Local owner Chrissie Slyne scooped the €30,000 first place prize while surrounded by family connections, while trainer Lynch was also celebrating the great success.
‘This is huge, I have been going to the Laurels since I was three years of age. I am so happy we have pulled this off,’ Lynch said.
‘My dad was trying to win the Laurels for years, but he would never have won it because he would end up selling. He’s an amazing dog. He’s a genuine 28-28.20 second dog.’
Rockybay Foley entered the competition as the clear favourite and landed his Cork connections over €1,000 per racing second in the highly anticipated final. A further victory was secured for Slyne and Lynch as Foley’s kennelmate, Rockbay Rover, finished in third behind Native Chimes, taking home €4,000 in prize money.
Lynch confirmed that Rockybay Foley’s next big target will be the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby at Dublin’s Shelbourne Park for the €300,000 jackpot, with a top prize of €140,000.
