Tragic news for Offaly owned horse

The popular staying chaser The Big Dog owned in Lusmagh by the Kelly family who finished fifth in the Aintree Grand National last April has sadly died from colic with his trainer Peter Fahey saying it was “a bitter pill to swallow”.

The Big Dog gained success over hurdles but it was only when he went to the bigger obstacles that he came into his own winning three prestigious races the Grand National Trial in 2021 at Punchestown before following up with successes in the Munster National at Limerick and the Troytown Chase at Punchestown – he then took a trip across the water for the Welsh National where he finished a gallant third.

His last race was in the Aintree Grand National in April where he finished fifth just under nine lengths behind Corach Rambler.

Trainer Peter Fahey said: “He was some horse. He just never gave up, he tried so hard and gave you every drop of energy he had. He was some bit of stuff.”

The trainer added: "The horse was brilliant last season and he seemed to be getting better with age. We would have loved to have had another crack at the Grand National with him given how well he ran in the race this year, and the experience he gained in it. He will be sorely missed – it's hard to find horses like him. 

The Big Dog in an illustrious careered won five races from just twenty one starts winning €270,000.

Laois based Duffy purring along at Galway

Errill Co. Laois based trainer Shane Duffy sent out Purring Along to land the seven furlongs handicap on Tuesday for her owner Michelle Shannon and breeder David Mooney.

Well supported during the day (6s into 7/2) winning trainer Shane Duffy said: “That was super and she was working the best she ever has in the past week. We kept her fresh and sweet, brought her to the beach to the other day and I don’t think I ever saw a horse as fresh on the beach. Nathan Crosse gave her a cracking ride. On form she deserved it and the easy ground and good pace was a big help.”

Listowel Harvest Festival

The annual week long Listowel festival is one of the highlights of the autumn season and the seven day festival gets underway on Sunday with the Guinness sponsored Kerry National the highlight of the week on Wednesday in a race which could see recent Galway Plate winner Ash Tree Meadow and runner up Authorised Art renew rivalry. One I like is the Enda Bolger trained Stealthy Tom and he could be a value each way selection if declared.

TG4 will show the racing live on air all week.