Irish Greyhound Derby 2012: A big win for Skywalker Puma
Sometimes, everything goes against predictions and expectations. The same happened in the high-profile event of Irish Greyhound Derby 2012. Unlike the betting forecast, that showed Milldean Panther, as the hot favourite candidate before the start of the
tournament, Skywalker Puma eventually walked away with the glorious title on September 8.
The €225,000 racing festival of Ireland began with the dawn of August. There took place some thrilling and awe-inspiring contests at Shelbourne Park. After the hullaballoo of more than five weeks, F. O'Donnell’s Skywalker Puma walked away with the grand
victory along with earning €120,000.
That race was full of excitement and thrill. Being the 2-1 favourite, Skywalker Puma broke from Trap 2. Within a few seconds after the break call, D. Ruth’s Cuil Cougar was in command.
That was a moment of great depression for the punters who had put their money on the favourite candidate. The huge crowd of sport lovers, who had come to watch the heated action, were also spellbound to see the situation going against the hopes.
Skywalker Puma and Cuil Cougar kept fighting neck-to-neck throughout the time. Even a few steps ahead of the finish line, nothing was clear. Most of the spectators had regarded Ruth’s pupil as winner.
Suddenly, there came a startling change in the playfield. Skywalker Puma summed up his entire courage and took a long leap to finish first by a neck’s margin, making the bettors’ breathes flow smooth.
The two-year-old young black dog completed the 550-yard distance in 29.39 seconds. It was the greatest success of his career. Neither he nor his trainer had even imagined such a feat before.
With Cuil Cougar being the runner-up, Razldazl George finished third on the podium. The fourth spot went to Coolykereen Imp. Tyrur Sugar Ray and Camas were 5th and 6th respectively.
The Derby poses to be the top-ranked racing event of Ireland. Inaugurated in 1928, this is held every year. In the beginning, the mega series was hosted by Harold’s Cross, but Shelbourne Park became the permanent host in 1968.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of sport lovers of the world gather at Ireland to enjoy this event. In fact, this is the jewel of greyhound racing.
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