A huge capacity crowd at Limerick Greyhound Stadium witnessed Ballymac Anton becoming the 2019 Irish St Leger champion on Saturday night.
The win saw Anton earn €30,000 for connections, including owner/trainer Liam Dowling based in Ballymacelligott, Co. Kerry.
This year’s event was sponsored by the ‘Friends of Limerick Greyhound Stadium’ group who have spearheaded a funding initiative that has enabled an increase in winning prize money for the event.
Ballymac Anton, breaking from trap 3, finished three lengths ahead of Lenson Austin and a further two lengths ahead of race favourite Wolfe, both trained by Graham Holland. Brendan Maunsell’s Cash Is King was 4th, with the Holland-trained pair Murts Boher and Totos Park in 5th and 6th respectively.
A delighted Liam Dowling commented:
“It feels absolutely fantastic. We came here tonight with a dog that I had the world of time for from the word ‘go’. We felt that he had lost his way a small bit but really came to form in this Leger. I think the Limerick track suited him, it’s a good galloping track. He trapped well tonight and had a good run to the bend. The Leger was always one that we wanted to win.”
CEO of the Irish Greyhound Board, Gerard Dollard, said:
“The race was the culmination of a thrilling four weekends of action in Limerick, with thousands of spectators enjoying high quality racing. The event was a further milestone for the sport and the whole occasion and atmosphere showcased what the sport has to offer, both in Limerick and across the whole country. I wish to convey our sincere thanks to the Friends of Limerick Greyhound Stadium group for supporting a fantastic event. My congratulations go to Liam Dowling and Ballymac Anton, a worthy Leger champion.”
Minister of State at the Department of Finance and Public Expenditure, Patrick O’ Donovan TD, was among a number of notable guests at the event.
72 open class greyhounds began the event earlier this month. The Leger boasted an overall prize fund of over €60,000.
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