The 2023 2023 FINAL

Kindly Sponsored by JP & Noreen McManus

Clonbrien Treaty

PROBABLE SP 5-2

The first of three finalists for trainer Graham Holland, Clonbrien Treaty arrived to Limerick as an A1 runner but with only three races under his belt and our youngest finalist now, it has not come as any surprise to witness his growth through the Kirby. Battling well for places in the opening two rounds, the August 2021 pup claimed a first victory at quarterfinal stage and further progressed to a brilliant 28.15 last week. He is likely to move markedly towards the middle of the track in the early strides so must break as sharply as he did a week ago but if so, could settle the race in the early strides for he fully sees out every yard in strong running fashion. Big, big chance!

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR KNOCKAINEY

GAA

Owner: James & Muireann Murphy / Trainer: Graham Holland / Breeder: Mr. Jerry Murphy

Hovex Tommy

PROBABLE SP 8-1

The second of a final trio for his trainer, Hovex Tommy commenced his racing campaign in Clonmel’s hot novice event when a smart heat winner before arriving to Limerick with an opening round second. Progressing to his best run when defeating Clonbrien Treaty in Round Two, a winning time of 28.27 makes him a final contender despite defeat last twice. Chasing home his kennelmate in a reverse of form a week ago, his chances now hinge on beating that rival from traps and should he manage it, command of the rails would make his odds look very large!

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR ST. SENANS

LGFA

Owner: Graham Ashe & Shaun Gresham / Trainer: Graham Holland / Breeder: Mr. J. J. Dunne

Scaglietti

PROBABLE SP 5-1

Seeking to go one better than when runner-up last year, trainer Pat Guilfoyle has seen his Scaglietti chart a truly laudable passage to the Kirby final having not enjoyed clear passage since a wonderful opening round victory in 28.21. A winner of a hot 575 stake in Cork before a racing break ahead of this Kirby tilt, he remains a powerful runner at the 525-yard distance with the early sharpness to gain a challenging position to the second bend. There is no doubting that a fast start is needed given his tight middle draw but be aware that he is as fast as any in the line-up and will prove very difficult to contain if securing that precious racing room.

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR FEENAGH

KILMEEDY GAA

Owner: Cheryl Sutcliffe / Trainer: Pat Guilfoyle / Breeder: Mr. Michael Hennessy

Gaytime Hugo

PROBABLE SP 3-1

The third finalist for last year’s winning trainer Graham Holland, Gaytime Hugo hinted at his classic credentials in 550-yard victory at Cork before finding wonderful progression within a menacing Kirby campaign which has brought stealthy and timely improvement. Settling for runner-up spots in the early heats, he advanced to a stunning personal best from this very box in semi-final victory and a repeat of his latest fast break, simply would not be contained as he is an immensely strong runner at the standard distance. Real claims!

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR DOON

GAA

Owner: Stephanie O Connell / Trainer: Graham Holland / Breeder: Mr. Brendan O’Connell

RYHOPE BEACH (M)

PROBABLE SP 3-1

Arriving to Limerick as a hot fancy for outright Kirby victory following sizzling heat wins in the Juvenile Classic at Tralee, Michael O’Donovan’s Ryhope Beach was a muted presence when battling through traffic to qualify in early round heats, but he fully confirmed his fervent designs on the Kirby when posting a brilliant 28.05 in quarterfinal victory. That win came with racing room in a four-runner heat however, and the question that remains now is can this powerful strong galloper turn close enough to any prospective leader off the second bend? He may be rolling the dice for clear passage at the opening turns but a rare talent, he holds obvious claims.

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR HOSPITAL HERBERTSTOWN

GAA

Owner: Alison Bandurak / Trainer: Michael J. O’ Donovan / Breeder: Mr. Patrick Sinnott

BOGGER LUCKY (M)

PROBABLE SP 6-1

Contesting his early career start while advancing to the Open ranks at Kilkenny, Liam Peacock’s Bogger Lucky has been amongst the most reliable and consistent challengers in this year’s Kirby and produced his best performance when leading home Hovex Tommy at quarterfinal stage in 28.45. Defeat last week behind Clonbrien Treaty arguably brought further progress when denied the lead before battling for qualification. Possibly the most natural 525-yard runner in the final, his chance hinges around sweeping the first bend to establishing a winning lead. The draw can work, he has the pace, realistic chances!

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR EFFIN

GAA

Owner: Liam Peacock / Trainer: Liam Peacock / Breeder: Mr. Liam Peacock

FORMGUIDE:

Win/Place: 4

Reverse Forecast: 4-5

Trio All Ways: 4-5-6