Joe Carroll: Rain does nothing to spoil Dundalk Stadium’s biggest day

Connections of Raha Mojo receive the trophy following their success in the 2023 running of The Time Greyhound Nutrition Dundalk International

The judge at the horse racing in the afternoon may have had only one close finish to legislate on; but the others in place were busier, needing to have their wits about them.

The weather gods were only kind off and on as Dundalk Stadium’s big July 12th meeting unfolded. But there was little to spoil what was a very good day’s entertainment. Competition was keen throughout.

The horses were first in action, followed later in the evening by the greyhounds. Hounds were involved in two particularly close finishes, including in the biggest contest of the day, the TIME International; but with no camera to assist them, those named to choose the best-dressed lady had one mighty task.

The field was crowded, dozens togged out in their finest outfits, all chasing the first prize worth €3,000. Silverbridge, Co Armagh lady, Louise Ryan’s outfit was judged to be loveliest of all.

Trainer, Joseph O’Brien, son of the legendary Aidan, has a great record at the track, and he enhanced it with a couple of firsts, each of them going off favourite and winning with a lot in hand.

Another trainer, Michael O’Meara, also had a double, one of them ridden by in-form Gary Carroll. And there was success for On The Radar, owned by another Carroll, Joe F. (I’m Joe G).

Those who stayed on for the greyhound racing witnessed one of the closest finishes the International has produced since it was first run in 1968. It involved the warm favourite, Ballinabola Ed, and Raha Mofo, a 7/2 chance.

Trouble at the opening corner ruined the chances of a number of the field, but not the English challenger, Brookside Richie. He got a dream run and going into the back straight had a sizeable lead over Ballinabola, with Raha Mofo well back in third.

When the favourite closed the gap to a manageable distance, those who traded at very short odds were feeling good with themselves.

But all the time Raha Mojo was getting closer, and in the dash for the line, last year’s Sporting Press Irish Oaks finalist got up to pip Ballinabola, the judge telling us there was only a short-head dividing them.

Already the winner of almost €46,000, Rafa added €20,000 to her earnings for Galway owner, Marissa Molloy. New sponsors, Willie Rigney and John Fox, head honchos in TIME, which is a greyhound food production company, can be pleased with their association of an event which has certainly stood the test of time.

Last week’s finish brought memories back 40 years. On that occasion five of the runners crossed the line together, less than a length covering them. The verdict went to Quick Suzy, with the Co Tyrone bitch pipping Dad’s Bank, a Duleek, Co Meath-owned dog trained in Clogherhead by the late Peter Burke.