In the 2019 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Final, Ballymac Tas will bid to become the first bitch to claim the title but how many bitches have reached the final to this point?
Well, in 2018 we had no bitch in the final but also from the Liam Dowling kennels, Coolavanny Pet was widest of six inside seeds when third in 2017.In 2016, the beast that was Witches Belle finished 3rd behind Droopys Roddick before going on to win the Irish Oaks.
Our first bitch to reach the final was in the inaugural 2013 event when the brilliant Royal Diva was unlucky when baulked badly at the opening bends behind winner Roxholme Bully.
Final trap spread
Trap 4 has proven to be the winner's lucky box so far in Kirby finals. No longer the "coffin", three of the six winners wore black on final night. Cable Bay, Droopys Roddick and Bentekes Bocko. Oi Oi Toolmaker!!
Lemon Bolt
An absolute legend in the breeding stakes, Colin Rafter's Lemon Bolt will be represented by her son Toolmaker Josie in the 2019 final and this comes after two of her litter to Droopys Jet reached last year's showdown. First bend bumping saw them held in the back two positions but how higher up the standings can Josie get this week than Lemon Shane and Blue East managed a year ago?!!
Staying with Josie, trainer Robert Gleeson and owner William Hyslop have teamed-up with a finalist in the past. Remember the brilliant Droopys Braedon who ran fourth to Cable Bay in 2015?!!
Dowling Duo
2019 will not be the first time that Liam Dowling has had two runners in the Kirby final. Already mentioned, Coolavanny Pet ran third in 2017 but do you recall that she was joined by Borsalino who was sixth on the night?!!
Number Nine can be Golden??
Unless I've forgotten something obvious, I make this year and the final appearance of Herecomesdahoney a ninth Kirby finalist for Graham Holland. In fairness, we've only had three winning trainers after the exploits of Brendan Matthews and Pat Buckley but the Golden handler must be anxious to get over the line sooner rather than later in one of the few events that have eluded the kennels.Previous finalists are: 2018 Slippy Cian, Blue East 2017 Drive On Tipp 2016 Riverside Oscar, Riverside Chip, Clares Rocket 2015 Rural Hawaii 2014 Vans Viking.
