Droopys Kathleen, captured in a memorable photo with trainer Robert Gleeson and owner Alan Dobbs, made history with an incredible 27.58 track record in the second semi-final of The Gourmet Island Puppy Oaks at Shelbourne Park. Despite the spotlight being on the Boylesports Derby quarter-finals, her record-breaking performance proved to be the highlight of the night, cementing her status as one of the most thrilling young talents in the sport.
In just her fourth career race, Droopys Kathleen demonstrated extraordinary speed and strength, leaving the crowd in awe. Surprisingly, bookmakers offered her at 4-7 odds, likely expecting her trap six position to hinder her chances. However, their doubts were misplaced as she surged from the traps, immediately seizing the lead and captivating the crowd.
Though she shifted inward early on, once she cleared the first turn, she was unstoppable. Displaying unparalleled pace along the back straight, she widened the gap effortlessly, with her breathtaking 15.71 split at the third turn sealing her dominance. As she powered through to the finish, Droopys Kathleen finished twelve and a half lengths ahead of Coolavanny Shone, clocking an astonishing 27.58—surpassing Paradise Madison’s nearly twelve-year-old record by nine spots.
Droopys Kathleen has shown herself to be a remarkable athlete, with the potential to be one of the greatest talents the track has ever seen.