Omuircheartaigh, a former National Puppy Stake third at Shelbourne Park during his Irish career, showcased impressive form in the Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby semifinals at Newcastle. Owned by the Fomo Five Syndicate, the son of Broadstrand Bono posted the fastest time, clocking 28.54 seconds. Trainer Tom Heilbron, eyeing a third successive victory in the event after wins with Freedom Alibi in 2022 and Links Maverick last year, looks forward to the £10,000 final on Thursday.
In the first semifinal, Omuircheartaigh made all the running, holding off Clona Curly from Diane Henry's kennel to secure the win by a neck.
The second semifinal witnessed Maxine Locke's Droopys Display dominating, proving too strong for kennelmate and favorite Droopys Eunice. Droopys Display won by almost four lengths in 28.60 seconds after chasing down the early leader.
The third semifinal resulted in a 'Coppice' one-two, with Jimmy Fenwick's Coppice Saphire leading the charge and staying-on hot favorite Coppice Ella securing second place for Kevin Hutton. Coppice Saphire won by two lengths in 28.79 seconds.
The trap draw for Thursday's final is as follows:
- Coppice Saphire (Jimmy Fenwick)
- Droopys Eunice (Maxine Locke)
- Omuircheartaigh (m) (Tom Heilbron)
- Clona Curly (m) (Diane Henry)
- Droopys Display (m) (Maxine Locke)
- Coppice Ella (w) (Kevin Hutton)