HIDALGO GETS NOD IN WIDE OPEN 600 DECIDER
Ian Fortune
Known famously as the Guinness 600 for many years, the Shelbourne Open 600 has long been one of best and most popular competitions on the Irish calendar.
The 600yd trip is one of the truest tests of a racing greyhound and the role of honour reflects this.
So many famous names have won the classic through the years and it rarely fails to deliver. That is again the case in 2026. Tonight’s decider may have been reduced to five runners with the withdrawal of Blue Belle in season but we can still look forward to a wide-open contest where each of the remaining runners have outstanding claims.
GROUCHOS A BIG PLAYER FOR BUCKLEY
Grouchos Gregor has been installed favourite after going unbeaten through the early rounds.
An outstanding winner a fortnight ago in 32.05 on a fast track, he clung on to win in 32.46 last weekend and has been rewarded with a trap one draw this evening.
Pat Buckley has won the Shelbourne Open 600 on three separate occasions, most recently with Ballinabola Ed in 2023 and perhaps most famously with College Causeway in 2008, so he knows what it takes.
Grouchos Gregor has all the qualities needed to shine over the trip. Indeed, the longer run to the turn has really seen him come into his own. He will again bid to make every inch and is a big player in the contest. Certainly, if turning in front, he will again prove a tough nut to crack and the extra room afforded to him by the vacant box in two can only work in his favour.
ORLA BIDDING TO COMPLETE A HAT-TRICK FOR TOM
The same can be said for Lemon Orla in three.
The Easter Cup champion was at her very best in the semi-finals, leaving an opening round defeat behind her by making all to lower the colours of Callaway Knegare.
A sister to last year’s winner Ballyhooly Bruno, she was always going to appreciate the test provided by the 600yd trip. Blessed with huge pace and power, she is again greatly respected but much will depend on how close she can turn.
She made all last week but is not guaranteed to turn in front this week by any stretch. Either way, she is another with the ability to make a bold bid and handler Tom O’Neill will be hoping he can claim a third win in the classic following the successes of the aforementioned Ballyhooly Bruno last year and Ballyhooly Henry in 2016.
KNEGARE CHASING FURTHER CLASSIC GLORY
Owen McKenna has never won the classic but did famously go very close back in 2005 when his Derby champion Like A Shot finished second to Satellite Flight in one of the great races.
McKenna sends out Callaway Knegare and will be hoping his former Juvenile Derby champion and Derby third can put his best foot forward.
He was actually sent off the 8-11 favourite in last year’s decider but found traffic on the turn. There is no doubt he retains all his ability but needs to turn closer than last week to add a second classic victory to his CV.
He was always second to Lemon Orla last week and can’t afford to allow her get first run again. If Callaway Knegare is to come home in front, he will need more than just a lively start. He must also show more speed into the bend.
OPINION REPRESENTS VALUE
Owen McKenna also sends out Mydras Opinion.
The powerful brindle is now set to go of the rank outsider but, much like his kennel companion, he has a big engine. He actually ran even better than the bare form suggests in the semi-finals, racing prominently into the bend before being squeezed out.
He recovered well to finish just two lengths behind Grouchos Gregor in third and there is no way he can be dismissed this evening. Certainly, if finding a start, he won’t be far away at the turn and double figure odds seem a little generous.
HIDALGO READY TO POUNCE
The leaves us with Lemon Hidalgo, a greyhound that has largely stayed under the radar in recent months despite running some superb races in hot company.
He has tremendous pace from start to finish and will be suited by a wide draw, especially if finding a start.
He ran Grouchos Gregor close in the semi-finals, proving that he stays the 600yd trip, and there is no doubt he has a better start in him. If you rewind to the Easter Cup final, he displayed superb early speed from a middle draw to sit a close second on the turn, only to lose his position when forced to check wide as they entered the back straight.
If he were to produce one of his better starts, he could just slip around in front this evening. Tom Lennon will certainly be hoping that is the case.
A FASCINATING FINAL
It’s a fascinating final and it could go right down to the wire but after much debate, the vote goes to Lemon Hidalgo.
Grouchos Gregor is a worthy favourite but he switches from a middle draw in his last two starts to an inside draw.
That could affect him at boxes. One suspects Lemon Hidalgo is due a flying exit and if that arrives this evening he can dictate the pace into the bend. Grouchos Gregor is unlikely to give up his inside line and can turn close, while the remaining trio will be battling to get first run at the likely leaders. Lemon Orla did nothing wrong in the semis and is seen as a big threat but Lemon Hidalgo is chosen to make all at the expense of Grouchos Gregor. The best of luck to all involved.