Sunday night’s card at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium was headlined by the €6,500-to-the-winner Rural Kennels Unraced 525 Final, and we were delighted to see Gaytime Clyde pick the perfect stage to shed his maiden tag with a top-class performance.

Kindly sponsored by Helen O’Dwyer, the 2026 renewal of this prestigious stake certainly lived up to expectations. Our kennel companion Newinn Spot had been the standout performer throughout the competition, showing blistering early pace and repeatedly dipping under the 16-second sectional. Having had to settle for second behind Spot in the semi-finals, Gaytime Clyde turned the tables when it mattered most to land a memorable victory for owner Brendan O’Connell.

Newinn Spot went to traps as the clear 4/6 favourite, with Jacktavern Alf next best at 7/2. Vivaro Warrior was 9/2, Gaytime Clyde 11/2, while Skywalker Bruno (14/1) and Grouchos Cossie (28/1) completed the line-up.

There were early concerns for Newinn Spot drawn in four, and unfortunately those fears were realised at traprise. He met traffic early, being checked by the outward-moving Vivaro Warrior in three and the inward step of Jacktavern Alf in five. That allowed Gaytime Clyde, along with Skywalker Bruno, to emerge prominently on the run-up.

Showing sharper early pace and taking a lovely inside line, Gaytime Clyde asserted himself around the opening bend, with plenty of congestion stacking up behind. Holding a narrow lead of just over a length into the back straight, he always looked comfortable, even as Newinn Spot worked his way into third and then second by halfway to give us a one-two at that stage. In truth though, the leader was never under serious pressure.

Opening up by two and a half lengths at the third bend, the son of Droopys Sydney and Gaytime Tilly continued to strengthen, extending his advantage to three lengths turning for home. With Newinn Spot unable to close, the outcome was beyond doubt. Staying on strongly to the line, Gaytime Clyde pulled right away to score by an extending five and a quarter lengths, with Skywalker Bruno rallying late to grab second.

The winning time was a fast 28.60, and there’s no doubt several of these will be making their presence felt again in the coming weeks. A huge night for everyone involved, and we’re thrilled with how Gaytime Clyde delivered on the biggest stage.