‘Is this the fastest dog on the planet?’ ‘Rocket’ greyhound owned by famous Group 1-winning jockey emerges in Ireland
A DOG owned by a Group 1-winning jockey left punters with ‘goosebumps’ on Saturday when she smashed the track record at a Dublin greyhound track.
Droopys Kathleen was anything but droopy when sprinting in front of her rivals at Shelbourne Park, causing the commentator to go ballistic with excitement.
Her owner, the Group 1-winning Irish jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, was thrilled with the performance of his first ever dog.
Despite being only 21, the young Flat racing jockey, who rides for Joseph O’Brien, has earnt well over £7 million on the track.
And now it looks as though his pockets could get even deeper as his ‘superstar’ dog, trained by Irishman Robert Gleeson, looks to be world class.
Especially given Droopys Kathleen is only 19 months old and is already the fastest greyhound that has ever been over a distance of 525 yards.
The female dog sprinted the distance in just 27.58 seconds, in the Puppy Oaks, meaning she went an average speed of 38.9 miles per hour.
To put this in perspective, one of the best racehorse’s ever, Frankel, who won 14 races on the trot and was never beaten in all his life, travelled at a maximum speed of 43 miles per hour.
In an interview after the race, Browne McMonagle said: “It’s good. She looks to be very good so hopefully she’ll keep improving.
“She’s my first ever dog. The boys got me involved and Robert Gleeson who trains her.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
“She’s my only one and she looks to be good so you couldn’t beat it.”
The unprecedented bolt also caused the commentator to go ballistic.
As she scampered way ahead of her rivals, he said: “She’s absolutely leaving them standing.
“This is a monster. All eyes are on the clock for her fourth career start. She smashed the track record.” Droopy’s Kathleen smashed the track record.”
And later awestruck punters took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to goggle at the new superstar on the greyhound-racing scene.
One said: “Most exciting Puppy on the planet.”
Another said: “What a performer. What a superstar. That was impressive, she’s got some fire in her.”
While one simply said: “Rocket.”
Meanwhile, a racing greyhound expert told the Racing Post:
“Frighteningly, this was just her fourth career start and she has improved with each outing. She remains unbeaten and will no doubt be a red-hot favourite for the Puppy Oaks final on Saturday night.
The clock suggests she is special, we are already looking at one of the all-time greats in Ireland.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.