The star tracker has put up some breathtaking displays over the past couple of years. But his performance in the Paddypower.com Irish Greyhound Derby final at Shelbourne Park last Saturday was his best - bar none.
Many great canines have ended their career having failed to win the Irish Greyhound Derby. Tyrur Ted is one who springs to mind. A sensational tracker who won nearly everything there was to win except the Irish Derby. Late Late Show was another hugely popular star who looked destined for Derby success during his career. He came within a short head of completing the dream for his connections. Greyhounds such as Spiral Nikita, Droopys Maldini and Premier Fantasy were other superb trackers who many believed deserved to win an Irish Derby but never did.
Going into last Saturday's Irish Derby final, even the most optimistic of College Causeway fans felt that their star was going to join that elite list of the 'nearly men'. On the night when it mattered most, it appeared as though the draw had done the 'People's Champion'. And that was after an undefeated path to the final.
But then again, College Causeway tends to enjoy doing things the hard way. And when he doesn't, he then goes and breaks track records. His first round demolition is a prime example of that when he smashed the seven years standing track record at headquarters.
As good as that first round exhibition was though, Derby final night will go down as one of the most memorable in the history of Shelbourne Park. And that's coming from people who have been going to the Derby twice as long as I have.
In a race which so many different outcomes looked possible, nearly everything went wrong for College Causeway. He broke nearly too well. That meant squeezing between Cashen Legend and Shaneboy Lee followed. He then was sandwiched going into the dreaded opening bend. Now he was last heading down the back straight. Even the great College Causeway couldn't pull this one off.
But as soon as some started to right him off, up went the customary College roar. He'd found a gap. He'd got himself back into this Derby. Within a matter of strides, he had moved himself into third. Oran Classic was the clear leader but everybody knew he wasn't the greatest of stayers. Sure hadn't 'College' overhauled him a week earlier in the semis.
Cashen Legend was the next to be passed by 'College'. It was now a two dog race. And with 'The Causeway', as he was described in commentary, going faster than ever before, it was only a matter of time. In Grand National terminology, Crisp was tiring and Red Rum had him covered.
Around the final bend and 'College' drew upsides. A quick glance across to say, 'it's me again' and off he went. The place went wild. The roof had finally come off Shelbourne Park. The 'People's Champion' had got his just reward.
It's not often that greyhound racing gets to witness such a star. But he's more than that. As Sea The Stars is to the horse racing public, College Causeway is Ireland's champion. In fact, he belongs to us.
And the best part about it all is that he's not finished yet either!
Try this link Kevin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFuNcy1PBbU, what a race.
I have watched a lot of the rounds up to and
including the semi finals, but I cannot find
the final anywhere, can you please tell me if
it is available.