MESEDO TUNES UP

Monday, February 8^th

Seamus Graham’s leading contender for the English Derby, Mesedo Blue had his first outing over four bends since Irish Derby final night when trialled before racing on Saturday.

The son of Climate Control and Heatherhill Lass had clocked 18.74 for the sprint distance the previous week and this time stopped the clock in 28.79. He broke fast and clocked a fine sectional before understandably tiring ok the run-in.

Wimbledon is definitely a possible target for the dog but no firm decision has been made yet as to where he will have his first race of the season.

 

PATSY AT CHELTENHAM

Wednesday, February 3^rd

On Tuesday evening I ran into Patsy Byrne on my “Clonmel Tour” and then when I returned to my temporary Festival Base I found there a message very much concerning the man from Duagh.

Patsy Byrne, a man who has won the Irish Derbys on the track and up the field as well as the English Derby, has just joined the list of sponsors for the Cheltenham Festival.

A statement issued by Cheltenham revealed that the Byrne Group PLC is to take over the sponsorship of the race formerly known as the Festival Plate and it will become known as the Byrne Group Plate.  

Peter McNeile, Cheltenham’s Director of Sponsorship, said: “Patsy Byrne is one of life’s enthusiasts and his enjoyment of racing is infectious. We’re delighted that Byrne Group PLC is continuing its sponsorship at Cheltenham to back the Byrne Group Plate and I’m sure that one of the most competitive races of the week will continue to flourish under the Byrne Group banner.”

 

LOOKING FOR AN ASSISTANT?

Wednesday, February 3^rd

Now for a first in this column, a leading international greyhound handler looking for a job in the sport in Ireland! We have just received a message from Rod Black, an Australian by birth, but among the leading trainers in Macau in recent years.

Basically Rod is looking for a greyhound job in Ireland. His letter reads: “I have trained greyhounds in Macau, China for many years. I won the trainer’s premiership on many occasions, with 10 winners on one race card & 699 winners for a year. I have now returned to Australia, my country of residence, to retirement. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I cannot settle down. I have been to Ireland and loved it. With the above in mind, might there be an owner or trainer looking to employ a kennel manager/foreman.?”.

If you are interested in taking on Rod, simply contact him at blackgreyhound@hotmail.com. 

 

NINE FOR PEBBLES

Friday, January 28^th

We related earlier in the week that Almost Jet In had produced eight pups to College Causeway and now comes word of another big litter for the 2009 Irish Derby champion.

That great stayer Betathan Pebbles whelped her litter of nine earlier this week at Imelda Phelan’s kennels. In her time Pebbles set two track records across the water and was also named the Sky Bitch of the Year.

 

HOWARD’S DAWN

Tuesday, January 26^th

Pat Buckley has confirmed that he has bought Leamaneigh Dawn from Paddy Hennessy on behalf of prominent owner Tony Howard.

Leamaneigh Dawn is a highly promising son of Top Honcho and Turbo Flight and clocked 28.56 in a December trial around Shelbourne. Favourite for the final of the Lyons Rumble Puppy Stake at Clonmel, he has a 28.59 win to his credit around the Tipperary circuit.

The dog will be known as Olympic Double and his first major target will be the Easter Cup.

 

EIGHT CAUSEWAYS

Tuesday, January 26^th

There was great joy down in the Davies kennels in Castlebridge on Sunday when Almost Jet In produced a smashing litter of four dogs and four bitches to College Causeway.

Almost Jet In has been a great servant in the breeding paddocks for Bryan and Lois Davies and her daughters Almost Chilli and Almost Daring were prolific winners at Shelbourne last year.

Jet In currently has a litter on the ground by Head Bound and these will be hitting the tracks this year. But now the Davies have plenty to look forward to with the Causeway litter and their arrival is a very timely boost for Lois who is just recovering from illness.

 

A FLYING PHANTER

Tuesday, January 26^th

What’s this we hear about a flying pup by Killahan Phanter that is reportedly causing ripples in southern circles.

The pup is still some months away from appearing on a track but the words “catching pigeons” have been used in describing how he is shaping.

Word has it that he may be a member of the Pat Buckley team, so don’t say you weren’t warned! He would be one of the first Killahan Phanter pups to be seen. Wouldn’t it be some start?

 

SEVILLE A HOT LADY

Wednesday, January 20^th

The Droopys team got the new year off to the perfect start when Lorrys Option landed the Betfair Prestige final at Hall Green on Tuesday night.

Lorrys Option is a son of Westmead Hawk and Droopys Seville and both sire and dam are kennelmates in the Portlaw kennels. Lorrys Option is one of the leading contenders for Stayer of the Year and he is another big winner for the dam Droopys Seville.

I well remember when the daughter of Droopys Vieri/ High Knight began her career and looked a sensational stayer in the making. She had some niggling injuries and never made it to the anticipated level despite some very fine runs. However she has more than compensated in the breeding paddocks.

 

BIG PUP’S DEBUT

Wednesday, January 20^th

It was interesting to see former Michael Mulleady hotpot Bigstrongpup making his debut in an open hurdle on Tuesday’s Sky programme from Hall Green.

Bigstrongpup was a wayward but very, very fast tracker and reached the final of the Vetsearch Irish Grand National at Harold’s Cross where he finished last after being involved in some major trouble.

He ran well on his UK debut when staying on strongly in second place behind his old rival Platinumlancelot over 480 metres and should prove to be quite a money-spinner for connections.

 

PRINCE’S BIG LITTERS

Tuesday, January 19^th

Leonard Lowndes suffered the low point of his ownership career when Swords Prince sustained his career ending injury but now he is living in anticipation of his super dog throwing another one like himself.

The son of Head Bound and Katie King is standing with Richard Cully and has made an extremely productive start to his new career.

The first five bitches mated have produced litters of three, four, eight and two litters of nine pups. Not bad for a starter!

 

FLASH INJURY

Friday, January 15^th

Word has reached us of an unfortunate injury that has threatened the career of the hugely promising Cornamadaddy Flash.

The November ’07 son of He Said So and Clonteen Tornado broke a hock in a trial during the week and so misses tomorrow’s first round heats of the John J Casey Open 575 at Shelbourne.

Owned, bred and trained by Darragh Robinson, Cornamaddy Flash was a finalist in the Puppy Derby at Shelbourne and his last outing saw him win a hotly contested Open 575 around Shelbourne.

 

WELCOME HOME DOM

Wednesday, January 6^th

At least a bit of good news for a change! We hear that leading greyhound sponsor Dominic Magnone has returned home after his spell in Tralee Hospital.

Dom was actually “kennelled” in the Tralee Hospital while the hugely successful Greyhound & Petworld sponsored Kingdom Derby final meeting was being staged just down the road.

Dom wishes to thank all those people who generously supported him in staging that meeting and also all those people who visited him or sent on their best wishes. One hopes that Dom can now accompany Kathleen and the team to take up their usual very prominent position at Clonmel.

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Wednesday, January 6^th

Sometimes it takes very few words to deliver a message that covers a multitude. So, I appreciated Ollie Hester’s comment on Tuesday as he informed he of the calling off of the racing at Galway this week.

Said Ollie: “The Galway Docks are frozen for the first time since 1972 – it’s bloody serious here!”

 

BABY’S BIG WEEK

Thursday, December 24^th

Berts Baby, owned by Mary Burrell from Ballyduff in County Kerry, must have been a strong contender for the dam of the month title in December following the feats of her produce last week.

In the course of a few days she accounted for four high profile winners from two different litters. First to grab the headlines was Newlawn Class which scored that fantastic victory in an open contest at Wimbledon on Tuesday night where he beat the ante-post English Derby favourite Eye Ofthe Storm.

Then on Saturday night at Tralee Berts Baby had a superb double on the Greyhound & Petworld Kingdom Derby programme. Pencray Lass clocked a flying 28.50 when winning the Open Bitch final and Mossend Skyline won the Dave Cremin Greyhound & Petworld A5 Stake in 29.08. Twenty four hours later Newlawn Cowboy won an open 550 around Clonmel in 30.16.

But then Berts Baby was no stranger to big performances as her daughter Mossend Cain ran up the 2005 Puppy Derby to Greenwell Storm. The dam is a daughter of Spiral Nikita and Minor Impulse.

 

3 MEN IN A BOAT TV TIMES

Monday, December 21^st

Word reaches us that some incredible new acting talent will be on show in the two episodes of 3 Men In A Boat which will be transmitted on BBC 2 at the New Year.

You will remember that the hugely popular BBC2 3 Men In A Boat team visited Mullingar Track this year, travelling down the Canal from Dublin by Barge, accompanied by a greyhound which then took part in a race. Many locals will figure in the episodes which are to be shown on BBC 2 on Wednesday, December 30^th at 9 pm and on New Year’s Day at 8 pm. The episodes will be repeated on BBC2 on Sunday, January 3^rd at 11.05 pm and again on Friday, January 8^th at 11.05 pm.

Sounds to me that these are two programmes definitely not to be missed!

 

THE GREMLINS STRIKE

Friday, December 18^th

It truly was a case of Murphy’s Law at Harold’s Cross on Friday night where a massive crowd turned up for the pre-Christmas celebrations and the two big finals on the track.

The stadium was well on its way to a record Tote turnover when the system crashed just after the Hegarty Marathon final, the first of the two big finals of the night.

As a result of the system crash there was no Tote betting or Video coverage of the races after the Marathon decider.

 

EAGLE EYE ON THE MARK

Thursday, December 17^th

I am always a believer in giving credit where credit is due and Seanie Flaherty must again take a bow for his quick spotting of a big talent.

The man from Lixnaw, who emigrated to Abbeydorney some years back, was first to pinpoint the potential talents of the likes of Killahan Phanter and College Causeway, long before others had jumped on the bandwagon.

And, more recently, in October last he warned me by phone that Shaws Dilemma “could win an Oaks” – and that was after she had contested the first round of the Gain Stakes at Tralee. Just two months later she is the winner of the Puppy Oaks and the English Oaks across the water.

So well done little man but the big problem is we won’t hear the end of it for years!

 

BELLS AT CURRAHEEN

Wednesday, December 16^th

We hear Santa arrived early down in Curraheen Park with Liz Igoe receiving the diamonds from fiancé John Cribbon!

The news took a few days to reach me but better late than never. So, let’s join in wishing Liz and John the very best in their future life together.

Liz is of course the GM at Curraheen and the native of Wexford has met her match in a Limerick native who plies his trade in Cork.

 

OLLIE JUST MISSES OUT

Tuesday, December 15^th

They say God loves a trier! Well, he must be head over heels in love with Galway RM Ollie Hester who surely deserves his place among the world’s greatest triers!

Why, you might ask? Well, Ollie is still battling it out on the football pitch with those many years his junior and just missed out on his big reward at the weekend. Playing for St Michaels in the Galway GAA leagues, Ollie missed out on a County Junior Football medal by just three points when St Michaels were beaten by Carna Caiseal on a scoreline of 1-10 to 2-4.

Incredibly, St Michaels came from eleven points down in that game to lose out by just a single kick of the ball and in the dying minutes our hero Ollie grazed the post with a shot for goal. Undeterred, Ollie says: “Next year we can do it, I suppose. I’ll try a diet of Gain Record Breaker to get a bit of speed. Then I might make the Galway Masters Team in a few years”.

By the way, I suspect that Ollie might need more than a dose of Gain next Monday to aid his recovery. You see, the Galway Staff Party is being staged on Sunday night and word is that the irrepressible Fintan Monahan will be providing the entertainment. But will there be clowns?

 

PELE AT SHELBOURNE

Tuesday, December 1^st

Without question the greatest soccer player the planet has ever known, Pele was a surprise visitor to Shelbourne Park last week.

Nowadays an official ambassador for soccer worldwide, he flew in to inspect the nearing completion Aviva Stadium – or Lansdowne Road to the majority of us.

Pele’s helicopter parked in Shelbourne Park and some photographs of the famous Brazilian can be seen in Photo Gallery or in the Facebook.

 

BELLS ARE CHIMING

Tuesday, December 1^st

If there are rings under the eyes of HX Racing Manager Billy Bell this week, there is very good reason for it! You see, Billy and wife Linda had an addition to the family last week and Billy could now be in the throes of floor-walking each night!

Young Jamie Liam was born on Tuesday morning last at Holles Street Hospital in Dublin and the word is that mum and baby – not to mind dad – are doing well. So, congratulations to the couple on this latest visit from the stork!

 

DEEJAY ON THE MARK

Tuesday, November 24^th

There was a distinct greyhound flavour to affairs at Gowran Park on Tuesday afternoon when Doctor Deejay ran out a very comfortable winner of the opening division of the maiden hurdle.

Having gone close in his previous two outings, the Willie Mullins trained three year old trotted up on this occasion at slight odds-on and there to welcome him back were his owners Paul Hennessy, Jason Pollard, Martin Lanney and Walter O’Connor.

Given the horse’s name, it was no surprise that he was carrying Hennessy’s colours of black and amber and as the celebrations proceeded into the night, the gang were heard to sing, “Christmas here we come”.

 

COX CELEBRATIONS

Monday, November 16^th

Newbridge Track proprietor Dermot Cox was back on familiar territory at the weekend when he led in Tranquil Sea after winning the valuable Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Dermot owns the Edward O’Grady trained horse in partnership with Neilus O’Connell and was following up on other great Cheltenham victories in the past with the likes of Back In Front and Nintieth Minute.

Word has it that Dermot had plenty of willing volunteers to share in the celebrations post race and we understand that there were some noticeably empty places on the steps at Newbridge on Saturday night.

By the way, Newbridge Track will be bidding for a mighty equine double this week as Assistant Manager Anne Channon hopes that her Frank Ennis trained Beatrix Potter will be running on the all-weather at Dundalk on Wednesday night.

 

SKATING AND RACING

Monday, November 16^th

While most of us will be struggling to keep our feet in the ice over the coming few months, others will be deriving massive fun from the participation in ice-skating. The IGB has actually joined up with the Ice-skating community to offer a really special Skate & Race package in Dublin.

There is now almost 2,500 square metres of ice to enjoy 7UP Christmas on Ice in the city and they also provide beginner and kiddie rinks for those taking their first shaky steps on the ice. And if you don’t want to risk the actually skating, then you can enjoy the old classics such as Decks on Ice and Skate Date.

The special Skate & Race Package will enjoy you to enjoy a skating session in Dublin and then finish the day off with a Sausage Sizzler Package in Shelbourne Park. To book visit: www.7upchristmasonice.ie.

 

CLONMEL AGM

Thursday, November 12^th

The Annual General Meeting of the Davis Road Greyhound Racing Stadium Plc will be held at the Minella Hotel, Clonmel on Tuesday, December 15^th at 8 p.m.

Shareholders wishing to have a motion included on the Agenda should forward same in writing to the Secretary, William Burke, not later than Tuesday, December 1^st, 2009.

The Directors who will be retiring by rotation but will be seeking re-election are: Donal O’Connor, Pat Somers, Stephen Cooney and Sean  Bourke.

 

JEANETTE’S GRATITUDE

Monday, November 9^th

Jeannette McKenzie experienced the highs and the lows of the sport on Saturday night at Shelbourne when first she saw her bitch Aussie Dream run out a very easy winner of the D2 750 and then in the very next race watched as her massively built dog Exceptional Lee pulled up injured when in sight of victory in an A1 575.

Exceptional Lee sustained a badly broken hock and the likelihood is that he has run his last race. He had been in fine form of late and appeared to be improving with each outing.

But Jeannette was quick to pass on her gratitude to those who helped her with the 83 lb dog afterwards. “Can you please pass on my thanks to the track staff at Shelbourne for their kindness and compassion. I am really grateful to Derek for bringing the buggy out on the track to get my ‘Bobby’ to the vet room without causing him any more pain than he had already, sustaining a severely broken hock and with 83 lb he was too heavy for me to carry all the way. It was gut wrenching to see my dog break down when in a winning position, compounded by the bitter disappointment of being denied my first double at Shelbourne on a Saturday night. Thanks again to the many kind Irish people who made this sad evening a bit more bearable”.

 

THISTLE SOLD TO UK

Friday, November 6^th

Drumna Thistle, one of the two dead-heaters suspended following that sensational finish to the Tote Open 575 at Shelbourne, has been bought by Julie Bateson and is to be aimed at the Eclipse to be run at Nottingham.

The dog was cleared following his yellow card in the final and did a very smart 28.62 trial around Newcastle on Tuesday. The plan is to give him another trial on Saturday at Doncaster.

 

CHAIRMAN TERESA

Wednesday, November 4^th

Following the untimely death of Frank O’Connell, the position as Chairman of the local board of directors at Waterford has gone to IGB Board member Teresa Wall.

The new chairperson will have her first official outing at Kilcohan Park on Saturday week when the final of the Red Mills Masters will be the feature of a top class programme of racing.

Incidentally, Teresa Wall was one of the main organisers of the big Ballymount Church Restoration benefit meeting at Newbridge last Friday and I understand it was a massive success with very substantial funds raised for the project.

 

THREE RECORDS IN A WEEK

Monday, October 26^th

Is it a record? That’s the question posed after three runners from the Hennessy kennels have set three new records in just over a week.

First Tyrur Liz equalled the Newbridge 525 record with a 28.39 run in the Moran and O’Donnell Newbridge Oaks. She actually went inside that mark when finishing second behind new record holder Maireads Fantasy in the second round.

Then on Thursday night last in Enniscorthy, Marked Urgent won a semi-final of the Richie Walsh/ Kehoe Accoustics Derby with a 29.83 run, which equalled Large Mac’s track record.

On Sunday night it was the turn of the brilliant young puppy Colorful Champ as he covered the 525 yards at Clonmel in 28.23 in the second round heat of the Munster Puppy Cup. This improved the record set during the Produce Stakes by Shaneboy Lee by one spot.

 

SPONSOR ON THE MARK

Wednesday, October 14^th

Leading greyhound sponsor John Boyle was on the receiving end himself on Wednesday night at Shelbourne when Eshwary State won the final of the €1,200 A3 525.

Boylesports boss John jointly owns the son of Elite State and Ballymac Slippy with Gary Anderson and they clearly have a very useful prospect in the August ’07 whelp which went through this competition unbeaten.

Trained by Owen McKenna, Eshwary State broke fast and, after disputing to the bend with Cookies Fantasy, ran on really strongly for a two and a half length winning margin in a very smart 28.62 on a track that, otherwise, had not looked over fast!

 

CAULSTOWN EVOKES MEMORIES

Wednesday, October 14^th

The victory of Caulstown Energy in a first round heat of the Shelbourne A2 on Wednesday evoked fond memories of the late Benny Kavanagh.

Caulstown was the prefix which was used by Benny and is the townsland where he lived in Duleek. Well, daughter Susan (Hennessy) has adopted the prefix for this February ’08 son of Tyrur Ted and Natural Energy and he was scoring his first victory when winning this heat in 29.32.

 

BRENNANS’ TON UP IN STYLE

Friday, October 9^th

That remarkable tracker Brennans Pride ran his 100^th race at Newbridge on Friday night and he did just as you would expect – he won it!

Now in his sixth year, the August ’04 son of Honcho Classic and Penn Clare got up in the very last stride to pip Sandyhill Selina and Monks Patriot by a short head and a head in 30.51 for the 550 yards.

It was his 30^th success from this 100 outings which represents a fantastic strike rate for the dog that is the pride and joy of trainer Brendan Murphy. 

 

DAD AND DAUGHTER DEAD HEAT

Friday, October 9^th

There was a dead heat with a difference at Harold’s Cross on Friday night when Lisacaha King got up in the final stride to divide the honours with The Other State which had looked all over a winner when going clear on the third bend.

Lisacaha King is trained by Julie Power who was formerly Julie Brennan and is a daughter of Dungarvan’s Mick Brennan who just happened to be the trainer of The Other State! The winning time was 29.11 and presumably both dogs will now go forward to the Vetsearch Irish Grand National in which father and daughter combine as trainer and owner of the reigning champion Distant Legend.

 

A THURLES VISITOR

Monday, October 5^th

There was an unexpected visitor to the Thurles Grandstand at last Friday’s meeting.

Present for the entire meeting was a crow that kept everybody entertained – although we believe a few were frightened out of their wits!

However, some regulars read a little extra into the bird’s appearance. It would appear that a section of the owners and trainers are in favour of returning to Tuesday night racing instead of Friday and they feel that the crow’s appearance was an omen in this respect.

Perhaps that is only a flight of fancy!

 

GOING RACING

Monday, October 5^th

The Newbridge Track team are planning a big day out on Sunday next when they travel to the Curragh Races.

Earlier this year Newbridge and the Curragh agreed a partnership to encourage more customers to go horse and greyhound racing and, according to Ann Channon, this has proved to be very beneficial to both parties.

Next Sunday’s meeting at the Curragh will feature a race sponsored by Newbridge Greyhound Stadium and the staff are looking forward to having a great day out.

 

PAULINE’S DOUBLE

Monday, October 5^th

Pauline O’Donnell enjoyed a tremendous transatlantic double on Saturday night. Pauline is the joint owner with husband Barney and Bryan Dalton of Kiowa Myth which was the star of the show in the quarter finals of the Cashman Bookmakers Irish Laurels at Curraheen Park.

But across at Derby Lane in St Petersburg, Pauline and Barney landed another great victory as their All America Team Captain Hallo Gold Acre won the $50,000 Fall Sprint Stakes. It was the dog’s fourth career stakes success.

Pauline and Barney weren’t present at either track. They were racing at Mardi Gras but enjoyed Hallo Gold Acre’s victory via simulcast.

 

EDDIE’S FLIGHT

Monday, October 5^th

The birdies have been whispering in my ear that old pal Eddie Dunne had a smashing winner at Longford on Friday night. Indeed, the same Eddie has been enjoying one of his best years and figures high in the trainers’ rankings at Longford, Mullingar and Lifford.

The dog that earned the plaudits on Friday was Kevitt Flight which produced the fastest sprint time at the midlands track this year. He flashed out to win by a handsome margin in 17.58.

It was just his second ever sprint race and the Mal Sheridan owned son of Droopys Vieri and Linger is obviously a very useful sort. And why wouldn’t he be – isn’t he a half brother to the brilliant racing bitch Kildallon Maid!

 

SIX FOR PAUL

Saturday, October 3^rd

Trainer Paul Hennessy had an absolute beano at Shelbourne Park on Saturday when he supplied six winners, exactly half the winners on the night.

The big six were Oriental Jack 28.72, Tyrur Chris 41.89, Tyrur Francie 28.77, De Ex Factor 28.41, Group Skater 28.86 and Jemmy Doodlebeag 31.47.

Ironically, the perceived Hennessy “good thing” of the night Tyrur Quinn was beaten into second place in the final of Open 525 by So Your Crazy.

 

WADSWORTH FOUR-TIMER

Saturday, October 3^rd

Stephen and Helen Wadsworth enjoyed a great night at Tralee on Friday when they scored a brilliant four-timer with their Compass prefix.

Making it a quite unusual feat, the four winners were over four different trips. Compass Harry was first to score when clocking 30.22 for the 550 yards. Then came Compass Alison with a 42.27 run over 750 yards. Next it was that great servant Compass Mikey as he clocked 28.60 for the 525 trip and the four-timer was completed as Compass Noel covered the 570 distance in 31.34.

Helen Wadsworth is the winningmost owner in Ireland this year with 177 winners while husband Stephen is second in the trainer’s list with 178 winners, bettered only by Paul Hennessy with 214 winners.

Incidentally, Compass Mikey leads the table for the most wins by a greyhound this year. He has seventeen wins and he is followed by Compass Noel and Aho Tony on the fifteen mark, while Compass Cowboy has fourteen.

 

TONY CELEBRATES

Wednesday, September 30^th

County Laois based trainer Tony Byrne had a real night of celebration at Newbridge on Friday where he had a couple of reasons for popping the cork.

Not alone had Tony reached that 50^th milestone but he also turned out Florida Class to win the final of the Kenny Thomson A5 Stake. Tim Connolly’s bitch followed up her semi-final victory by leading home Kilara Lisa by a couple of lengths. Well done Tony!

 

BERNARD’S WINNER

Wednesday, September 23^rd

World boxing champion Bernard Dunne is no stranger to greyhound success but he had a timely winner last Saturday when Neilstown Lad opened his account in a sprint contest at Newbridge.

Trained by Liam King, the son of Winetavern Oscar and Fly Present was winning at the third attempt when clocking 18.51.

Unfortunately Bernard couldn’t be present as he has been locked away in his training camp in advance of his title defence at the O2 on Saturday next. All at Newbridge and in the greyhound game wish him the best of luck.

 

YAHOO JOINS LISTER

Tuesday, September 22^nd

Yahoo Gerry, winner of the Red Mills Champion Unraced Stake at Kilkenny, has joined Charlie Lister and had his first UK trial on Monday.

The son of Droopys Vieri and Droopys Perlena was particularly impressive in winning the Kilkenny event  where he had Tyrur Quinn and Definate Opinion among his final victims – another contender was a certain Scolari Me Daddy!

In his spin over the 305 metres at Nottingham on Monday, he clocked 18.28. Said Lister: “I haven’t done much at all with him and he got lost a little out of the boxes on Monday so the trial was pleasing enough. We’ll see how he goes before deciding where to run him”.

 

NEW GREYHOUND AD

Monday, September 21^st

How many of you Kerry and Cork footballing fans travelling to Croker at the weekend saw the new Greyhound Advertisement on your journey?

The new Signage is situated on the M1 between Monasterevin and Kildare and was erected on Friday last. It is positioned on a truck trailer and includes the messages “Go Greyhound Racing” and “Now Taking Bookings for Christmas” accompanied by the Sales Centre Number.

I understand the content of the advertisement will be changed every six months and the next update is planned for mid-December – yes, I know that is inside six months, but there is hardly much point in advertising the Christmas Bookings at a stage when the restaurants are all full!

 

JACK’S BIG RUN

Monday, September 21^st

Whatsupjack will go into Friday’s Catunda Harry Champion Stakes final as the youngest – but also the fastest – qualifier.

The September ’07 son of Brett Lee and Miggs set a new track record in the semi when beating Carib King by half a length in 29.91. This time was an improvement of one spot on the old record set by Clover Hare back in 2002 when contesting the same competition.

It promises to be quite a night at Youghal on Friday when the card will also include the first round heats of the Central Kennels A5 Racedogs Stake.

 

HURRY BACK DENIS

Tuesday, September 8th

Every night I go to Shelbourne or Harold's Cross, I am asked by many people, how or where is Denis Hurley? Well, how better to find the answer than to contact his great friend and fellow punter Pat Dobbs.

It has been particularly significant that Denis hasn’t been present during the Derby, particularly given the fact that Denis and his late wife Maureen got Rushwee Heights through to the final of the 1985 Derby where he finished third behind Tubbercurry Lad. It was the last year it was run as a 525 yards.... and Denis maintains to this day he would have won it if it was a 550 as he went on to win many Open 575 & 600 yard races in Shelbourne.
Denis saw two of Spanish Battleship’s three Derby wins in the 50's and has not, to his knowledge, missed a Derby since – but after 56 years he will miss the 2009 running of the event. Says Dobbs: “Denis has been laid up for the last month or so with a bad infection in his knee and had being recovering in the Hermitage clinic from Keyhole surgery. After a month in the clinic, he was let home and we planned to get a "Handslip" into him last week, so that he would be "spot on" for the final this Saturday night. But unfortunately he has the infection back again and is now recovering in Cappagh Hospital in Finglas. He hopes to be out in a week to ten days, please God”.
Denis had a major operation on his other knee last year which was a complete success, but he still has to wait until after this infection clears up, to have the same operation done on his right knee.
The Hurleys also had great success as owners, breeders and trainers of other very good dogs, including that great bitch Mosney Bingo, runner-up in the Guinness 600; Rushwee Profile, third in the Cesarewitch at Navan and more recently Rushwee Bonzo has kept the flag flying at H.X. & S.P., with just €10,000 won in stake money.
We all wish Denis well and hope to see him back in his "Old" spot in Shelbourne Park by the end of the month. We’ll leave the last word to Pat Dobbs who says, “His next Birthday is in October and hopefully he will be fit and well and ready by then for a Sprint trial at least.........!”

 

SUMMERFIELD ON FIRE

Monday, September 7th

Back in July I gave honourable mention to a young dog that had really caught the eye in an unraced stake at Shelbourne and suggested that he could have a real future over 575/ 600 – or perhaps further.

The dog in question was Summerfield Fire, a son of Hades Rocket and Returned Fire. Well he returned from an injury lay-off at Galway on Friday and produced a brilliant performance when coming from well of the pace to win going away by over five lengths in 31.24 for the 575 yards.

The way he moved from halfway suggested that this fellow could be special over a trip and owner Liam Carr reports that he has the John J Casey 575 at Shelbourne in mind. I am wondering what about the Mardoc Holdings Golden Jacket at Galway before then?

 

BIG LITTER PERFORMANCES

Friday, September 4th 

Thursday night proved to be quite a night for a few litters. At Enniscorthy the members of Helena Murray’s Top Honcho/ Sly Fox litter completed a smashing four-timer in the heats of the Future Champion Unraced Stake.

Meanwhile, at Shelbourne a Wexford bitch was responsible for a treble. Bobby Kenny’s brood Park Mega was responsible for three winners from two different litters.

Sly Fox was a smashing track bitch for John and Helena Murray from Piercestown, winning the 2006 Red Mills Grand Prix at Enniscorthy and then reaching the ’07 Oaks final the following year, where she finished fourth behind Ms Firecracker.

Park Mega, a daughter of Roanokee and Knockeevan Joy, is a litter sister to Mustang Mega and is a half sister to the great Mega Delight. Park Mega’s winners on Thursday were Park At Last in 29.29 and litter brother Boyneside Blue in 28.92 in the open 525. Both of these are members of her Droopys Scolari litter and the night ended with Generosity (by Yeah Man) winning the open 575 in a flying 31.49. The last two winners were trained by Davy Reynolds.  

 

DAMIAN’S POETIC EFFORT

Tuesday, September 1^st

Admission time, I’m not into Facebook but one of these days I must have a dabble at it. Anyway, the IGB Facebook has been building up a strong membership and their regular competitions attract a large number of entries.

On Monday they ran a competition which required fans to compose a Derby poem. According to the Facebook “head mistress” Dawn, the standard of the entries was “really good” but she adds, “I think you’ll agree that the winning poem was brilliant”.

Anyway the winner and our budding Wordsworth is Damian O’Regan. Congratulations to him and below you can enjoy what was obviously some very rapid writing:

“It’s the twelve of September the year two thousand and nine

I’ve made the Derby Final and trap five suits me fine

I arrive at the track early have a good walk around

Then weighed in and kennelled, I now rest safe and sound

The crowd starts to gather, the excitement it grows

The moving of the hare has my rivals on their toes

The Hours tick by quickly then my kennel door opens

The time has at last come for which I’ve been hoping

I’m led out by my handler and enjoy the parade

I try to relax and remember this is where legends are made

The call is put out, all dogs to traps, I hope this will be my fastest lap

The hare’s on the move and the crowd is a hush

It won’t be too long now for my final big rush

The traps open wide, I’m out in the lead, a clear run around the bend is all that I need

I’m into the back straight, three lengths ahead

The crowds roar won’t affect me, I’m thinking of victory instead

Into the home straight, and I’m all alone

I’ve won the Derby – The King’s on his throne”

 

DAN’S NEW STAR

Monday, August 31^st

Fr Dan Green is back in the news again, this time with his young bitch Back To Shannon, which produced a fine run at Clonmel on Sunday evening.

The daughter of Top Honcho and Chubbs Surprise made it five on the trot and a career record of five from six when taking the opening round heat of the A3 Bitch Stake in 28.75. Her four previous victories all came at Thurles where she won the Tipperary GOBA A6 Stake.

Fr Greene is the man who was very much involved in the historic importation of that great stud dog Sand Man into Ireland from America. On our Derby Lane trips in recent years we regularly ran into Dan and he is a tremendous supporter of the sport. It is great that on his holiday at home he can enjoy this smashing young bitch perform at such a level. She is trained by Niall Dunne in Boherlahan.

 

FLYING YOUNGSTER

Monday, August 31^st

We have mentioned Tyrur Lohan here in the past but his pre-racing trial on Saturday deserves reporting. The son of Hades Rocket and Tyrur Nuala has now had four trials but has yet to race in public, a debut that is very eagerly awaited.

In his first three trials he clocked 29.10 around Galway and then 28.81 and 28.67 around Shelbourne. On Saturday he bounced out of traps and clocked a sizzling 28.44. He looks a future star for PJ Fahy and Paul Hennessy.

 

GLENARD RETIRED

Monday, August 31^st

We hear from trainer Mick O’Donovan that his smashing track bitch Lady Glenard has run her last race and will now be geared for the breeding paddocks.

She was unlucky in the third round of the Derby recently when she led to the bend but took a hefty bump and finished fifth behind Mecano.

A November ’06 daughter of Head Bound and You Said So, Lady Glenard won twelve of her 33 races and ran in open company in all but her first three races. They were in an A6 Stake at Shelbourne in which she was unbeaten and won the final in  29.06.

She won the Newbridge Oaks Consolation and followed up by winning the Bernard Barry Open Bitch Stake at Shelbourne. A finalist in the Charity Jack Open Bitch Stake at Clonmel, she was a semi-finalist in the Tyrur Ted Champion Bitch Stake at Galway.

But the Jenny O’Driscoll owned bitch really came into her own in this year’s Sporting Press Irish Oaks where she reached the final unbeaten, with a best time of 28.40, and then was a gallant runner-up in the final behind Skywalker Queen.

 

HOT PROSPECT PUT DOWN

Tuesday, August 25^th

We have heard from Stuart and Trevor Jones that their exciting young tracker Smell Ya Later has had to be put down following a freak accident.

The August ’07 son of Droopys Scolari and Early Vintage had run just thirteen races and won five of them. His last race was when he was bumped on the first bend before finishing down the field behind Rossa Baby in the final of the Red Mills 600 at Enniscorthy.

He was a very popular young racer at Harold’s Cross where he won an A3 570 Stake. He looks a future star when clocking 31.13 in the semi-final and then won the final in 31.37. A first round clock of 32.80 at Enniscorthy also signposted his talent.

Bred by Ted Jones in Rathvilly, the peculiarly named Smell Ya Later sustained nerve damage in a home galloping accident and the owners were left with no option but to have him put to sleep.

 

A MATINEE SUCCESS

Monday, August 24^th

Sunday’s special Gala Matinee meeting at the Kingdom Stadium in Tralee was a great success with a very large attendance and a tremendous atmosphere, not to mention some top class performances on the track as well.

With the Parade of the Roses cancelled in the town due to the adverse weather, the presence of the Roses at the Kingdom Stadium was a great crowd puller. The beauties from all over the world and their escorts and “Rose Buds” all indulged in Kate Browne’s offerings in the Restaurant and they were very popular visitors on the day.

The big one on the track was the final of the Pembroke Construction Rose of Tralee Stake and here Confident Sky raced to victory.

See report in Weekend Report.

 

CHILLI ON SIDELINES

Friday, August 21^st

Following her first bend bumping in the Derby Plate on Thursday night, that smashing bitch Almost Chilli will be on the sidelines for a little while.

Owner Bryan Davies reported on Friday morning that the daughter of Head Bound and Almost Jet In picked up a cut toe in the first bend incident with the massively built Thurlesbeg Joker. Said Bryan: “She will be off the track for a while. We won’t rush her return, we’ll give the wound all the time it needs to fully heal before putting her back in work”.

Chilli had disputed the lead to the bend in the race and looked poised at the time for a big battle with the UK challenger. Last Saturday Chilli gave an exhibition of her talents when she clocked 29.78 in winning an open race over the 550 distance.

 

CHICKEN’S RETURN

Thursday, August 20^th

A re-run of the very exciting recent Tipperary Cup final will be staged at Curraheen Park on Saturday night when the winner Chicken Supper and runner-up Bay City Jack clash in the Getting Out Open 525.

Many, myself included, were surprised when Chicken Supper didn’t figure in the Derby line-up but connections had already decided to bypass the premier event at Shelbourne in favour of the Cashmans Bookmakers Irish Laurels at Cork.

In the Thurles final Chicken Supper beat the Larry and Noel Harding owned Bay City Jack by just half a length and there may be precious little between them again on Saturday. But it is far from a two-dog affair as the line-up also includes Curraheen specialists Droopys Sastre and Definate Opinion as well as the exciting puppy Riverside Pedro.

Saturday’s card also includes the semi-finals of the AIB Bank A1 525 and the Cork GOBA Past Presidents A3 525.

 

POKER STEPPING UP

Wednesday, August 19^th

I hear from Eamonn McCloskey that he is about to step his flying bitch Pocket Pal up in distance following her latest track record performance over the 550 yards distance at Drumbo Park.

A daughter of Tyrur Ted and Pagoda Girl, her performance in breaking the 550 yards record at Drumbo on July 23^rd somehow escaped below the radar. That 30.05 run, when she beat Charly Wot One by eight and a half lengths, was a smashing effort and completed a three-in a row for the bitch over 550 and 575 yards.

The bitch hasn’t run since but McCloskey is eyeing Shelbourne Park and says: “We are thinking of bringing her to Shelbourne for a 600 yard race, or maybe further, as we think the further she goes, the better she will be. We were offered a good sum of money for her but our long term plan is to breed here”.

Eamonn bred Pocket Gal himself and the mother Pagoda Girl was bought for his father Joe by Cathal “Lartigue Note” McCarthy.

 

LOHAN A HOT PROSPECT

Monday, August 17^th

The rumours have been flying about Tyrur Lohan for some time now and we got a sneak preview of his potential when he was given a spin before racing at Shelbourne on Saturday.

The December ’07 son of Hades Rocket and Tyrur Nuala – a half sister of Derby winner Tyrur Rhino – flew around the 525 yards in a most impressive 28.67 and his debut outing in the next few weeks is eagerly awaited.

In his previous two trials he had clocked 29.10 at Galway in May and 28.81 at Shelbourne two weeks back. One suspects that PJ Fahy is priming him for a forthcoming unraced stake. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

 

KIERAN’S FIRST LITTER

Monday, August 10^th

I’ve just heard from P.J. Fahy that his Scottish Derby winner Tyrur Kieran has become a dad – and what a start he has made!

His first litter arrived over night and the dam is Tyrur Lisa, herself a very useful tracker. The debut litter comprises of seven dogs and four bitches.

Tyrur Lisa won the Lerrig Stores Stake at Tralee, the Shelbourne Stud Puppy Stake at Limerick and the Red Mills Breeders Cup Trial Stake at Kilkenny while she was a finalist in the 2005 Newbridge Oaks, the 2006 Tyrur Ted Champion Bitch at Galway and the 2006 North West Oaks at Lifford.

Tyrur Kieran is a son of Honcho Classic and Tyrur Dee and following his 2008 Scottish Derby success he went on to finish second behind Loyal Honcho in the final of the English Derby at Wimbledon.

 

KEVIN’S DERBY WINNER

Thursday, August 6^th

Kevin Gates is taking great satisfaction from the fact that he is now a Derby winning breeder! You might wonder where this claim came from but it is absolutely genuine!

Kevin enjoyed the big days with that marvellous sprinter Mabels Dilemma, winner of the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup and Dog of the Year in 2005. And now that dog is responsible for Kevin’s latest success.

Gates bred a litter from a mating of Mabels Dilemma and Miss Mineola in March ’06 and one member was Take On Bear, a dog that ran only one race in this country, a sprint at Lifford, before finding his way to Denmark.

There he has enjoyed two major successes, winning the Royal Canin LGK Cup over 260 metres at Odense on May 20^th where he won from Elbony Champ and Fordham Road. Then on June 5^th at Roskilde he won the Danish Derby when leading home Fordham Road over 460 metres.

 

BOLTON ON TARGET

Tuesday, August 4^th

County Offaly trainer Tommy Bolton reckons he is on target to achieve his 100 winners in a season at Mullingar track following a tremendous four-timer at last Saturday’s meeting.

Bolton set out to hit the ton at the midlands track and his efforts would make a tidy sum for the Retired Greyhound Trust. Through “Talking Dogs” he has generated a number of sponsored bets and he is already well past the halfway mark towards what would be an historic milestone.

Last Saturday’s foursome brought his total number of winners at Mullingar this year to 57 and is now geared for a major assault between now and the end of December. He said yesterday: “I’ve got a nice kennel of dogs at the moment and I think I have a real chance of making it to the hundred mark”.

Incidentally, last Saturday’s winners brought him over the 100 winner mark for the year at all tracks and he is third in the list, with 102 winners, behind Paul Hennessy (150) and Stephen Wadsworth (145).  For the record, the Bolton winners last weekend were Elusive Beau, Tyrur Cameron, Groovy Captain and Cupids Risk.

 

MELODYS AT STUD

Wednesday, July 29^th

That smashing tracker Melodys Pat has been retired to stud due to injury and is now standing with Sean and Ann Bourke at the Newpark Stud in Clonmel.

The August ’05 son of Larkhill Joe and Urla Melody sustained a stopper pad injury late last year and it again flared up as he was being prepared for the Lynch Family Race of Champions at Tralee this year. It has brought a fine racing career to an end but he is sure to be very popular with breeders.

Noted for his sizzling early pace, Melodys Pat was a real champion around Tralee where he finished fourth in the Lee Strand 550 before winning the Paddy Byrne Memorial. Then last year he scored a hugely impressive victory in the Paddy O’Sullivan Race of Champions in which he set a stunning new track record of 29.62 for the 550 yards. He also had a 28.14 record equalling clock for the 525 yards at the Kingdom Stadium.

But he wasn’t just a Tralee dog as he rocketed to the top of the English Derby betting last year after a few sizzling performances and did likewise in the Derby at Shelbourne. He was trained through his career by Pa Fitzgerald who declares him as one of the fastest he ever trained.

 

TRAINERS FINED

Saturday, July 25^th

Trainers Gerry Holian and Pat Curtin were each fined £850 following a GBGB hearing on Friday into positive samples from Cash Dream and Shelbourne Aston during this year’s English Derby.

Neither trainer attended the hearing which decided that the trainers were in breach of administering a substance that could affect the performance and/or well being of their greyhounds.

 

SUSAN HITS THE TON

Tuesday, July 21^st

The number of female greyhound trainers is growing all the time and a number of them have been making quite an impact in recent years.

One of the newest recruits to the ranks achieved a significant landmark recently. I refer to Susan Price who is settled in as a trainer in her native Kells and has been turning out a string of winners on the midlands tracks in recent times.

On Friday, July 10^th she turned out the 100^th winner of her young career when Stephen Buckmaster’s Sluggers Lady won a D2 750 at Harold’s Cross by a wide margin in 42.53.

A perusal of the IGB website will show that Susan has trained 98 winners but it misses out on two winners due to an inherent blip on the site. When a dog moves kennels to a new trainer, the dog’s previous wins are automatically linked to the new trainer!

Well done Susan on a smashing achievement and one presumes the 200 will come up in double quick time! What odds would dad Joe give about that?

 

A WONDER PROSPECT

Tuesday, July 21^st

A young dog worth mentioning in this column is Whiterock Wonder which in two career runs has looked something special. An October ’07 puppy, the son of Big Daddy Cool and Border Girl made his racing debut at Shelbourne in an A4 contest on June 25^th and looked ultra special as he beat Awesome Prince by two and a half lengths in 28.64.

He then turned up at Newbridge last Friday and came from behind to beat the very useful bitch Fiorsceal Beo by a length in 28.82 in an A1 event. One suspects the Texacloth may now be on his itinerary but he is clearly a young dog to be followed.

 

GRAINNE A BALLINABOOLA SPECIAL

Wednesday, July 15^th

Down in Ballinaboola they are normally celebrating some greyhound victory or other but they’ve very much taken to the pool these days – and with good reason.

The remarkable success story of young Grainne Murphy is the reason for those Horse & Hound celebrations as she is a grand-daughter of Christy Murphy. In case the events have passed you by, Grainne is the new sensation of the swimming world following her incredible hat-trick on Gold Medals at the European Junior Championships in Prague at the weekend.

She won the 200 metres Individual Medley, the 400m IM and the 800 metres Freestyle as well as taking Bronze in the 1,500 metres. She has now departed for the Senior Championships and is clearly an outstanding talent at the sport.

Grainne’s dad is Christy’s son Brendan Murphy while her mum Mary is a daughter of the late Joe Colfer who was a member of Tom Malone’s Milebush team in the good old days. By the way, Grainne and her sister Niamh would be well known in the greyhound world as they were familiar figures on the tracks and up the field as children.

Incidentally, Christy Murphy is the sponsor of three forthcoming stakes at Enniscorthy (see Track News). But congratulations to Grainne on her incredible achievements.

 

SCOLARI FILLS THE BUS

Monday, July 13^th

The word from Kilkenny is that a full busload of supporters travelling up to support Scolari Me Daddy in the final of the Shelbourne A6 Stake at the Ringsend venue on Wednesday.

The son of Droopys Scolari and Lemon Abby has been the talk of the greyhound world as a result of his two mighty runs around Shelbourne in recent weeks. He clocked 28.54 on his Shelbourne debut on July 1^st and seven days later he was even more impressive as he won in 28.33.

He is owned by the nine strong all-female Glamour Paws Syndicate and the firm word from them is that the dog is NOT for sale. Naturally there have been many offers but a spokesperson for the syndicate says: He’s like a baby to them and no amount of money would buy him. They are all so excited about the dog, please God he’ll break well and make the bend on Wednesday. It’s like the Derby final to them, they have a bus organised and they’re trying to get T-Shirts made up with his name on them. It’ll be like a wild Hen Party”.

And will the dog go for the Derby? A short reply: “That’s up to the boss”. The boss just happens to be Denny Lennon, father of Syndicate organiser Aileen!

 

A DAY WITH PLUNKETT

Wednesday, July 8^th

Leading greyhound vet Plunkett Devlin will be hosting a very interesting gathering at Punchestown Racecourse on Saturday, August 8^th

This is a must for all greyhound enthusiasts, owners and trainers with Devlin, an internationally renowned greyhound vet, giving a highly informative presentation on the Racing Greyhound.

Light lunch will be served and the tickets cost €35. For registration please contact: Grainne Lynch, Greyhound Skillnet, 1^st Floor FBD House, Spa Square, Mallow, Co. Cork or phone on 022 53407 or 087 1218441. You can also make contact by email to grainne@greyhoundskillnet.com.

 

DOT’S RACING OVER

Monday, July 6^th

Last week we reported that two of our leading bitches had run their last races on Oaks final night. Well, we overlooked another star female tracker who also ran her final race on that night.

Springwell Dot sustained a broken hock when knocked over on the first bend in the open race won by Shingaun Stan and the news from the midlands is that she will never race again.

Her owner Denis Hannon confirmed today that the brilliant Dot will not be seen on a track again. He said: “She got a bad enough break of the hock and when we got the bandage changed today you could see a bump there. She definitely won’t race again but she will be fine for breeding. She was really approaching her top form and I was looking forward to going further with her”.

The March ’07 daughter of Razldazl Billy and Springwell Sue was undoubtedly one of the best bitches in training and this year she finished third behind Slick Sioux in the final of the Tyrur Ted Champion Bitch Stake at Galway and was joint favourite for the final of the Gain Irish Cesarewitch at Mullingar. She won nine and was placed in 21 of her 30 races.

Denis Hannon reports that she has never come in season nor has she been suppressed. And what dog will be he breeding her to? “The best I can get because she deserves that” is the candid reply.

 

IAN FIRST PAST THE POST

Monday, July 6^th

We must congratulate County Meath trainer Ian Reilly on his smashing success last week when he was confirmed the winner of the £10,000 monthly prize in the Ten To Follow competition in the Racing Post newspaper.

It was a lovely touch for the man who trained Droopys Scholes to win the English Derby back in 2004 and who finished last week in great fashion as he turned out Droopys Moira to score a most impressive victory in the Consolation Corn Cuchulainn at Harold’s Cross.

Ian finished with 303 points in the table with his nearest pursuer on 292. But Reilly also had the third best list which amassed some 291 points. Ian’s success was achieved through his nomination of big June winners Fame And Glory, Art Connoisseur, Mastercraftsman, Sea The Stars, Yeats and Famous Name.

 

STILL ON LINE

Monday, July 6^th

The last I heard about the former Owen McKenna trained speedster Line Of Fire was that he had gone on stud duty to Finland but word now reaches me that he has been back in action on the track in the Scandinavian country.

The son of Top Honcho and Mind The Way finished third in a heat of the Finnish Championship behind Norma Jean and Wild Cherrie at Haukipudas last week.

He will be best remembered as the winner of the 2007 John J Casey Open 575 at Shelbourne Park while he also set a track record for the 575 distance at Lifford in October ’07.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DES

Wednesday, July 1^st

Yesterday we sent our best wishes to Des Whyte on his 60^th birthday and we suggested that there could be a double reason for celebration within the next few days.

Well, that occasion became a reality on Wednesday morning when Whyte’s great bitch Oran Majestic produced her first litter of pups to Westmead Hawk.

She actually wasn’t due to whelp until Friday but as we write there are seven pups on the ground. Said Des on Wednesday, “I want to pay a special word of thanks to my two great friends Johnny and Bernie Crehan down in Oran who have been up with the bitch through the last few nights as we suspected that she would pup early”.

As the sire is the dual English Derby winner Westmead Hawk and the dam is an Irish Oaks and Puppy Derby winner, one suspects that the pups could be worth something like their weight in gold!

It has been quite a week for Whyte as he took a day or two to recover from his two-day trip to Tralee at the weekend for the Lynch Family Race of Champions meeting. .

Des made his way to Tralee on Friday by helicopter, along with Kevin Smith, Joe Dolan and Kieran Ryan and rumours are flying that they dropped out of the clouds on Saturday afternoon on their return journey to have a mini celebration at an establishment with which Ryan was well acquainted in County Tipperary. While Oran Legend didn’t get in a blow in the Race of Champions, Oran Classic had earlier been a most impressive winner of the Lisloose Open 525.

SUE’S BOUND LITTER

Tuesday, June 30^th

I have heard from Alan Gay that his bitch Westmead Sue has whelped a litter of four dogs and three bitches to Head Bound.

Westmead Sue, a January 2006 daughter of Droopys Kewell and Mega Delight, is a full sister to English Derby winner Westmead Lord and so is a half sister to dual English Derby winner Westmead Hawk!

Also housed at the Dalmahoy Kennels outside New Ross is Westmead Amy, a litter sister to Sue, and she was recently mated to Ballymac Maeve.

 

A RECORD DRUMBO NIGHT

Monday, June 29^th

From all accounts they had something of a record night at Drumbo Park on Saturday. Firstly, there was a track record run in the final of the Paddy Power Derby Trial Stake when Drumcrow Marco covered the 550 yards in 30.10 for father and son team of Harold and Roy Ruddy and the On The Sauce Syndicate.

But there was also a huge crowd present and there was a real carnival atmosphere. Unfortunately the Tote system broke down from the fourth race onwards but according to racing manager John Connor, “Fair play to the bookmakers, they made sure everyone got their bets on with the Tote not working. They did a massive turnover”.

By the way, the first Drumbo Park Pick 6 Jackpot was won on Friday night when bookmaker Ken Mahood collected a cheque for £5,074.20.

 

DAVID’S BIG DOUBLE

Monday, June 29^th

David Hickey enjoyed a dream double recently encompassing the worlds of greyhound and horse racing. You see, David works with Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle and is the groom of the legendary Yeats. He had the thrill of a lifetime at Royal Ascot when Yeats won the Gold Cup for an historic fourth occasion.

But David is also a great greyhound man and handles a few dogs himself. One of these was Rattling Ted which made a winning debut in the semi-final of the Try A Trio N3 525 a few nights later at Thurles. He looked a real talent as he won by fourteen lengths in 29.53. Unfortunately he was in the wards in Saturday’s final and finished fourth.

 

KEANO’S 119^TH RACE

Monday, June 29^th

We regularly single out some of our great veterans for special mention. Well, this week the dog to catch out attention was Prince Keano which ran his 119^th race at Thurles on Saturday night.

Unfortunately he was badly baulked in the race as he was seeking his 28^th career victory. The June ’04 son of Honcho Classic and Java Lass has a tremendous record with 27 wins, 22 second placings and a similar number of third placings.

He is trained by Paddy O’Connor who jokes that the dog will soon be driving Paddy home from the meetings at Thurles to allow him enjoy a few Brandies on the night!

 

AN IRON HADIES

Monday, June 29^th

Iron Paddy McCormack seems to have unearthed a new star in the shape of Ardera Hadies (Royal Impact/ Happy Holly) who made it two from two with a smart run in the second round of the Liam Brussels Memorial at Mullingar on Thursday.

He had made a winning debut when clocking 29.60 in the first round and winning by eleven lengths and was even more impressive in the second round where he stumbled at traps but displayed big pace to go on for an eight length victory in 28.59. All eyes will be on his when he contests the semi-final to be run on next Saturday’s card which also includes the semis of the Accelerated Drains Midland Puppy Derby.

 

DUNDALK STADIUM BOOST

Tuesday, June 23^rd

There was smashing news for the Dundalk management this week on the horse racing front as it was confirmed that their Group 3 Diamond Stakes on Friday, October 2^nd will be one of the races in the Breeders Cup Challenger Series.

This means that the winner will gain an automatic starting berth in the Breeders Cup World Championships to be staged at Santa Anita in California on November 6^th & 7^th.

 

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

Tuesday, June 16^th

Shelbourne RM Declan Carey is truly a man for all seasons. We have seen him performing virtually every possible role over the years at Shelbourne but he trod new ground on Saturday night last.

With Derek Garvey on holidays it was all shoulders to the wheel and there we spotted the tractor being driven around the track by a man dressed in pin stripe suit and tie. We thought, it couldn’t be, but then we realised it truly was Declan as he ensured all was right on the night.

Now we wonder what next for the midlands crooner? Presumably he’ll be taking his annual holiday aboard the Jimmy Buckley Cruise – by then he will have well deserved the break!

 

JOHNNY’S TRIAL SPIN

Tuesday, June 16^th

You could almost term Advantage Johnny the forgotten dog of the track scene. However he has earned the right to be regarded as one of the leading trackers in training and it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility that he might claim that elusive major success yet.

He was back at his favourite track Shelbourne Park last Saturday for a trial spin and he moved nicely when clocking 28.74. He had been trialled nine days earlier when doing 18.81 in a sprint trial and he is obviously being tuned up for the Boylesports Champion Stakes and the Paddypower.com Irish Derby.

The son of Larkhill Jo and Lughill Angel has run up the past two Easter Cups while he was fourth in last year’s Derby final and was earlier third behind Shelbourne Aston in the Champion Stakes. Such consistency deserves a reward.

In other Saturday trials, Bellmore Mal clocked 28.88 while Tyrur Usain covered the sprint distance in 19.03.

 

PICCHU’S RETURN

Tuesday, June 16^th

Since contesting last year’s Paddypower.com Irish Derby final, Machu Picchu had disappeared somewhat from the horizon. So, it was great to see him return to the big time with an impressive victory in the first round of the Express Ego at Stud Munster Dash at Clonmel on Sunday evening.

The son of Top Savings and Noan Flash is now trained by Jim Scully for The Slip Syndicate and he was only having his sixth run since the Derby decider. It was his first success but his 16.08 run suggests that he is going to be winning many more – and who knows, perhaps he will made another serious challenge on the 2009 Derby!

 

CENTAUR SCURRIES HOME

Wednesday, June 10^th

Former Irish tracker Centaur Allstar has made a brilliant start to his UK racing career and he was a most emphatic winner of the Showtec Security Scurry Cup final at Belle Vue on Tuesday.

Centaur set a new track record of 15.00 when winning the semi-final over the 260 metres trip and he was again quite superb in the final when flashing out of traps and easily beating his kennel companion Officer Donagh for a great 1-2 for trainer Chris Allsopp.

The name Centaur Allstar probably means little to Irish racegoers – and for good reason. When he was running here he was known as Black Allstar and was a very highly rated tracker.

The son of Hondo Black and Quick Deal was trained by Seamus O’Hanlon for Antoinette Callan and started off by winning the €5,000 Doc O’Connor Open Unraced Stake at Harold’s Cross last August. He was a finalist in the Tote Retention Open 525 at Shelburne and finished third this year in the Tote Gold Cup Consolation behind Oran Classic. The July ’06 whelp was bred by Martin Ryan in Loughrea.

On the same Belle Vue card the final of the Wafcol Cock O’The North was won by the Jimmy Wright trained Hurleys Hero as he led all the way for a very comfortable victory over Gabba Gabba Hey.

 

OOPS – THAT PHOTO FINISH!

Wednesday, June 10^th

Were you watching that Sky Sports programme from Belle Vue on Tuesday and did you see the opening race with the highly controversial photo-finish?

I honestly thought it must have been a send up when the decision was given to Shale Dimitar instead of the obvious winner Jimmy The Singer. The Sky experts initially agreed with the judge’s decision when looking at the photo finish but later changed their mind after “big” Dave Smith had pointed out the error.

The judge’s decision is final and so the result stood but even senior management refused to concede there was a mistake when they were interviewed and were shown the print. Obviously, one must stand behind your own officials but there are times when somebody must simply put up their hand and admit a mistake was made.

A number of off-course bookmakers – and apparently on course also – announced that they would pay out on both the official winner and the rightful winner! One awaits Muttley’s comments in the Racing Post on Saturday but I must say I was glad it didn’t happen on an Irish track! 

 

BEST WISHES PJ

Thursday, June 4^th

The gang down in Galway Stadium want to send their best wishes to PJ O’Halloran of Kilmurry McMahon who is recovering after some pretty big surgery.

Ollie Hester reports that Geraldine Rynan is doing sterling work with the dogs while PJ is recuperating but hopes that the man himself will be back in action in the very near future.

 

A NEW FEMALE STAR?

Thursday, June 4^th

Having been hugely impressed by her debut run a week earlier, I couldn’t help but think as I watched Droopys Kina racing to a massively impressive victory at Shelbourne on Wednesday night that we were watching the embryonic stages of a champion’s career.

The previous week the Fraser Black trained Droopys Kina had overcome more traffic problems than you would find on a walk down Grafton Street as she won the first round heat of the Open Unraced in 29.62.

But in Wednesday’s final she was absolutely sensational. The daughter of Droopys Maldini and Droopys Merry came away well but immediately moved inwards from trap five and encountered trouble. She had no run to the bend and entering the back straight was at least eight lengths adrift of Your Only Joking in third place.

However, racing down the inside she reduced the deficit dramatically and, hugging the rail, took it up off the final bend on her way to a three and a half length victory in 28.94. Just how much faster she could clock from an inside draw is anybody’s guess but my advice would be not to oppose her when she appears in a red or blue jacket!

 

RUNNING WITH THE ANNES

Wednesday, June 3^rd

The welcome news, folks, is that the two Ann(e)s came through their exertions in the Flora Ladies Mini Marathon in Dublin in fine style and are now back at their regular work stations.

Anne Channon, assistant RM at Newbridge, reports that “both Ann Fallon and I did great in the Marathon. I managed to achieve a time of 80 minutes, not next or near my personal best, but the heat was a bit too much on the day. My next race will be next month in Phoenix Park. Ann Fallon finished at her own pace and was delighted with that.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who sponsored us and who came out to cheer us on. We really appreciated it and it kept us going on the day. We would also like to thank Patrick Flynn of Harold’s Cross for providing the T-Shirts. We are still counting and collecting the sponsorship but will let you know how much we raised for charity”.

 

TRALEE INTERVIEWS

Wednesday, June 3^rd

Word reaches me that the final interviews for the position of Commercial Manager at Tralee’s Kingdom Stadium will take place on Wednesday of this week.

The successful applicant will take over the role formerly filled by John Ward and will be expected to guide the stadium into the future.

This is, of course, a big week at Tralee with the Lee Strand 550 final on Friday night and the entire card will be broadcast live on Radio Kerry.

 

GREAT RTE FIGURES

Tuesday, June 2^nd

I’m fed up of all the gloom that’s hanging around the country – and the greyhound industry – these days and I reckon it is about time that we started blasting the trumpets on our own behalf.

Apart altogether from some very encouraging Tote returns at a number of tracks in recent weeks, there is now the news of record figures for recent greyhound programmes broadcast live on RTE.

The early telecast of the Ladbrokes.com 600 final from Shelbourne on RTE 2 produced the highest viewing figures for a live greyhound programme on RTE in the past ten years.

Some 141,000 tuned in to the programme and, remember, that doesn’t take into account all those who would have watched the programme in pubs, clubs, etc.

Then last Thursday the special Festival Meeting from Galway track was covered live by the Mooney Goes Wild Show on RTE Radio which has a listenership of 240,000.

It means that in the past two weeks, two programmes on RTE have spread the greyhound racing gospel to well in excess of 380,000 people and probably close on half a million!

 

LARRY’S NEW PAL

Tuesday, June 2^nd

Last week we reported on the brilliant run from Bellers Pal on his debut at Youghal last Monday week. Well, the September ’07 son of Droopys Scolari and Unlikely Hotshow followed up in style when winning the final of the A7 Stake on Monday night.

This time he was running in new ownership as he has since been acquired by Larry O’Rourke and the dog is staying with trainer John Kiely. In Monday’s final he took a hefty bump on the opening corner but then proceeded to win by nine lengths from Johnstown Debbie in 29.13.

He looks a dog with real future and it will be interesting to see him in action in A1 company – or better - when he next appears. My birdie tells me this young dog could really come good over 550 to 570 yards.

 

ELAINE’S TRIUMPH

Wednesday, May 27^th

Shelbourne racing manager Declan Carey was a very happy man on Saturday. And it wasn’t just because the Ladbrokes.com 600 final programme went so well!

Prior to racing Declan received the news that his daughter Elaine had won a Munster Championship medal as a member of the Cork Under 14 Ladies Football team that had beaten Kerry in the provincial decider.

So, well done Elaine on a great performance and who knows, we may yet be hailing your All Ireland final success.

 

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Wednesday, May 27^th

There are times when you come across some strange results in a race, whether it be canine or equine. Well, the final of the Fast Trap Kennel Supplies 400 at Mullingar last Saturday certainly produced a most amusing result.

The final was won by a dog called Ossified and he had a length to spare over the runner-up Drop Of Porter! Now, unless you have been living in a cave for the past hundred years, you will be aware that in this country the word ossified is a slag term for being totally drunk.

So, how appropriate that Ossified should be chased home by a dog called Drop Of Porter! The winner is trained by Jason Harris for Paul Harris and is a son of Larkhill Jo and Dundrum Fancy.

 

BARNFIELD RETIRED

Wednesday, May 27^th

Leading UK tracker Barnfield On Air has been retired after sustaining an injury at Wimbledon on Saturday night last.

The son of Pacific Mile and Always On Air was one of the top trackers across the water for the past two seasons and chalked up victories in the Sussex Cup, the Select Stakes and the Blue Square 480 as well as a number of track records.

He will not be retired to stud because of fertility problems but will remain with trainer Sam Poots and his assistant Darran Keefe.

 

THE RUNNING ANN(E)S

Wednesday, May 27^th

Two of the most prominent Ann(e)s in the greyhound world will be in action next Monday in the Ladies Flora Marathon in Dublin.

Newbridge’s Assistant Manager Anne Channon will be running the race in preparation for the Dublin Marathon later this year and she will be raising funds jointly for the Kildare Hospice and the Retired Greyhound Trust. Anybody interested in sponsoring Anne can contact her at the racing office on 045 446658.

Then we have Ann Fallon, nowadays of the Call Centre, who will be walking the Ladies Flora Marathon. She is raising funds for the Retired Greyhound Trust and if you wish to sponsor her, she can be contacted on 087 7928824.

The two girls are to be admired for their courage and determination and they would appreciate any donation, no matter how small. By the way, the good news is that ambulances and a bottle of champagne will be on standby!

 

A LITTER TREBLE – 4 FOR HADES

Thursday, May 21^st

It’s not often that you come across a litter treble on a night at Shelbourne Park but that’s just what the Merriman family provided on Wednesday night with members of the June ’07 litter by Hades Rocket out of Coolemount Flair.

Members of the litter won three of the first four races with Coolemount Jet setting it rolling with a 29.57 ruin in the opening heat. Then litter sisters Highview Beccie and Highview Gale moved in with 29.43 and 29.22 successes.

Paddy Merriman bred the litter at his Rhode kennels in County Offaly and son Gerry was the winning trainer, thus enhancing his position among the top six trainers at headquarters this season.

Incidentally it was quite a night for the sire Hades Rocket as he also was the sire of Dynamite Rocky (ex Miss Sadie) which won a later race on the card for Geraldine Fitzpatrick, thus completing a four-timer for the Aussie bred stud dog who is a son of Brett Lee and Sound The Alarm.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEAMUS

Tuesday, May 19^th

Last year’s winning trainer Seamus Graham will be celebrating something special at Tuesday’s Blue Square English Derby quarter finals at Wimbledon!

No, he has no runner in this year’s classic, but he will be partying with some of his UK based owners and friends. You see, the Ballickmoyler trainer is celebrating a very significant birthday on Tuesday and no, folks, it is not his 50^th, 60^th or 80^th!

Among his partying colleagues, I understand, will be Jonathan Duffy who will be celebrating early as his birthday is on Thursday.

 

FATBOYZ INJURED

Monday, May 11^th

Following his massive first bend bump at Wimbledon on Saturday, it was no surprise to learn that Fatboyz Nodrog sustained an injury that will keep him on the sidelines for at least a month.

Trainer Pat Gordon is still in England with Lord Karl a runner in Saturday’s quarter finals but Fatboyz Nodrog will be travelling home on Tuesday. According to Robert Moorhouse, the dog tore a hamstring and also has tonsillitis and it will all mean at least a month on the sidelines.

 

MESEDO IN FORM

Monday, May 11^th

Recent Shelbourne Aston Unraced winner Mesedo Blue is set to return to action at Shelbourne Park in the next week or so. Seamus Graham gave the young dog a trial before racing on Thursday and he moved very nicely when clocking 28.72.

Unbeaten to date, the son of Climate Control will be kept to puppy company for the moment and will be gradually eased into open company with the Paddypower.com Irish Derby in mind. Of course, he stands to win a €100,000 bonus if the wins the 2009 Paddypower.com Irish Derby.

 

VETERAN JOHN AGAIN

Tuesday, May 5^th

There is simply no stopping the veteran Knockrammer John. Six years old next month, Joe Price’s dog scampered home again at Longford on Monday night when coming from well behind Killoe Jack to win an A4 550 in 30.60.

This was the 16^th win in the dog’s amazing career from his 116^th race. The son of Droopys Rhys and Springvalley Joe is trained by Joe’s daughter Susan and he has been remarkably successful this year. It was his tenth race of 2009 and he has only finishing out of the first three on one occasion. He has won four times, been runner-up twice and finished third on three occasions.

An amazingly consistent record by any standards. Even more remarkable when you consider that he was whelped on June 6^th, 2003. 

 

STEVE’S TRIO FOILED

Saturday, May 2^nd

It was certainly a great experience for Steve Clarke as he got his three litter comrades through to the final of the Royal Impact N2 Unraced Stake at Waterford on Friday but he was foiled of victory with his charges finished second, third and fourth.

Victory – and the €1,4000 prize – went to the Willie O’Connor owned Honchos Hawk (Top Honcho/ Proper Lu Lu) as he got away smartly and held the flying late run of the very promising Lisacaha Emma by half a length in 29.05. Lisacaha Sarah was third and Lisacaha King fourth.

 

STEVE’S THREE FINALISTS

Thursday, April 30^th

Steve Clarke will be a very proud man at Waterford on Friday night when his three litter comrades contest the final of the Royal Impact Unraced Stake (48Dogs).

They are all members of the Droopys Vieri and Westmead Kiwi litter and truly qualify for the classically bred tag! Kiwi is a daughter of Sonic Flight and Mega Delight and just happens to be a litter sister to dual Derby winner Westmead Hawk and a half sister to the Derby winning Westmead Lord.

This is her second litter and what an achievement it is to get three of her runners into this final – with two of them winning their semi-finals last week.

Lisacaha Emma was very impressive when coming from behind to win her heat in easy fashion in 29.42 where litter sister Lisacaha Sarah was third. Litter brother Lisacaha King later won his heat in 29.47.

All three pups were reared and are trained by Michael Power. For Steve Clarke, though, it will be some night and the “Australian Formula” man won’t be a bit bothered by that long trip from Schull in West Cork. The way Emma finished last week, she could be a miniature Westmead Hawk!

 

BEST WISHES

Tuesday, April 21^st

Missing from the tracks over the past week or more has been Irish Greyhound Board member Frank O’Connell who has unfortunately been hospitalised.

The Waterford Track Chairman rarely misses a greyhound “occasion” and he has been sadly absent. We would like to send the best wishes of the entire greyhound community to Frank and hope he makes a full and rapid recovery.

 

EUGENE’S WINNER

Tuesday, April 21^st

There are times when a winner at a track means that little bit extra. In that category I would classify the victory of Notabadsub at Longford on Monday night.

The son of Premier Fantasy and Unique Choice is owned by former Roscommon football forward Mickey Menton and is trained by famed Roscommon handler Eugene McNamara.

Unfortunately Eugene wasn’t present to see his winner as he is currently waging a very brave battle against illness. But it was great to see the McNamara name listed as a winning trainer. Well done Eugene and may you continue and succeed in your battle.

 

SEAMUS IS KING OF SCOTLAND  

Saturday, April 18^th

Greyhound followers watching the Coral Scottish National at Ayr on Saturday will surely have been celebrating the success of Hello Bud, running in the colours of Balbriggan sportsman Seamus Murphy.

As Seamus and his partner Trish made no secret of in their post-race interview, the horse is named after one of their former star greyhounds.

Hello Bud was a great servant to Murphy and won the Corn Cuchulainn at Harold’s Cross, while he also set seven track records during a lengthy and illustrious career.

A November ’98 son of Arrigle Buddy and Clonleigh Lass, Hello Bud commenced his racing career known as Clonleigh Buddy and contested the Lee Strand 550 at Tralee. He was bought out of that competition by Paul Hennessy on behalf of Seamus Murphy and what a purchase he was to become.

In all he won 33 races over all distances and was second in another 29. He was an absolute model of consistency and he even tried his hand at hurdling.

When interviewed after Hello Bud’s victory on Channel 4, Seamus said: “I am King of Scotland today, tell the Queen that I’ll be King of England next year”.

 

GRAHAM A WIMBLEDON DOUBT

Tuesday, April 14^th

It is now increasingly likely that last year’s winning trainer Seamus Graham will miss out on his annual trip to the Blue Square English Derby next month.

Graham’s experiences in the English Derby would fill a book – and perhaps will – and he finally achieved his ambition last year when Loyal Honcho gained a quite unforgettable victory.

But the County Laois based trainer is almost certain to miss out this year for the simple reason that he hasn’t got the suitable greyhounds for Wimbledon.

Graham is building up a very strong young team of greyhounds headed by Mesedo Blue, We Paint Houses, Coldwater Joe and others but most of these would be seen as 2010 Wimbledon prospects and are likely to concentrate on the Irish scene this year.

However, there will still be a numerically strong Irish challenge with weekend Scottish Derby winning trainer Pat Buckley set to go for the Derby double with Cabra Cool and with Slip The Lark and others forming the back-up team.

 

NADINE OFF TO THE PADDOCKS

Tuesday, April 14^th

P.J. Fahy has confirmed that his smashing bitch Tyrur Nadine will not race again due to injuries sustained in the semi-finals of the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork Oaks at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

The brilliant daughter of Droopys Scholes and Tyrur Fiona picked up a serious injury and will now be retired to the breeding paddocks.

Said owner Fahy: “Unfortunately she has broken a bone in her shoulder and will be operated on. She will be kept for breeding. She was running really well and I was looking forward to having a right go at winning the Oaks with either her or Tyrur Liz. It could be worse, maybe they will go on to throw a Derby or Oaks winner”.

Tyrur Nadine was a lightly raced bitch, winning seven of her 20 races. She was third in the 2008 Tyrur Ted Champion Bitch Stake and was runner-up in this year’s event. She is a half sister to such star trackers as 2007 Derby and Laurels runner-up Tyrur Laurel and the 2007 Oaks third Tyrur Margaret.  

 

 

 

DOBBS ON THE RAILS

Friday, April 10^th

There will be a new face shouting the odds at Shelbourne Park later this month with the arrival of Pat Dobbs at the end of the line towards the first bend.

Dobbs, a regular racegoers for many years and a keen student of the formbook, has decided to give it a go. The organiser of the successful Dunboyne AFC Benefit Meeting over a number of years, Pat said: “I have been thinking about it for some time and I hope to start at Shelbourne towards the end of the month. I am just waiting on my permit which should arrive after the next Board meeting”.

Meanwhile, he confirms that this year’s Dunboyne AFC meeting will be staged at Harold’s Cross on Friday, May 29^th. Among the attractions on the night will be eleven sponsored races, Buster Draw, Auction of a well bred Sapling and the main feature being a Managers’ 60 yard Charity Hurdle Race confined to six Open Class Managers!

The Raffle prizes will include tickets for Ireland v Italy in Croke Park and he is also hoping to have a Burger/ Mini BBQ located at the Sales Arena at the first bend for the families.

 

COMPARING PRIZEMONEY

Friday, April 10^th

There are times when I wonder if some people are living on the same planet when the complaints can be heard regarding the level of prizemoney in this country.

What brought this thought to my mind was last week’s effort from Distant Legend in finishing second in the final of the Stan James Grand National at Wimbledon. Now, as everybody knows, the British put much more value on hurdle racing than we do on this side of the water.

But when it comes to prizemoney, that is something else. Hotdog Jack earned £7,500 when winning the National at Wimbledon on Tuesday but runner-up Distant Legend earned a miserable £600. The remaining four finalists earned just £300 each.

Compare that to the prizemoney the Irish Grand National finalists earned at Harold’s Cross last October. The winner Distant Legend earned €12,000 while the runner-up Comans Joe got €4.500 and the third placed Priceless Paddy €2,250. Each of the three unplaced finalists earned €1,250.

Which just goes to prove that the Power/ Brennan team weren’t exactly trying to plunder Wimbledon when they challenged for the National!

 

IAN’S NEW CHIEF

Wednesday, April 8^th

Ian Reilly is building up a nice young team of dogs at the moment and Lolos Chief is a very prominent member as he showed on Wednesday at Shelbourne when winning the final of the N2 525.

The son of Premier Fantasy and Lolos Choice had won the opening round in 29.06 and he turned the final into a procession when flashing out of trap three and never seeing – or hearing – another rival. Clear around the opening bend, Lolos Chief raced away to win by six and a half lengths from Boris The Spider in 28.95.

The dog is owned by Ronnie Creaven, now living in Dublin but a member of the Roscommon team that was beaten in the 1962 All-Ireland Football final by Kerry.

 

TYING THE KNOT

Wednesday, April 8^th

The memory must be beginning to play tricks as I forgot to wish Diarmuid and Lisa Graham the very best wishes on their marriage last Friday in Stradbally, County Laois.

Diarmuid and Lisa have been “an item” for some time and finally got around the tying the knot! A great day – or three – was apparently had by all and the couple received a great send off. Rumour has it that they are off quaffing the rum in Jamaica and we wish them the very best in their future life together.

 

LISTER’S IRISH TEAM

Wednesday, April 8^th

Charlie Lister may have suffered a big blow when his two major fancies failed to survive the Scottish Derby semi-final on Tuesday night but his team for the Blue Square English Derby is getting stronger by the day.

Last year Lister handled the Irish owned Kryptonite to reach the final and this Ollie Bray star is now back with Lister in the build-up for a second crack at the classic.

P.J. Fahy has a number of dogs with Fahy and Tyrur Hestor will be fancied to go a long way. So, too, will Tyrur Kenny who has also joined the kennel for the Derby challenge.

In addition to these Irish racers, Lister has a really powerful team which is headed by the likes of Farloe Zafonic, Farloe Reason, Ninja Jamie and Bandicoot Tipoki.

 

BOLTON UPDATE

Wednesday, April 8^th

It is time to provide an update on Tommy Bolton’s brave bid to train 100 winners at Mullingar this year. Well, following Sunday’s Cesarewitch final meeting, Bolton has now had 27 winners at the track since the start of 2009.

That has him on course to hit the 100 but only if he maintains the superb form of his runners at the track during January and February in particular.

He has backed himself at 10-1 to hit the ton while others have rowed in with sponsorship and bets and he stands to present €4,500 to the Retired Greyhound Trust if he can hit the magical figure by December 31^st.

 

SPRINGS PASSES AWAY

Monday, April 6^th

Des and Marie Gilbert lost a great friend when that remarkable bitch Palm Springs passed away in her sleep on Saturday morning.

Palm Springs had been a member of the Gilbert household for many years and would have been 15 years of age in September next.

The September ’94 daughter of Asbury Park and Diamond Shadow ran her last race in February 1999 and during her illustrious career she won 25 races, was 2^nd on 27 occasions and third 18 times.

Her greatest victory came in the Shelbourne Leger and remarkably, she reached the final of that event three times. In addition she was a quarter finalist in the Irish Derby.

 

HEADLEYS’ RETURN

Tuesday, March 31^st

Last year’s Derby finalist Headleys Bridge is ready to resume his racing career after being out of action since the John J Casey Open 575 final at Shelbourne in January.

Nick Cotter’s dog had a spin before racing at Tralee on Friday night and moved very nicely when stopping the clock in 28.51.

 

HARRY’S BEAUTY

Tuesday, March 24^th

Harry Sharpe’s Ballyhill Beauty set a new track record for the 600 yard trip at Dundalk on Monday when covering the distance in 32.59.

The daughter of Flying Penske and Mustang Cathy was contesting the €500 Open/A1 600 and led all the way when beating noted six and eight bend tracker Ferdia Bound by almost two lengths. The time was an improvement of 23 spots on the old record which was set by Fairly Smart in October 2006.

Ballyhill Beauty has been a smashing servant for Harry Sharpe. The January ’06 whelp was bred by Ann Bourke at Newpark and has now won fifteen races for Sharpe while she has finished in the first three on 34 occasions out of her 49 races. Her record reads: 49 – 15 – 10 – 9 – 6 – 5 – 4. 

She has won over five different distances ranging from 350 to 750 and around five different tracks, Lifford, Dundalk, Shelbourne Park, Drumbo Park and Harold’s Cross.

 

MUMHAN FALLS AT 11

Tuesday, March 24^th

The unbeaten career run of Mumhan Aris finally came to an end at Clonmel on Sunday evening when his bid for an eleventh win on the trot was scuppered at traps in the final of the Royal Impact A1 525.

Mumhan Aris stumbled at the traps and lost his chance, though he stayed on well to finish fourth behind Hovex Boy in 28.92.

 

HENNESSY TEAM FOR SCOTLAND

Monday, March 23^rd

Paul Hennessy has decided after all to send a team to Shawfield for the ibetX Scottish Derby which is scheduled to commence on Tuesday of next week.

Initially the Kilkenny trainer had decided to send Lleytons Dote over to Willie Frew to be prepared for the classic but he is now sending three other runners and the four-strong team will be looked after by his assistant Declan Thompson.

Lleytons Dote has already had two trials around Shawfield and is ready for the first round action. Both Tyrur Laurel and Tyrur Jay were trialled on Saturday night when Laurel came out on top by a length in 29.53.

Last Saturday’s Tote Gold Cup runner-up Daleys Buzz will miss the BCR Easter Cup and will travel to Scotland this week before having a trial around Shawfield on Thursday or Friday.

 

ANYBODY FOR THE MINI MARATHON?

Monday, March 23^rd

Calling all you fit young – and not so young – ladies out there for a bit of fundraising in aid of the Retired Greyhound Trust.

We hear from Ann Fallon that there are only three names in the book at this stage to take part in the Ladies Mini Marathon on behalf of the RGT.

Ann, along with Ann Channon from Newbridge, plus one other are the names signed up thus far. Remember, you can walk or run the Mini Marathon and further information can be had from Ann on 086 6067990.

 

HAPPY 70^TH PADDY

Wednesday, March 18^th

We missed out on a very special birthday which happened last weekend but better late than never – so we extend our best wishes to legendary footballer and current successful greyhound trainer Paddy McCormack.

The “Iron Man” was one of the greatest full backs in football over a long period and won two All Irelands with Offaly in 1971 and 1972.

Nowadays, he is a feared man on the tracks and has enjoyed considerable success. I know his legion of friends will join with me in belatedly congratulating Paddy on his 70^th Birthday and may there be many more to come.

 

EAGLE’S STRAIGHT SIX

Tuesday, March 17^th

It was quite a weekend for the father and son team of Des and Elliott Whyte as they saw Oran Legend score an impressive victory in a Shelbourne open while down at Waterford the same night they won the €1,100 A2 final with Oran Eagle.

Oran Legend will be a fancied contender in the BCR Easter Cup next week on the evidence of his 28.64 run when he led home Barefoot Bolt by a length.

Oran Eagle is trained by Perry Aylward and the son of Droopys Woods and Murlens Madrid was making it six wins on the trot when winning the final by a length from Freedom State in 28.74. All six wins have been around Waterford and in his twelve wins to date the dog has earned €3,860.

 

ANOTHER STAR FOR OLLIE?

Tuesday, March 17^th

Many shrewd judges reckon that Ollie Bray could have unearthed a new star in Royal Rocket which made it three from three when romping home at Mullingar on Saturday.

Ollie bred this July ’07 son of Hades Rocket and Royal Express and he signalled his promise when winning his first race around the midlands venue on February 26^th in a flying 29.58. That was the first round of the Thomas McLoughlin Unraced and he duly won the second round in 30.00 and then last Saturday posted a time of 29.61 in the semi-final.

Royal Rocket’s dam Royal Empress was a very useful stayer and was a semi-finalist in Sonatina’s Corn Cuchulainn at HX. Empress is a half sister of the great Tyrur Ted which, of course, was also bred and raced by Navan based Bray.

The other semi-final of the McLoughlin Unraced last Saturday was won by the Nuala Lynch trained Ciaras Boss (Brett Lee/ Kims Girl) in 29.83.

 

LYREEN IMPRESSES

Tuesday, March 17^th

Pauline Shearer’s Lyreen Mover (Top Honcho/ Lyreen Diva) created quite an impression when winning his semi-final of the Tote Puppy Stake at Limerick on Saturday in a flying 28.46. Always in front he held the big late run of St Louis Spirit by a length and a half.

The second heat saw Jim Brosnan’s Saleen Neidin (Top Honcho/ Doonard Lower) have a seven length margin over Fun Seeker in 28.62 while the third heat was won by Eoghan Kiely’s Shaneboy Lee (Brett Lee/ Shaneboy Ruth) which had two and a half lengths to spare over Proudest Whisper in 28.74.

 

CAMERON’S PIGGOTT

Tuesday, March 17^th

While Tyrur Bertie and Tyrur Louis were doing him proud at Shelbourne, leading owner P.J. Fahy also had a weekend to remember at Galway where he captured two finals with home bred youngsters.

Tyrur Cameron brought her career record to six from seven when beating Bodyshop Legend by three lengths in 29.37 in the final of the €1,500 Pearse Piggott Memorial on Saturday. The winner is a 64 lb daughter of Top Honcho and Tyrur Jenny.

The following night Fahy had a brace of winners at the western track. Tyrur Gattuso, a son of Droopys Maldini and Tyrur Mary, clocked 29.14 when beating Killonaghan Gal by a wide margin in the €1,300 A2 decider. On the same card Tyrur Carlos (Tyrur Ted/ Tyrur Fiona) won an A2 in 29.42.

 

BURNPARK DOUBLE

Tuesday, March 17^th

The Burnpark prefix is well known throughout the greyhound world and they’re still making waves. Mary Browne had an unusual double on Saturday at Galway as her runners won both semi-finals of the Kathleen Burke Memorial A2.

What made the double even more noteworthy was the fact that the two winners are half brother and sister. Burnpark Adam is a son of Honcho Classic and Burnpark Cuckoo and this June ’07 whelp won his semi by three lengths from Sandstorm Rockie in 29.03.

In the second semi-final his older half sister Burnpark Beauty, a daughter of Droopys Scholes and Burnpark Cuckoo, had a length in hand of Seaview West in 29.33.

 

ANOTHER LEGEND?

Tuesday, March 17^th

Back in November a dog called Judgement Call made a stunning debut at Dundalk when winning by ten lengths in 28.60. Owned by Rita Downey, he was sold after that initial run and renamed Oran Legend, now one of the leading fancies for the BCR Easter Cup at Shelbourne.

Could lightning strike twice, we ask, after Rita Downey produced another young flying machine at Dundalk on Saturday last. The latest young star is Bang The Gate which went off at 4-7 favourite for an A6/7 contest and duly strode home a nine and a quarter length winner in 28.78.

Bang The Gate is a July ’07 son of Brett Lee and Princely Lady and so is a half brother to the great bitch Alexandrova as well as other prolific winners Cuil Prince, Cuil Running and Savitskaya.

 

KILDALLON ON SHOW

Monday, March 16^th

Larry Dunne’s star bitch Kildallon Maid had a busy evening at Shelbourne on Saturday. First she had a trial in preparation for the BCR Easter Cup and clocked a very satisfactory 28.60.

Later in the evening she honoured as Bitch of the Year by the Dublin GOBA. The trophy was presented by Paula de Mulder, ably assisted by Andy Hand. There was a great reception from the crowd for the bitch and it all added nicely to the night’s proceedings.

Incidentally, the previous night at Harold’s Cross, the Dog of the Year award was presented to Ollie Bray, owners and trainer of Royal Treason.

 

CHELTENHAM CHEERS

Monday, March 16^th

Tim de Plasterer

There were plenty of Cheltenham cheers for greyhound folk last week and the first arrived on Tuesday when Padydeplasterer won the Arkle Trophy for The Goat Syndicate.

Now, many of the Goat boys would be well acquainted with the greyhound tracks and Charlie Chawke himself was at Shelbourne recently to see a Goat syndicate owned greyhound in action.

But prominent in the shots of celebration was Irish Greyhound Board member Tim Gilbert who is one of the syndicate members. One wonders did Tim get stuck into the smashing gelding trained down in Kerry by Tom Cooper?

Rushwee Bumper

Brian O’Connell was one of the most excited young men at the Cotswolds Festival last week after his stunning victory aboard Dunguib in the Bumper.

Brian would be no stranger to the world of greyhound racing and his success was celebrated by many prominent greyhound folk. The 22 year old amateur rider is a nephew of Denis Hurley who runs the Rushwee prefix.

Denis, himself, had a Derby finalist some years back in Rushwee Heights and is still turning out regular winners at the Dublin tracks. We didn’t hear what odds Denis and his pal Pat Dobbs took about Dunguib last week!

Dermot on a High

Dermot Cox is a man with his feet deeply planted in both the horse and greyhound worlds and success at Cheltenham is nothing new to him.

Previously successful with Back In Front, Cox again had the pleasure of leading in a winner at the Festival when Ninetieth Minute was a most deserving winner of the Coral Cup on Wednesday under Paddy Flood.

Apart from being one of the big movers in the development and success of Punchestown racecourse, Dermot is also the boss of Newbridge Track and has owned a number of greyhounds in recent years in partnership with Charlie McCreevy and P.J. Fahy.

Harry Happy in Defeat

Harry Findlay was another doggie man very much in the public eye over the week. While he was all over the TV screens on Saturday as the organiser of the Scoop6 winning team, Harry had the previous day been delighted with the performance of Denman in the Totesport Gold Cup.

Findlay had tasted Gold Cup success with Denman last year but in the weeks coming up to the Gold Cup he had virtually given up hope that the horse would even run this time around. But Denman and trainer Paul Nicholls don’t give up easily and Denman gave a great performance in pushing stable companion Kauto Star all the way.

 

TOMMY HITS 21

Monday, February 23^rd

The Bolton Mullingar Ton campaign is building momentum and the County Offaly trainer maintained his great record with winners at both meetings at the midlands venue last week.

Mondial Jack was the Bolton winner on Thursday and then on Saturday night he struck with a double courtesy of Glenbryan and Knocknalyre Jack.

Glenbryan is becoming quite an earner for Tommy and his wife Sheila, who owns the dog. This was his fifth win on the trot, the last three at Mullingar and he now has a 2009 record of nine runs, six wins, two seconds and a third.

 

SUSAN STRIKES WITH VETERAN

Monday, February 23^rd

Last week we carried the story about the veteran tracker Knockrammer John and his recent exploits at Longford. Well, Joe Price’s dog justified the publicity when winning the final of the €900 Tote Retention A5 550 on Friday night.

The son of Droopys Rhys and Springvalley Joy had reached the final unbeaten and went off the 2-1 favourite. Bandalone threatened to spoil the party when going off in front but Knockrammer John came from way off the pace and rode a bump off the final bend to win by a length in 30.98.

Knockrammer John is a June ’03 whelp and was winning the 15^th race in his career while he has finished second 14 times and third on 23 occasions. In other words, he has been in the frame in virtually 50 per cent of his 110 races. Yes, quite a veteran.

And what a credit the veteran tracker is to his young trainer Susan Price who has only been training for a short period. In that time Susan has built up quite a reputation and finished sixth with 21 winners in the trainer’s lists at Longford last year.

The way she has handled Knockrammer John to date suggests that she is going to become quite a force among the training ranks. What is particularly pleasing is to see a young girl making such a mark among the trainers. The more young blood that comes into the training section the better for the overall industry.

 

A CROSS STORK

Friday, February 20^th

Congratulations are due to HX boss Patrick Flynn and his lovely wife Samantha on the arrival of a beautiful baby girl on Thursday.

Mum and new daughter are reported to be in great form and they will be returning home shortly. Patrick and Samantha, who have settled in nicely in Mullingar, have decided on the name Caitlin (excuse the spelling as it might well be Kaitlin!)

 

JOG LADIES – OR WALK

Friday, February 20^th

Ann Fallon has come up with another novel idea to raise funds for the Retired Greyhound Trust. This time, there won’t be any need to get up in a plane and then jump from the skies as happened in 2009, rather she is looking for ladies to volunteer to jog, walk or run the full distance of the Ladies Mini Marathon!

Ann explains: “Obviously it won’t be as exciting as the parachute jump but it should attract many more women to get involved. Basically, what we are looking for is as many women as possible to join us to walk or job the distance for retired greyhounds. The idea would be that we would start together and finish the race together on the day”.

One suspects that if some athletic ladies wish to run the Mini Marathon they could also take part and raise vital funds.

Anybody interested should contact Ann Fallon on 086 6067990. Entry forms will appear in the Evening Herald from Thursday, February 26^th or they can be downloaded from www.florawomensminimarathon.ie.

 

PROUD YOUGHAL

Friday, February 20^th

They’re proud of their dogs down in Youghal and in recent times they have had plenty to cheer about with a number of classic winners emanating from the track.

While they will be celebrating the high moments of 2008 in the Youghal Golf Club on Saturday night, they will also have their eyes on happenings at Shelbourne.

Three of the six finalists in the Joe Dunne Memorial graduated from Youghal and will be well fancied. Barefoot Bryan was known as Compass Terry when he had his first race around the East Cork circuit in October last. Faypoint Lad won an A4 Stake at Youghal in November, while Faypoint Kris made a winning debut in 28.98 around Youghal on November 4^th.

 

BOLTON FUND NOW €4,500

Tuesday, February 17^th

The generosity of greyhound folk knows no bounds and there is no better example than the Tommy Bolton’s Mullingar Ton where the response to the trainer’s ambitious target of 100 winners in 2009 at the midlands venue has resulted in quite a response.

With any donations and winnings going to the Retired Greyhound Trust, the pool is now running at €4,500 following the latest offer from County Kildare enthusiast Stephen Buckmaster,

Stephen got in touch with me by Email and this was his kind offer: “If Tommy (Bolton) wins 100 races, I will personally give the fund €500. It would be some achievement and I wish him every bit of luck. I know €500 isn’t that much but it may encourage people to donate that bit more”.

What more can I say? It is great news and as we say the pool is now running at €4,500. Granted, Tommy still has a Herculean task to train 100 winners at the one track in the calendar year but he is maintaining a mighty tempo and added another double at the track last Saturday, which brings his running total to 18 winners by February 14^th.

The latest two winners were Time Our Enemy, owned by Jer Kerins, in 31.09 for the 550 and big earning Glenbryan, owned by trainer’s wife Sheila, in 29.74. This was Glenbryan’s fifth win of 2009 – three at Mullingar and two at HX – and places him joint top win leader countrywide with Compass Mikey and Mumhan Aris.

 

NOT A RECORD?

Tuesday, February 17^th

I have already mentioned that Stephen Buckmaster was in touch regarding the Bolton Ton but he also posed a question “Is this a record” in relation to the performance of brood bitch Aughacasla Spark over the weekend.

Four members of the one litter by Head Bound were successful within 24 hours – Aughacasla Adam won in 30.04 for the 550 yards at Tralee on Friday and then on Saturday Aughacasla Milly won in 29.13 at Tralee while Garry Spark won a 750 at the same track in 42.70. Over at Oxford the same night, Aughacasla Jesse won the semi-final of the Trafalgar Cup over 450 metres in 26.82.

My initial record was absolutely not. I even have memories of my late dad completing a litter four-timer at Enniscorthy back in the mid 1950s from a great litter out of Fleeting Ash, one of which Merville was an English Derby semi-finalist subsequently. No doubt some reader will be able to put us in the picture.

Whether it was a record or not, it was still a mighty achievement for the litter bred by Gabriel Keane from Aughacasla in Castlegregory in County Kerry.

 

SPECIAL VETERAN JOHN

Tuesday, February 17^th

My attention has been drawn to the dog Knockrammer John which is making a bid to create a special niche for himself in Irish racing. Is he the oldest dog this year to reach the final of a sweepstake in Ireland.

Last Friday night Knockrammer Joe won the semi-final of the Tote Retention A5 550 at Longford. He is undefeated in the stake and he is closer to six years of age than he is to five!

Whelped on June 6^th, 2003, the son of Droopys Rhys and Springvalley Joy was bred by Pat McDonald in Lurgan and he ran his first race back in 2004. He didn’t manage to win that year but has won in each of the subsequent five years.

In that time he has run over distances ranging from 350 yards to 880 and was winning his 14^th race last Friday, while he has also been placed second on 14 occasions. In all he has contested 109 races.

What a servant he is for Joe and Susan Price and who’s to say that he won’t win Friday night’s final?

 

FIVE FOR FAHY

Thursday, February 12^th

It’s been quite a week for P.J. Fahy thus far and he has reaped rich dividends from his trips to Shelbourne on Wednesday and Thursday. Between the two nights, Fahy has turned out five Tyrur winners and all were home bred.

On Wednesday he turned out Tyrur Sinead (Top Honcho/ Tyrur Jenny) to win in 29.69 and followed up with the impressive Tyrur Mikiemac (Top Honcho/ Tyrur Dee) in 29.18.

Twenty-four hours later and Fahy was back again, this time recording a treble and only missing out on a four-timer by a length. First up was Tyrur Carlos (Tyrur Ted/ Tyrur Fiona) in 29.10, followed by Tyrur Nodge (Tyrur Ted/ Tyrur Dee) in 29.11. The treble came up via Tyrur Louis (Top Honcho/ Tyrur Jenny) in 31.71.

If Fahy keeps up this tempo he could well claim back the owner’s title for number of wins from Stephen and Helen Wadsworth! Thursday was a particularly good night for Fahy as his stud dog Tyrur Ted had four winners (See ” The BREEDING FRONT”).

 

A MAGICAL REPEAT

Wednesday, February 11^th

Glancing through Tuesday night’s winners at Thurles the name Magical Stan stood out. On checking his background, not alone did he do the fastest time of the night in a heat of the Agri-Tech N2/N3 Unraced but he also just happens to be a full brother to the 2007 Sporting Press Irish Oaks winner Ms Firecracker.

He is a member of the repeat litter by Magical Captain and Aughavas bred by Pat Guilfoyle and he runs in the names of Pat and his sister Alice. The August ’07 whelp is the first member of his litter to win and he trotted up by eleven lengths in 29.44.

This is just the third litter thrown by Aughavas and she is turning into quite a brood. Her first litter was, of course, the 2004 litter by Magical Captain that included Ms Firecracker and a number of other decent winners.

Her next litter was in 2006 to Droopys Maldini and these were all winners, including Live Wire, Ms Firesparker, Feetonfire, Bantiss Annie, Foxwood Boss, Foxwood Aoife, etc. Now we have the 2007 Magical Captain litter and Stan gave it a great start on Tuesday.

 

TOM HITS 16

Wednesday, February 11^th

If the sponsoring bookmakers had a chance to alter their price about Tommy Bolton training 100 winners at Mullingar this year, you can bet your bottom dollar that they would be closer to 2-1 than the original 10-1.

After his latest double on Saturday night via Glenbryan and Cyberos he is now on the sixteen mark at the track – and that was only February 7^th. If he maintains this tempo then the century is very much on the cards. But as well all know, ten and a half months can be a long time in greyhound racing!

Tommy is making this bid in order to raise money for the Retired Greyhound Trust and currently he is standing to make €4,000 for the Charity courtesy of bookmakers Peter Rickard, Hacketts, Boylesports and Malcolm Sharp.

If anybody else wishes to support this Fun Charity effort why not contact us at news@igb.ie.

 

MICK’S FIRST TREBLE

Friday, February 6^th

Whatever Tommy Bolton can do, Batterstown trainer Mick Connaughton can do equally well!

We have been highlighting Bolton’s bid for a magical hundred winners at Mullingar this season and he has already been knocking up the trebles and doubles.

But Connaughton was the headline maker at Thursday’s meeting when he posted the first treble of his training career.

The highlight of Mick’s treble was Selra Mike’s victory in the final of the Moate Medical Centre A5 525. The son of Droopys Vieri and Mama Mia went through the stake unbeaten and clocked 30.20 in taking the final.

Connaughton’s other winners were the litter comrades Sprint To Gold 30.41 and Head On Fantasy 22.55, both members of the Premier Fantasy and Batties Alisha litter.

 

BOLTON ON 14

Friday, February 6^th

Keeping you abreast of Tommy Bolton’s “Charity Ton” bid at Mullingar, the Geashill trainer had another winner at Mullingar on Thursday night and is now on the 14 mark for the year.

He is in second place behind Paul Hennessy in the national table but is seven clear of Thursday’s treble winning Mick Connaughton in the Mullingar list.

 

Best Wishes Eugene

Thursday, February 5^th

I would like to join with all greyhound enthusiasts in wishing Roscommon trainer Eugene McNamara our best wishes in his battle with illness.

Unfortunately I didn’t meet Eugene when he visited the National Meeting during the week. He has been one of our leading handlers on the track and up the field over many years and he has always been a thorough gentleman.

Let’s hope that he can win this particular battle and resume his place on the tracks and the field.

 

SPRIGHTLY VETERAN JOHN

Thursday, February 5^th

What’s the oldest winner in Ireland this year? We would suggest the Joe Price owned Knockrammer John who got on the winning frame at Longford last Friday.

The son of Droopys Rhys and Springvalley Joy was scoring the 13^th win of his career from 108 outings when he won a heat of the Tote Retention 550. the Joe Price trained veteran was whelped in June 2003 and so is into the second half of his sixth year!

 

TAM’S 60^th CELEBRATION

Monday, February 2^nd

It proved to be a very special occasion at Shelbourne on Saturday night for Scottish owner Tam Milligan.

Not alone did Well Done Tam win the opening race in 29.08 but Tam was also celebrating his 60^th birthday on the night.

Well Done Tam has been a tremendous servant for Tam and joint owner George Bowers. The Larry Mason trained son of Premier County and Merry Bluebell was winning his 13^th races from 41 outings and he has also been placed on fifteen occasions.

 

A COWEN WINNER

Monday, February 2^nd

These might be trying times for Taoiseach Brian Cowen but he could have occasion to celebrate in the coming weeks.

Reason? His brother Barry is the joint owner of Gilbeyhall Jake which won his first round heat of the Joe Dunne Memorial Puppy Stake on Saturday.

Barry owns the son of Brett Lee and Droopys Wiggy in partnership with Donal Beatty and he is trained by Francie Murray. On the evidence of his 28.77 run on Saturday, he is going to play a prominent role in this competition.

 

IVAN’S STAG PRIZE

Tuesday, January 27^th

We hear that The Irish Greyhound Board was very prominent at last weekend’s Bride Of The Year Show at the RDS in Dublin.

The IGB stand proved very popular and there were more than 2,000 entries to the competition which had a magnificent prize of a Hen or Stag Party for 15 people which gives an idea of the volume of people who visited the stand.

The prize was won by Ivan Smith from St Margarets in County Dublin and he was absolutely thrilled when his name was called out. No doubt Ivan and his pals will have a super night out at either Shelbourne or Harold’s Cross (one presumes).

 

GREETINGS FROM MANILA

Tuesday, January 27^th

I would like to thank all those people who sent emails or text messages over the past week since Talking Dogs got back up running following the devastation of the storms a week and a half back.

There were messages from various countries but there was certainly a “first” in the form of a Text message from Manila, capital of the Philippine Islands. Over the years I have received some emails from the Philippines from a cousin of mine who has been a member of the Columban Fathers team for many, many years.

But never before did I receive a Text message, certainly not one welcoming the return of Talking Dogs! It just goes to show how universal is the love of greyhounds.

By the way, anybody who wishes to communicate with Talking Dogs can forward their messages to news@igb.ie and it will find its way to me.

 

MARY’S DOUBLE

Monday, January 26^th

Our unavoidable break in service prevented us from giving due mention to a significant happening at Galway Track when Mary Callinan from Gurtymadden scored her first ever double.

It occurred on Saturday, January 10^th when both Foxhall Express and Black Marlyn both won at odds of 3-1. Foxhall Express (What A Lark/ Lea North Nell) was first to do the job when getting up late in 29.98 in an A6 contest.

Two races later Black Marlyn (Black Shaw/ Marlyn Go) also got up late to win an A4 contest in 29.92. So, a belated well done to Mary on this great achievement.

 

JULIES FIVE UP

Monday, January 26^th

When Julies Tears won the first semi-final of the Market Kennels A1 Puppy Stake on Sunday evening at Clonmel the March puppy was winning his fifth race on the trot in a career that only extends to six races.

Back on December 27^th he won the final of the 1,200 Euro Suirview Kennels A4 525 at Waterford and he has now maintained his winning ways at Clonmel. His aggregate winning margin for those five races has been 23 lengths and he is getting better all the time.

Trained by Paul Kiely for Stephen Bean, Julies Tears is a son of Lifes A Doddle and Julies Pearl. The name of Lifes A Doddle struck a little chord in the memory, so I checked him up. He just happens to be a son of Staplers Jo and Annies Touch and so is a full brother to the Oaks winner Lifes Beauty.

Lifes A Doddle has only one litter registered and what a start he has had. Just two members of the litter have run, the other, How Dini, winning two out of three around Kilcohan Park. Not bad for a debut offering!

 

YVONNE’S TRAUMA

Sunday, January 25^th

There is nothing worse that seeing a top class greyhound losing its life in action. So, the feelings of all greyhound followers will go out to Yvonne Barry after her tragic loss at the weekend.

Yvonne’s had a real prospect in the bitch Ibettergoback, a daughter of Razldazl Billy and Springwell Sue that had won three of her seven races and with a best time of of 28.81 around Shelbourne.

She contested the Open Puppy 525 on Saturday night and went off a strong favourite to take the prize. She didn’t make her usual flying start but appeared poised to take over from Farran Keano on the first bend when suddenly she hit the deck and at least one other runner crashed into her.

It was quickly apparent that something was amiss and the bitch was carried from the track before the field got around to the bend again.

It transpired that she had sustained two broken legs but was operated on Sunday morning to save her for breeding. Tragically, she suffered a heart attack under the anaesthetic and passed away. It is a terrible blow to Yvonne who is a very enthusiastic greyhound owner and breeder – not to mention bookmaker and Pick 7 Expert.

 

MCKENNA STRENGTHENS TEAM

Sunday, January 25^th

Mike McKenna, already the owner of one of the strongest team of greyhounds in the country, has added two more powerful strings to his bow.

McKenna has acquired Ballybrazil Turk, a semi-finalist in the IGB Open Unraced Stake at Clonmel on Sunday evening. The new owner describes Ballybrazil Turk, a son of Yeah Man and Ballybrazil Tara formerly owned by Tom Hennebry, as a dog in the mould of College Causeway.

The second McKenna acquisition is Bower Allen, a July ’07 son of World Class and Bower Tina which won his only race at Tralee on December 23^rd in 29.00. He is now trained by Pat Buckley.

 

BOLTON HITS TEN

Sunday, January 25^th

Tommy Bolton’s audacious bid to hit the 100 winner mark at Mullingar this year moved a significant step forward at the weekend when the County Offaly trainer had four winners to bring his 2009 total to 10 winners.

On Thursday Bolton turned out Sean Fitzgerald’s Pardini (Droopys Kewell/ Delightful Glin) to win by a short head in 22.47.

But on Saturday night Bolton scored his third hat-trick of the year – surely a record in its own right – to bring his total to ten winners. He set it in motion when his wife Sheila’s Cahermore Tucks (Tucks Mein/ Precious Dear) won in 30.06. Next came Tony Griffin’s Peppered Sprout (Droopys Kewell/ Castlehill Alice) as he won in 22.10.

The hat-trick was completed by Cyberos (Tucks Mein/ Kilcoran Peer), a winner at Harold’s Cross a few nights earlier, as he won in 34.27 for the 600 yards.

Said Bolton on Sunday: “We are standing to win 4,000 Euro for the Retired Greyhound Trust if I can manage the 100 winners. I know it is a big ask but there has been huge response from readers of Talking Dogs and I have got a few dogs in the last few weeks that should be well suited by the 400 yards at Mullingar”.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETER

Sunday, January 25^th

Today we would like to send our best wishes to Peter Meaney on the occasion of his birthday. Unfortunately we didn’t run into him at Shelbourne on Saturday night to convey the wishes personally.

A little birdie has whispered to us that the man from Donore has reached an age which would suggest the completion of three rounds of golf! Presumably you can make that one out.

Peter, of course, is the man behind the excellent BEAM meeting at Kilkenny each year. Hopefully there are enough candles left down in Bagenalstown.

 

A DOUBLE & THE STORK!

Saturday, January 24^th

It has been a truly memorable weekend for Monard based trainer Pat Curtin. The weekend he will never forget got off to a marvellous start when the stork arrived and delivered a baby daughter.

Mother Joanne and daughter Caitlin Marie are both reported in great form. No doubt this addition to the family will curtail the Curtin celebrations for some time!

Then on Saturday night at Shelbourne the Ballygodoon Stud scored a smashing double courtey of Fastflame in the final of the Shelbourne 550 and Urney Twins in an Open 525.

Now one wonders will the luck continue until King Saunders contests the Boylesports Derby at Clonmel next week?

 

DEATH OF JOHN CARROLL

Thursday, January 22^nd

 The death occurred early on Thursday morning of Limerickman John Carroll who was one of the great pioneers of greyhound welfare in this country.

John was involved in the rehoming of greyhounds since its inception during the 1990s and was fundamental to its success through the many adoption outlets that he has sourced and fostered through the years. Many greyhound owners and trainers will know John from the many times he travelled the country collecting greyhounds on behalf of the Retired Greyhound Trust and knew him as a person who was completely passionate about the welfare of greyhounds.

As a person, he was kind, caring and diligent in his work, and had a smile that would instantly put any person at ease when in his company. John’s work involved managing the list of greyhounds for re-homing, travelling and collecting greyhounds, and preparing them for adoption as pets.

John’s standard of care given to greyhounds in his care, and during transports, was a model to behold. Numerous testimonials over many years proudly occupy the files of The Retired Greyhound Trust, extolling at length the quality and standards of his transports and of the thousands of Irish greyhounds that have found happy homes as pets in Europe.

He was a pioneer in Ireland, and a stalwart of his era, for the adoption of greyhounds abroad. All at the Retired Greyhound Trust and The Irish Greyhound Board will deeply mourne his passing, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his loving wife Mary, and daughters Muriel and Alma.

May he rest in peace”.

*Funeral arrangements: Daffeys Funeral Home Friday night between 6pm and 8pm. Funeral Mass at Mainister at 12 (noon) on Saturday, followed by burial at Croom graveyard.

 

TERRY SIGNS FOR HENNESSY

Wednesday, January 14^th

Hugely impressive Shelbourne Park winner Compass Terry has been bought by Paul Hennessy and will in future represent owners Bryan and Kathleen Murphy.

Compass Terry produced an outstanding performance in winning an open 525 on his first visit to Dublin last weekend. He was tailed off coming off the second bend but then unleashed a massive turn of pace that saw him go second around the bottom before powering past Inny Blue on the run-in for a four length verdict over So Determined in a fastest of the night 29.12.

Trainer Hennessy was obviously impressed with what he saw and he subsequently bought Compass Terry from owner, breeder, trainer couple Stephen and Helen Wadsworth.

Compass Terry is an April ’07 son of Crash and Compass Becky and was winning his third race from eleven starts on Saturday. Said Hennessy: “He showed huge pace and looks a lovely dog. The Joe Dunne Memorial would look the obvious target for him”.

Hennessy has enjoyed plenty of success with dogs owned by Bryan and Kathleen Murphy and one that immediately springs to mind is the Scottish Derby winner Priceless Rebel. We await what name the dog will run under – possibly either Barefoot Terry or Priceless Terry! Watch this space.

 

HENS AND STAGS

Tuesday, January 13^th

For a few years now it has been a regular feature to see strangely dressed young men or women wandering around our developed stadia. Well, you can expect to see more of them in the future!

Currently the Irish Greyhound Board is conducting a campaign in Kerry and Cork to encourage more Hen and Stag parties at the Kingdom Stadium and Curraheen Park.

Last weekend Brendan Maunsell and his team had a stand at the Silver Springs Moran Hotel in Cork which was advertising the merits and deals on offer at the two tracks.

The special IGB offer at a coast of 95 Euro would include a party at either Kingdom Stadium or Curraheen with four course meal and B&B accommodation at either Tralee’s Benners Hotel or Cork’s Silver Springs Hotel. In addition, the Hen or Stag would have their accommodation and track meal complimentary, provided the group size is ten or more.

 

A SMART LITTER

Tuesday, January 13^th

Tony Weir and trainer Martin Mulvey are certainly reaping the dividends from their smart litter by Top Honcho out of Kildallon Iota.

Kildallon Icon is one of the favourites to win the Ningbo Jack/ Mount Cashel Kennel Stake at Longford after two impressive victories. Her litter sister Kildallon Iris is now very much the forerunner in the Track Bookmakers A4 525 at the same track.

Iris won her first round heat on Monday night when clocking a brilliant 28.79 and this brought her career record to two wins from three. Her only defeat was when finishing second to litter sister Icon in another final at Longford.

In Monday night’s heats the other winners were Pleasant Bob (Top Honcho/ Confused Lass) 29.01, Carn Babe (Honcho Classic/ Carn Lass) 29.70 and Twirl Around (Kiowa Sweet Trey/ Count Again) 29.65.

 

OLLIE ON THE OCKEY

Wednesday, January 7^th

Flicking through the channels on Sunday evening and I came across the PDC Darts final at Alley Palley. It was thrilling stuff as Phil The Power gave the high-scoring Barney the mother and father of a hammering!

As the cameras panned the screaming and waving audience, I thought I spotted the shiny head of Galway racing manager Ollie Hester. Not possible, I thought!

But subsequently I have learned that Ollie was indeed in the audience. He says: “A great weekend was had and now it’s back to the usual. But watching the Darts final it made me think how a working class sport can be promoted to the extent that it reaches the level it is at. Maybe we should all take notice of this …”

Who knows, perhaps some enterprising Benefit Meeting Organiser could set up a clash between Ollie and his GM Fintan on the Ockey some night during the year at Galway. I know where my money would be riding!

 

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Wednesday, January 7^th

I have lost track of how many people have asked me about the naming of that smashing greyhound Fatboyz Nodrog.

Some years ago I worked out the Nodrog part, it is simply Gordon spelled backwards. Pat Gordon from Enniscorthy is the trainer and also a joint owner of Fatboyz Nodrog.

But what about Fatboyz? Well, it just happens to be the prefix which is used by the father and son team of Lee and Anthony Cameron. All this info was supplied by Robert Moorhouse who assists Pat Gordon in the training of their growing team.

On the subject of Fatboyz Nodrog, he is due to run on Thursday night at Shelbourne but if he can progress from that splendid 28.47 run on December 20^th, he will be one of the shining lights of the coming season. He is a September son of Crash and Whitefort Pride and has won two of his three races. What a talent.

 

MUNSTER WOE & JOY

Saturday, January 3^rd

It was a bad night for the Munster Rugby side on Saturday when they received a shock hammering by Ulster in their beloved Thomond Park.

But up the road at Galway Stadium they were experiencing much better luck. The appropriately named greyhound All Haka is owned by the Munster Rugby Syndicate that includes a number of squad members and he is shaping like a real young star.

Back on December 18, Pat Curtin introduced the dog at Shelbourne and he was a runaway winner in 28.99. His next appearance was at Galway on Saturday where he recovered from a slow start to win by three parts of a length from Utorquealot in 29.16 in an A2 contest.

The dog is an April ’07 son of Brett Lee and Droopys Diamond and he will now be stepping up into open puppy company.

 

FINE LITTER DOUBLE

Sunday, December 21^st

Graham Holland introduced two promising youngsters in the opening two races at Clonmel on Sunday and one suspects that they will go on to better things.

Broadacres Beth won the opening N3 contest when winning by all of fifteen lengths in 29.60. In the very next race Broadacres Hazel went even faster when winning by seven lengths in 29.45.

Both bitches are members of the August ’07 litter by Brett Lee out of Riverside Bella and are owned by Holland’s great patrons Bob and Mary Colbourne.

 

INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE

Thursday, December 18^th

Irish greyhound racing has been receiving plenty of exposure recently and it has even been featured on TV stations as far away as France and Russia!

While there was a big home audience for the programme from Galway on Setanta Sports last Sunday, the Irish greyhound scene has been shown to millions for viewers across Europe.

During the summer a crew from Moscovia TV did an in-depth programme and visited Paul Hennessy’s Black & Amber Kennels as well as shooting at Shelbourne Park. This programme was shown on Russian TV on Monday night of this week.

A French Travel TV crew also visited Curraheen Park during the summer and there was quite a positive response to this programme when it was screened recently.

 

PADDY MCALLEN

Thursday, December 18^th

Ollie Hester has asked us to pass on the sincere sympathies of the greyhound community to Sean McAllen and family from Shannon on the untimely death of Sean’s father Paddy.

Said Ollie: “He was a very decent man with a great outlook at all times on everything. A minute’s silence will be held at the stadium over the weekend”.

 

A NEW MI FAN

Thursday, December 18^th

We hear from our western seaboard birdie that there was great joy in the “Mi” Kelly household last week. So, we would like to pass on the congratulations of all to Rose Kelly on the birth of her second child.

The Kerry family run the Mi greyhounds from their Gort kennels and soon there will be a new helper in the form of this first sister for Katie “Fifi”.

 

BID FOR AN XMAS GIFT

Wednesday, December 17^th

Having difficulty in coming up with a Christmas present idea for a good friend? Well, the IGB’s Welfare & Racing Operations Support Manager Barry Coleman may just have the solution for you!

On the occasion of the big Retired Greyhound Trust benefit meeting at Tralee in August, four meal options were not auctioned due to time constraints. However the four tracks involved have honoured their commitment and these items are now up for grabs again. They would be ideal and much appreciated presents for any person with any interest in greyhounds.

The prizes involved are Admission & Meal for Four at Dundalk, Harold’s Cross, Mullingar and Clonmel tracks.

So, Barry is auctioning off the four prizes and anybody can bid up to 12 p.m. on Friday next, December 19^th. If you are interested you can email your name, bid amount and track involved to barry.coleman@igb.ie. Alternatively you can text name, offer and track to 086 8030355.

Offers will be taken up to 12 noon on Friday and the vouchers will be sent out in the afternoon post. Full results will be on the IGB website by 2 p.m. on Friday. All proceeds will go directly to RGT 

 

WADSWORTH’S CROSS TREBLE

Tuesday, December 16^th

Midleton based owner/ trainer Stephen Wadsworth secured his second treble inside five days when his Compass greyhounds won three races at Harold’s Cross on Tuesday.

Wadsworth had a tremendous treble at Tralee on Friday when supplying the winners of both semi-finals of the Kingdom Derby Purse as well as one semi-final of the Greyhound & Petworld Kingdom Derby.

He recently switched his attentions to Harold’s Cross and had six runners at Tuesday’s meeting. The harvest was three winners on the night thanks to Pick 7 wrecker Compass Tubbs, Compass Noel and Compass Liam. In addition he had two runners-up to bring his tally for the year to a most impressive 207 winners.

 

Toms The Best Dies

Tuesday, December 16^th

Legendary tracker and sire Toms The Best has died at 13 years of age. The great racer holds the most unique record in the sport as the only dog to have won both the Irish and English Derbys.

The son of Frightful Flash and Ladys Guest was bred by Ian Greaves and was bought by Eddie Shotton who passed him on to Nick Savva to be trained.

It was in 1997 that he won the Irish Derby at Shelbourne Park when coming from behind to beat Vintage Prince by a length. He was then beaten narrowly by kennel companion Larkhill Jo in the Scottish Derby but he then stormed to a most impressive victory in the 1998 English Derby at Wimbledon.

He stood at stud with Richie O’Regan in Rathcormac but moved back to Savva after being retired from stud some months back.

 

VETERAN LEE RETIRED

Monday, December 15^th

Brilliant veteran Tyrur Lee may have run his last race in the final of the Mardoc Holdings Golden Jacket at Galway on Sunday night. Owner/ trainer P.J. Fahy reported on Monday that the great old tracker had sustained a serious injury in the final and is likely to be retired.

Said Fahy: “Unfortunately he sprained his hock and will almost certainly be retired now. He is one of the best I have ever owned and he lit up our lives over the past few months”. What may tempt Fahy to run the dog again is that if he runs in 2009, it would be the fifth calendar year in which he would have run.

For a dog well into his fifth year, it was quite remarkable that he reached the Golden Jacket unbeaten and went off a 6-4 favourite to win the 35,000 Euro prize. He ruined his chance by charging the traps and was last hitting the ground.

A son of Brett Lee and Tyrur Dee, Tyrur Lee won 34 races in a career that saw him win the Cox Cup at Newbridge and the Kudos Catering Galway Plate at Galway and a total of over 50,000 Euro in prizemoney. Despite his advancing years, Lee was bidding for an eighth win on the trot in Sunday’s final.

He has been a truly great servant for Fahy and one suspects that he will appear at Galway track in 2009 – and, who knows, perhaps achieve a 40^th career victory!

 

TOM’S TRAGIC INJURY

Monday, December 15^th

It was a sad occasion when classy tracker Oakleaf Tom broke a hock when contesting the Eurobeat.ie 575 at Galway on Sunday.

Strongly supported for the open contest, Oakleaf Tom appeared to check halfway down the back and then shuddered to a halt in distress on the final bend. It was immediately apparent that the dog had sustained a very serious injury and this was later confirmed by trainer Eddie Dunne.

The son of Hondo Black and Michaelas Wish had won ten of his 30 races and had also claimed a big number of noted scalps during an unfortunately brief career. He had contested at the highest level with distinction and it was a bad blow for Longford trainer Dunne and the Paddys Day Syndicate.

But the person who took it worst of all was surely Rory Flaherty, assistant to Dunne, who had led out the dog. Young Rory has become a very recognisable figure on the tracks, particularly at the weekends, and is a vital cog in the Dunne operation. The St Mel’s College student was very upset following the dog’s career-ending injury but he will hopefully be handling many more very useful trackers in the weeks and months ahead.

 

A MINELLA FLYER

Sunday, December 14^th

John Nallen, proprietor of the Minella Hotel in Clonmel, has enjoyed many great successes with his horses over the years but it looks as though he now has a very useful greyhound also.

Minella Girl opened her account at the third time of asking at Clonmel on Sunday evening and did it in some style. Contesting an A5 525, Minella Girl led on the first bend and left her rivals for dead, winning by a dozen lengths from Southlodge Dice in a flying 28.68.

It was easily the fastest run of the night and it wasn’t entirely unexpected as she started at odds of 4/7 and won in a style befitting such a hot favourite!

Minella Girl is a January ’07 daughter of Brett Lee and Ballydaniel Jojo and is obviously a name for us to consider strongly in the year ahead.

 

COMRADES IN BATTLE

Friday, December 12^th

There was an unusual incident in the heats of the Ted Hegarty Marathon at Harold’s Cross on Friday night with two litter comrades virtually inseparable in a battle for a place in next Friday’s final.

Give Ita Chance ran second behind Shakira Live for much of the journey but he was pipped on the line by his litter sister Ashwood Dancer. The margin was a short head.

The two are members of the Flying Penske and Ashwood Maxi litter and they are both trained by John Doyle. Now John and the members of the two syndicates can look forward to a big night out next week with Ashwood chasing the 10,000 Euro prize in the final, while Give Ita Chance will be contesting the Consolation Race.

 

BENIE QUITE A PROSPECT

Tuesday, December 10^th

The “Cyber Gremlins” have been playing tricks in recent times and somehow an article I penned last week simply disappeared into thin air. However, it was of such significance that it is well worth repeating!

It concerns that amazing racing debut by Sporting Benie at Limerick on Monday, December 1^st when the February ’07 puppy scorched around the Markets Field in 28.44, the fastest time from a debutant at the venue in some time.

Sporting Benie is a son of Ace Hi Rumble and Sporting Alone, the dam being a daughter of Sporting Debbie which was such a great servant for Abbeyfeale’s Jerry Griffin. Benie had qualified in 29.40 around Limerick on October 22^nd and stepped up considerably on his debut when scorching home ten lengths clear of Sunset Joe in that brilliant 28.44. We’ll be watching this fellow’s progress with much interest.

 

PIXIE LOOKS SPECIAL

Monday, December 8^th

Oran Pixie may have been a late recruit to the racing game but she has certainly lost no time in establishing her quite obvious talent.

Owned by father and son team of Des and Elliott Whyte from Roscommon, the daughter of Droopys Vieri and 2005 Irish Oaks winner Grayslands Pixie didn’t make her racing debut until she was over three years of age on November 21^st. The November ’05 whelp duly won that debut race around Longford in 29.24.

She reappeared at the midlands track on Monday night and proceeded to beat Lemonhead Lady by eight lengths in a very speedy 28.75. It was the first heat of the Track Bookmakers A5 525 and she will obviously take the world of beating in this sweepstake.

 

RUSO’S DERBY TARGETS

Saturday, December 6^th

Ballymac Ruso has a return trip to Ireland very much on his agenda following his victory in the Cotswold Scaffolding 480 at Monmore on Saturday.

Trainer Matt Dartnall was clearly delighted with Patsy Byrne’s dog and now has his sights very much focussed on the English and Irish Derbys next year. After finishing third behind Shelbourne Aston in the 2008 Irish Derby, he has to be one of the short-listed candidates for the 2009 classic.

 

MOUSTACHE REVIVAL IN CURRAHEEN

Moustaches had a big revival on Thursday night as the men and women of Curraheen Park got into the Movember spirit and openly flaunted their Mo’s!

Of course it was all for a very good cause and a total of €580 was raised through the generous donations of customers and staff. A very big thank you to everyone in Curraheen Park who contributed, with all money raised going to Action Prostate Cancer, an initiative of the Irish Cancer Society.
Specially designed (and highly exclusive) Movember pens were on sale on the night, thanks to the generous donation from Richardson Promotional Goods. Anyone who missed out on the chance to get one of these limited edition pens can email pr@igb.ie for their chance to buy before it’s too late! Don’t forget that Vinny Barrett, Head of IT, is still perfecting his Mo and donations are welcome. Go to www.movember.com for more details.

 

MAURA’S MINI BREAK

Tuesday, November 18^th

Regular racegoers Maura Quinn won a lovely prize when turning up at Shelbourne last Thursday night for the launch of the new Tote Advertising campaign.

Top prize on offer – on all losing Tote tickets – was a 2 Night Break for a family of four at the Blarney Golf Resort, including dinner on one night. Maura’s name was drawn out and we have no doubt that a happy break will be enjoyed.

What was remarkable was that of the five prizes drawn, four went to people with the Quinn surname. Husband and wife team of Bob and Josie Quinn virtually never miss a night at Shelbourne and both came out separately while the other winners were Larry Mason and Simon O’Flynn.

 

A MINI BEAUTY

Tuesday, November 18^th

There are times when common convention is thrown right out the window. Such a case occurred at Longford last Friday when Whyso Beauty won the 3,300 Euro Pakie Costello/ James Gleeson A4 570 final for owner Francis McDonagh.

In these days when the 80 lb track dog has become normal and the 66 lb bitch is hardly regarded as being a big bitch, it was mighty refreshing to see the diminutive Whyso Beauty land such a valuable prize.

Whyso Beauty is really small by coming thinking and only hit the scales at 49 lb in the weigh in for the final.

Undeterred, the daughter of Big Daddy Cool and Kiltrogue Beauty came with a rattling finish to take the prize in 31.62 in what racing manager Sean Fogarty describes as “one of the most exciting finishes to a final seen at the track in a long, long time”.

There was another notable feature to lat Friday’s card when the Catriona Ni Duill owned Susans Pride led all the way in the first race to win in 29.59. What was noteworthy about the performance is that Susans Pride in his sixth year, having been whelped in September ’03.

While on last Friday’s Longford meeting, it is worth recording that the run of the night was produced by Missy Lou as she won the second race of her career in a flying 28.98. Miss Lou is trained by Tony Fahy for Pat Douglas and is a March ’07 daughter of Razldazl Billy. Yet another of Billy’s pups to make an early splash!

 

A SMASHING TRIO

Tuesday, November 18^th

There was a gasp from the stands when the Tote Dividends were declared for the final of the Irish Greyhound Review Puppy A1 last Saturday at Shelbourne. The favourite River Billy had finished out of the frame and it was expected that the dividends would be generous.

But little did we expect the Trio to pay a whopping 837.70 Euro for a single Euro stake. I realise it is far from the biggest at the track – indeed, I collected a dividend in excess of a grand thanks to Awesome Impact a year or two back – but it still a mighty jackpot for the lucky punters involved.

For the record, the three dogs involved, in finishing order, were Drumna Willow, Dilton Swift and Bright Side.

 

EAMONN‘S BUSY WEEKEND

Monday, November 10^th

Waterford Racing Manager Eamonn Mackey had a pretty hectic weekend and he emerged from it looking ahead to another major sporting challenge!

Now, it is widely known that Eamonn is a pretty handy hurler with the Mooncoin club but his footballing talents remained in the dark until now!

Mackey is a prominent member of the Mooncoin side which met the Longford champions in the Leinster Club Intermediate Football championship on home territory on Sunday. Believe it or not, but Mooncoin gained a rather rare success for a Kilkenny football side.

The reward is a meeting with either the Dublin or Meath champions in the next round! Now, one might suggest, that might be a slightly more difficult task.

 

LEE BRINGS UP 30

Monday, November 10th

P.J. Fahy has a special spot for Tyrur Lee and his pride and joy scored the 30^th victory of his career when winning the 1,000 Euro Titans Basketball Open 525 at Galway on Saturday.

Now well into his fifth year, he clocked 28.80 when scoring a very easy victory from Have Some Cop and the signs are that he will go on for a while yet. Tyrur Lee is a son of Brett Lee and Tyrur Dee and is a half brother to the Scottish Derby winner Tyrur Kieran.  He has career earnings of over 46,000 Euro and he also has a litter of pups on the ground, four dogs and five bitches out of Tyrur Lisa!

 

RITA’S FLYING PUP

Monday, November 10^th

There was a very impressive debut run from Rita Downey’s Judgement Call at Dundalk on Saturday and he certainly looks a puppy with rich promise.

A son of Tyrur Ted and Frazzled, he was making his debut in an A7 and went off at 3-1. But he was in front all the way as he powered his way to a ten length victory over Fine Pearl in a scorching 28.60. It was quite a performance from a July ’07 whelp.

 

MERRY RETIRED

Monday, November 10^th

While at Waterford for the Masters on Saturday night I ran into Phil Gough who informed me that his great bitch Making Merry has been retired from the breeding paddocks.

Making Merry was a marvellous servant over many years for Gough, John Fitzgerald and Pauline Corcoran, both as a tracker and subsequently in the breeding paddocks.

The daughter of Toms The Best and Tinrah Princess was one of the greatest stayers we have seen in recent years and some of her track records still stand at Shelbourne Park and Waterford. A sensational six bend performer, though she also mixed with the best over 550, she won such events as the Service Point Munster Marathon at Cork, the Red Mills Breeders Cup at Shelbourne, the Ted Hegarty Six Bend Shoot-Out at Harold’s Cross and the Michael Gater Construction Open at Waterford.

Retired to the breeding paddocks she produced a long line of winners, including the likes of Brown Blue Eyes, Swahili Blue, Torpedo Ted, Marlborough Six, Swahili Eile, Heavenly One, Sparta Maggie, Sparta Bluebell, Triple Deal, Tinrah Kewell, etc, etc.

But Making Merry has now been retired but Gough has her daughter Tinrah Kewell and hopes that this bitch will take up where her mum has just stopped off!

 

IMPRESSIVE KILCOHAN

Sunday, November 9^th

We had heard encouraging reports of the new facilities at Kilcohan Park but I didn’t realise the extent of the development until visiting the track on Saturday night.

It really is a most impressive development and puts the Waterford track right up there with the best greyhound facilities in the country.

The extension of the Masters Restaurant into the entire upstairs length of the Grandstand has created a huge entertainment area which is sure to become extremely popular with the people of Waterford and surrounding areas.

Due to my involvement with the live TV programme on Saturday, I wasn’t able to sample the food in the Masters Restaurant where the new caterers are in place. Instead, it was chicken and chips from the fast food area downstairs and it did the job!

It was a good night at Waterford with a very big crowd turning up, despite the horrible early evening weather. The Tote figures were good and the bookmakers appeared to be very busy throughout.

It was great to run into Paddy Grant, one of the great characters of the game and a man who spent many years at the helm in Kilcohan. It was also nice to see Maurice Jackson on the presentation podium after Jeffys Crystal had won the Eamonn O’Donovan Memorial.

Due to work commitments we didn’t meet as many old friends as would normally be the case but it was great to meet up with the likes of Jim Brennan, Jim Maguire, Willie Brennan and visitors from adjoining counties, such as Michael Donohoe, Denny and Pauline Lennon, Denis O’Meara and Gain’s Willie Rigney sporting crutches after breaking his ankle the previous day!

I briefly met general manager Anthony Spencer but he is in a very strong position as he heads the selling process of Kilcohan Park as the supreme night out. If Waterford folk are not won over by this facility then they have massive standards!

 

PURE MCCALMONT JOY

Friday, November 7^th

Down in Kilkenny they were reared on the McCalmont Cup being the most prized event in their local greyhound calendar. Despite the fact that the McCalmont Cup has been allowed to lose its place among the elite competitions over the years, it still retains that old magic as far as the older racegoers are concerned at the St James’ Park venue.

Billy Hanlon is a man who grew up in the McCalmont tradition and it is an event he has always wanted to win. Well, there were great scenes of celebration after Ballygur Mike had won the Kilford Hotel sponsored McCalmont Cup on Friday night.

Ballygur is owned jointly by Hanlon and Henry Kelly and Billy invited all and sundry to the bar to celebrated his McCalmont success. One of the great hopes locally is that the McCalmont Cup can be truly revived when the new Kilkenny Track is finally developed. It certainly deserves a special place in the calendar for open race competition.

 

A VISIT TO LONGFORD

Wednesday, November 6^th

We turned back the clock a few years when visiting Longford Track on Monday night to sample the fare at the midlands venue. Really, it was as if we had never left it but fair play to the hard working committee who have kept this venue going strongly – and profitably!

The running surface is one of the best in the country and is a huge credit to the groundsman and all involved. The standard of racing was also good for a Monday night card and we were treated to one top class performance as Billy Davey’s Cut Your Loss romped home with a semi-final of the Bookmakers A3 in a scorching 28.48.

Being on a busman’s holiday – and with a driver – we visited the bar and there was a great atmosphere generated by a good collection of well known greyhound enthusiasts. We also enjoyed the Inter Track from Harold’s Cross – though there was no sound – and even managed to back a winner or two at both venues on the night.

In the course of the night we renewed acquaintances with a lot of old friends, the likes of the legendary Mick Higgins and son-in-law Ray Tully, the aforementioned Billy Davey (no mention of his winner!), bookmakers Mick Glennon and Pat McCarthy, John Dooley, Fermanagh’s Hugh Maguire, Eddie Dunne, Tom Clyne, Ambrose Connolly, Control Steward Tom Griffin, etc.

The last time we had been at Longford was for a Longford Derby final some years back – when we ended up the evening with P.V. Fallon in his establishment. Well, we met up with PV and reminisced about that particular night while also discussing the situation at Longford.

I remarked that the set-up reminded me of a local GAA club with volunteers doing their bit – and in many cases more than their bit – to run an efficient ship. Tracks like Longford could be used as a great model for some of the bigger tracks in our midst. It was refreshing to visit the track on a foggy and nippy Monday night in November and we’ll be back – but there will have to be a driver!!

The reason for our trip was accompanying four folk from Roscommon who have just become involved in greyhound ownership. They are enjoying the experience immensely so far and have yet to have a runner! All reported a profit on the night and they can’t wait to return to the venue on Monday night next. The gospel is spreading despite the recession!

 

Bring Back A Polar Bear

Tuesday, November 4^th

It won’t be the same at Newbridge on Sunday evening for the final of the Moran & O’Donnell Newbridge Oaks. Missing will be the sponsor J. P. Moran who will be out of country on extracurricular duty!

Guess, of all places, where the impish J.P. will be on Sunday while his money is being given away at Newbridge? The Antarctic no less!

No, J.P. is not following in the trail of such great Antarctic explorers as Roald Amundsen, Robert Falcon Scott or our own Ernest Shackleton from Kildare, Tom Crean from Kerry or Robert McClure from Wexford, to name a few.

J.P. is not trying to find any new frontiers but rather is travelling to the bleak and cold terrain as part of a fundraiser for the National Council of the Blind. We wish him all the best in his worthy endeavours but how will his cheeky grin be replaced at Newbridge?