MARKET’S FIELD FOR €2 MILLION
Tuesday, March 9th
The Market’s Field in Limerick is synonymous with greyhound racing but over the years it has also hosted many other sports, particularly soccer. There is a growing possibility that it can again become the home of soccer in the western city when the greyhounds switch to the new stadium later this year.
When addressing the assembled audience at the Strand Hotel on Sunday, IGB chairman Dick O’Sullivan expressed the hope that the Limerick club would be able to move in to the venue.
Dick confirmed that the Board would be happy to receive €2m for the ground, representing what the venue cost the greyhound body. Efforts are apparently being made by the soccer interests to raise the necessary finance which would enable the Market’s Field to become the centre for soccer in the city.
HAVE YOU MARKET’S FIELD MEMORABILIA?
Tuesday, March 9th
The Irish Greyhound Board are involved in the Sporting Heritage project which is currently being undertaken by Boston College, based in St Stephen’s Green. The Board’s Head of Marketing Orla Strumble is appealing to greyhound followers to help her in her efforts to produce a thorough submission on the 70 plus years of Market’s Field.
Says Orla: “The project is funded by the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism and our submission is focused on the Market’s Field which is especially apt since we are moving location at the end of the year and want to ensure that we leave with a full record of all our years at the same venue.
“We will be taking photographs of the existing property and personalities at the venue and compiling them for use for the website and for the project itself. I would be most obliged if anyone with old photographs of the stadium, presentations, etc. would permit us to copy them as part of the project and include them in the history compilation. People can contact me at orla.strumble@igb.ie or 061 448025. This may also include soccer or any other events that were held in the Market’s Field that may be of historical interest. We already have rugby and cycling pictures to include”.
I am sure plenty of our readers will have photos or programmes of the great days for Limerick, particularly the magical Al Finucane era.
€25K FOR PRODUCE WINNER
Tuesday, March 9th
Fears that the prizemoney for the Red Mills Produce Stakes at Clonmel would be drastically reduced have been allayed with confirmation that the winner of the classic will receive €25,000.
There will be a total prizefund of €48,400 for the 96 dogs whelped in 2008 at €70 each. The entries will close on Monday, March 29th at 12 noon with the first round to be run on Thursday, April 1st and Sunday, April 4th.
MARTIN CULLEN RETIRES
Monday, March 8th
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen has informed the Taoiseach that he is retiring from the Cabinet and from public life due to ill health.
It had been widely speculated in recent times that Minister Cullen was about to retire, after spending some days in hospital due to back trouble last week.
Last night it became official when Mr Cullen tendered his resignation to the Taoiseach. In his letter he wrote that “I have always been a fighter and optimistic in both my personal and political life, however my consultant’s advice is that my condition is deteriorating further and options for treatment and recovery are narrowing…. As a result of my current medical condition and taking advice from my medical consultants, it is with regret that I must now retire from public life”.
Mr Cullen has been in the position of Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism for almost two years. His last public appearance at a greyhound function was a few weeks back when he presided over the unveiling of Ladbrokes as the new sponsors of the Irish Derby.
We wish Mr Cullen the very best in his retirement and in his battle with illness.
HIPPY ON TOP
Monday, March 8th
Paul Hennessy’s challenge for the Grand Prix at Henlow got off to a flying start on Monday night when Hello Hippy was an all the way winner of Heat 2 with her kennel companion Group Skater qualifying in third position in the same race.
Hello Hippy blasted out of the inside box and led all the way for a three and a quarter length victory over Tuftys Chief in 42.65 with the strong finishing Group Skater a length adrift in third. The second round will be run on Sunday.
ME DADDY’S RETURN
Monday, March 8th
Highly rated tracker Scolari Me Daddy is on the way back following a serious illness over the winter and could be a runner in the College Causeway/ Killahan Phanter Easter Cup which commences on Saturday, March 27th.
Denny Lennon gave the dog a trial before racing at Waterford on Saturday and he went around in a very satisfactory 28.69 in his first look at the circuit. He is reported to have faded on the run-in and will surely benefit greatly from the outing.
Scolari Me Daddy hasn’t run since finishing third behind Almost Chilli and Fatboyz Nodrog in the final of the TRF Open 525 at Shelbourne in late October.
MAN ON WAY BACK
Monday, March 8th
Another of last year’s star performers, Faypoint Man, is also on the way back and is in tip top order judging by his trial run at Shelbourne on Saturday night.
The son of Yeah Man and Go Wild Donna hasn’t raced since finishing fourth behind College Causeway in the Derby final on September 12th but he has moved really well in two recent trial spins.
Back on February 27th he clocked 18.56 in a sprint trial at headquarters and on Saturday he went around in 28.75 which appeared to be running in the region of .25s slow, certainly in the early part of the night at least. He will be a major contender for Easter Cup honours.
Another interesting trial on Saturday saw Willie Barry’s Movealong Tony cover the 525 yards in 28.91. The big finishing son of Mustang Yank and Movealong Molly hasn’t run since just failing to qualify for the semi-finals of the Puppy Derby at Harold’s Cross last September and he will clearly benefit from a move up to 550 yards in the Easter Cup.
Tote Gold Cup
BUCKO LEADS TYRUR 1-2
Saturday, March 6th
The second round action in the Tote Gold Cup certainly didn’t disappoint with some high class performances and a few high profile casualties also. The first heat was eagerly awaited and it didn’t let us down as P.J. Fahy celebrated a shock 1-2 as Tyrur Bucko (Tyrur Ted/ Tyrur Lisa) led home Tyrur Giovanni in 28.73.
Tyrur Bucko flashed from traps and led up from Giovanni but both Oran Classic and the favourite Fatboyz Nodrog were slowly enough into stride. Bucko was clear into the back but Fatboyz produced a big turn of pace to go second ahead of Giovanni into the back. By the third bend Giovanni was back in second with Thurlesbeg Joker now upsides. But Tyrur Bucko was too strong and ran out a length and a half winner from Tyrur Giovanni with Thurlesbeg Joker a half length third.
Beaming Dilemma was an absentee from Heat 2 and it was Daring Ace that led up but he was then badly baulked on the bend and Pat Curtin’s Castlehill Pat (Droopys Kewell/ Castlehill Alice) shot ahead.
Royal Tornado gave chase, but the new leader never looked like relinquishing his advantage. Castlehill Pat stayed on well to eventually take the verdict by 2 lengths from Royal Tornado in 29.18, while third spot went to Fane Basher a further length adrift.
There was another surprise result in Heat 3 with Dominic Caul’s Malouda making his early speed count. Powering his way into the lead before the opening turn, the son of Premier Fantasy and Cudicini had Mileheight Dazl to contend with to the third turn, but once containing the challenge of his rival to that point he stayed on well to secure a comfortable victory.
At the line Malouda had two and a half lengths to spare over Mileheight Dazl in a slick 28.70, while Tranquil Time secured third spot just a neck away.
Da Hatter (Top Honcho/ Corporate Lady) produced another wonderful display in the final heat where he saw off a top class field. Romeo Reason and Da Hatter disputed the lead to the turn, but the latter edged into the lead as they entered the back.
Romeo Reason continued to give chase down the back, but it was Tyrur Chris that came through to grab second spot. Da Hatter impressed as he hit the line three parts of a length clear of the fast finishing Tyrur Chris in 28.66, while third spot went to another fast finisher in the form of De Ex Factor.
The draw for the semi finals:
Heat 1: 1 Castlehill Pat; 2 Fane Basher; 3 Tyrur Bucko; 4 Tyrur Chris; 5 De Ex Factor (m); 6 Tranquil Time (m)
Heat 2: 1 Mileheight Dazl; 2 Royal Tornado; 3 Da Hatter; 4 Tyrur Giovanni (m); 5 Malouda (m); 6 Thurlesbeg Joker (m)
* Rest of Shelbourne report in Saturday Report.
A DRUMBO THRILLER
Thursday, March 4th
They couldn’t have selected a better race to wrap up the historic first ever televised programme from Drumbo Park on Thursday night than the Festival Cup Open 525 final. It was an absolute thriller and it took the judge some minutes before deciding that Ballycanal Hondo had pipped Longrange Shot by a short head in a fastest of the year 28.65.
A very good Thursday night crowd turned up at Drumbo and they enjoyed some mighty racing but the Festival Cup final capped it all. Longrange Shot dashed off in front but was chased throughout by P.J. McCartan’s Ballycanal Hondo and in the final strides the latter got up to edge it by the narrowest margin imaginable. The winner is a daughter of Hondo Black and Roojo.
Owners Jim Brennan and Ian Foster made the journey from Nottingham to see Jim Reward (Brett Lee/ Quare Reward) win the Value Cabs A2 525 final. This John McGee trained black hadn’t won a race prior to the semi-final but he now made it two from trot when flashing from traps for a two length margin over Kilscan Kelly in 28.85.
The final of the Broadway Pet Foods A1 575 saw John Taggart’s Olympic Audrey (Brett Lee/ Natural Energy) post the fastest time of the season as she led for much of the journey and held the reserve Stormin Norma by a length and a half in 31.66.
GORMLEY UNDER FIRE
Thursday, March 4th
Minister for the Environment John Gormley has left little doubt that he is totally against the Irish Greyhound Industry and his statements on Wednesday have pinpointed the need for our industry to stand up and be counted.
Fine Gael Waterford Senator Paudie Coffey has issued a very strong statement calling for the Departments of Agriculture and Sport to clarify the comments made by Minister Gormley in which he declared that the Regulation, Integrity and Welfare systems employed by the Irish Greyhound Industry are inadequate in their present form.
We have been stressing for some time the importance for everybody involved in this industry to put their shoulders behind the wheel and to battle against the Green initiatives which are so clear in the proposed Dog Breeding Establishments Bill.
Thankfully, Senator Paudie Coffey has now come out with a very strongly worded statement where he calls on all Fianna Fail TDs and Senators to come out and make their feelings on the subject known.
BE WARNED - The Greyhound Industry must go to war on this one now – next week could be too late!
* Below we carry the statement issued by Senator Paudie Coffey.
“Clarification needed from Depts. of Agriculture & Sport on Gormley’s comments” - Coffey
Laws governing greyhound and coursing bodies inadequate, says Environment Minister
Fine Gael Waterford Senator, Paudie Coffey, has today (Wednesday) called for clarification from the Departments of Agriculture and Sport on comments made by the Environment Minister that the existing regulation governing the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) and the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is inadequate.
Senator Coffey went on to say that the Minister’s comments, which could potentially be extremely damaging for the industries, demand a response from the Departments that preside over each respective body.
“Statements this morning by the Environment Minister, while debating the Dog Breeding Bill in the Seanad, that the current legislation that governs the IGB and the ICC is inadequate, are potentially toxic and could potentially cause irrevocable damage to these industries, domestically and internationally.
“When I questioned the Minister last week in the Seanad about whether or not the IGB and the ICC, both of whom are currently regulated by the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, would be subjected to fees and inspections on the double, following the introduction of this Bill, he danced a jig, was astoundingly ill-informed and completely unable to give a straight answer on the matter.
“His comments today will undoubtedly cause considerable unease, however, for Ministers Cullen and Smith as both the greyhound and coursing sectors are generally thought to be well regulated and are the subject of very few complaints.
“Minster Gormley’s attempt to have his own Bill passed by casting a slur on the current regulation system, as well as two semi-State agencies, is beyond belief. I am calling on Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators to front-up and clarify if they agree with Minister Gormley’s slur on regulation within the Irish Greyhound Industry which has high standing internationally. This Bill, as it currently stands, has the potential to wipe out the Irish Greyhound Industry. Fine Gael agrees that puppy farming must be regulated, however, the Party has submitted amendments that will protect the Irish Greyhound Industry which the Government would be well advised to accept.”
ENGLISH DERBY TRIAL STAKES HERE
Tuesday, March 2nd
In a new initiative there will be three Trial Stakes for the Williamhill.com English Derby run at Irish tracks with the winners all gaining free entry to the Wimbledon classic.
The races will be known as the Williamhill.com Greyhound Derby Win & You’re In Trial Stakes and, in addition to the €500 winner’s prize, the winner will have a free entry – which normally costs £250 – to the Derby. It is a very attractive proposition for owners and trainers who are considering making the journey to England – and reports would suggest that we could have a record team this year.
Harold’s Cross are first into the ring with the advertisement for their qualifier which will be run on Easter Monday, April 5th. I understand that Shelbourne Park are considering the previous Saturday night, April 3rd, for their qualifier. The other track that will stake a Trial Stake is Curraheen Park and late March could be their chosen slot.
BOARD MEMBERS TO BE ANNOUNCED
Friday, February 26th
Reliable sources have suggested that the new members of the Irish Greyhound Board will be announced in the very near future.
The annual appointments are overdue but the word on the grapevine is that a formal announcement will be made by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism within the next few days.
Two members are due for re-election each year and this year’s rota candidates are Teresa Wall and Tony McKenna. There is also the replacement of the late Frank O’Connell to be considered.
Rumours are invariably wide of the mark as far as likely candidates are concerned but there is very strong word that one of the positions will go to a very prominent County Waterford greyhound personality.
GORMLEY FAILS TO ALLAY FEARS
Thursday, February 25th
The Irish Greyhound Board has welcomed Minister John Gormley’s promise that he will consult fully with stakeholders on amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill during questioning in Seanad Eireann today. However, I personally found the Minister’s performance both unconvincing and very worrying with regard to the proposed Bill.
While listening online to the Seanad debate one had to wait for the very final section of the session before the greyhound subject was raised. The Minister on a few occasions reminded his questioners which included Paudie Coffey, Liam Twomey and Maurice Woods, that they had been consulting with all sectors of the Dog Industry for five years. This is untrue as the top officials in the Irish Greyhound Board will confirm.
There was also a deafening silence when he was queried strongly as to how the wording of the act could include the breeding of bitches of four months old. Mr Gormley declined to answer questions regarding the need for two sets of inspections of kennels and one must say that the Minister appeared totally unaware of the implications of the Greyhound Industry Act 1958.
In the statement issued by the IGB today, Chairman Dick O’Sullivan says: “Today’s debate has highlighted the existing registration of all greyhound matings, litters, naming and transfer of ownership as well as the marking and DNA profiling. There is no question that the proper regulations being introduced to end practices of ‘puppy farming’ are to be welcomed. It is important though that the Greyhound industry is recognised as being already compliant with standards that are in fact higher than those included in this Bill as part of the Greyhound Industry Act (1958)….. We will continue to campaign urgently and energetically on behalf of the industry to ensure that the right and proper legislation is enacted which is strong on welfare in the areas that require strengthening in this regard, but that which does not damage the greyhound industry as an unnecessary side effect”.
Meanwhile the IGB have received further supportive replies to their letters which were delivered to all TDs and Senators last week. These include TDs John Browne, Michael Woods, Eamon Scanlon, Michael Moynihan, Michael Kitt, Brendan Kenneally, Olivia Mitchell and Leo Varadkar and Senator Denis O’Donovan.
Adrian Neilan has reported that “we met Labour TDs on Tuesday and the Fianna Gael Parliamentary Party on Wednesday and have looked for a similar meeting with Fianna Fail”. There is no doubt that the battle is hotting up but it remains imperative that everybody involved should continue to apply pressure on all TDs and Senators. Soon could be too late, NOW is the time.
* To view a video playback of the Senate debate Click Here
* To access the Senate debate Click Here
* To access the IGB Statement Click Here
Major Boost For The Greyhound Industry As
LADBROKES TAKE OVER IRISH DERBY FOR 3 YEARS
Monday, February 22nd
Ladbrokes Ireland will sponsor the Irish Derby for the next three years. This very positive news for the Irish Greyhound Industry was announced at a press conference at Shelbourne Park this afternoon.
The premier classic had been sponsored by Paddy Power Bookmakers for ten years, from 2000 to 2009 inclusive and now another of the major bookmaking firms has taken over the mantle of the world’s most valuable and prestigious greyhound classic.
Ladbrokes is Ireland’s largest bookmaker, operating from over 270 shops nationwide. The company offers internet, telephone and mobile betting to a global customer base and this new sponsorship deal is set to further expand their product on offer.
Ladbrokes will, for the first time, show all heats of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby via live feeds to all of their UK shops, giving their UK customer base a first look at the 2010 Irish Derby winner. This coverage will be exclusive to Ladbrokes to the semi-final stage.
Joe Lewins, Managing Director of Ladbrokes Ireland, said: “The Irish Greyhound Derby is regarded as a prestigious sporting event both at home and afar, and our association heralds the start of exciting times for Ladbrokes and the broader greyhound industry. It is an event that captures the hearts and minds of the Irish sporting public and we intend to deliver that sense of sporting excellence to a wider global audience than has ever been the case up until now.
“Ladbrokes has a great record in preserving the best of sporting tradition. The Irish Greyhound Derby is an addition to an already expansive Irish sports sponsorship portfolio and we will be working closely with the management at Shelbourne Park and the Irish Greyhound Board to further raise the profile and importance of this great event”.
Speaking on behalf of the IGB, Chairman Dick O’Sullivan said: “It has been a difficult past twelve months for all sport and business but this is a great start to 2010 and the pulse of the sport will be racing faster as a result of this announcement today.”
Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism said: “Greyhound racing is a premier evening entertainment and also a major sporting activity, with the Irish Greyhound Derby the most significant night of the year. I congratulate the Derby’s new three year sponsor Ladbrokes (Ireland) and wish both Ladbrokes and the Irish Greyhound Board a very successful partnership. The Government, in its support for the Irish Greyhound Board, is committed to the continued development of the sport and the greyhound industry, which is a key employer particularly in our rural communities.”
The Ladbrokes Irish Derby will commence on August 4th at Shelbourne Park while the final will be the highlight of the greyhound year when it is staged on Saturday, September 11th.
600 NOW UP FOR GRABS
Tuesday, February 23rd
With Ladbrokes safely wrapped up as the new sponsors of the Irish Derby, the search now intensifies for a new sponsor for what was originally known as the Guinness 600 and has been the Ladbrokes 600 since 2003.
The 600 is the longest running sponsored event in the Irish calendar. It was first run back in 1964 when won by the legendary bitch Cranog Bet and quickly became established as one of the most popular events on the Irish greyhound calendar.
It remains one of Ireland’s premier events and the last two runnings have featured those amazing finishing bursts from College Causeway, one a successful late surge in 2008 and last year’s unlucky effort behind Accordello.
Given the fact that it will be one of three live programmes on RTE TV this year, the 600 should be a prime target for any greyhound associated company. Word has it that Patrick Flynn and the IGB team have been in discussions with potential sponsors but, obviously, the main priority has been securing the Derby sponsorship first and then shifting the attention to the other pieces in the sponsorship puzzle.
Dog Breeding Establishment Bill
GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS
Friday, February 19th
The battle to have the Greyhound Industry removed from the controversial Dog Breeding Establishments Bill is gathering force and there has been a very positive early reaction from many of the Public Representatives contacted by IGB CEO Adrian Neilan this week.
Neilan sent a letter to all TDs and Senators earlier this week and already he has received considerable positive reaction. He said this morning: “We have got very significant levels of support by phone calls and letters and I would like to say thanks to Niall Collins TD who actually arranged to have all the letters hand delivered to the representatives.
“I have had considerable support in phone calls from Peter Power, Jimmy Deenihan, Brian O’Shea, Jerry Buttimer, Paudie Coffey, Maurice Cummins and Mary Upton and the letters are coming in thick and fast”.
The following are some of the messages received :
* The greyhound racing and breeding industry in this country must be protected. I have owned and bred greyhounds in a personal capacity and appreciate entirely the high standards with regard to maintaining the annual Stud Book through registration of all matings, litters born, greyhound naming and transfer of ownership …. There is no reason why additional legislation is required as the provisions set out in the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 don’t need to be adjusted or amended. Senator Paudie Coffey will be tabling an amendment on behalf of Fine Gael in the Seanad seeking the exclusion of the Greyhound Industry from this Bill. I will raise this serious matter at the next Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting and look forward to strongly supporting the Greyhound Industry’s exclusion from the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill – Joe Carey T.D., Fine Gael Spokesperson of Juvenile Justice.
* The Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen T.D., has asked me to acknowledge receipt of your letter … which has been referred to the office of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr John Gormley T.D., for attention and direct reply to you – Paul Mooney, Taoiseach’s Private Office.
* I will consult with my Party Spokesmen on this issue and I hope that we can work together to maintain what is a very important indigenous industry which gives so much employment throughout the country even in these difficult times – Bernard Allen T.D.
* I note your concerns in relation to the greyhound industry in the context of the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill. I appreciate the issues you have raised in this regard and you can be assured I will take on board the sentiments you express – Senator Ivor Callely
* Thank you for your letter. I have written to Minister John Gormley for his comments in this regard – Michael P. Kitt T.D.
* Thank you for your recent letter outlining your concerns for the Greyhound Industry with regard to the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill. I have noted your comments and also passed a copy of your correspondence to the Minister for consideration – Senator John Ellis
* Thank you for your submission which I will discuss with my Parliamentary Party colleagues – Brendan Howlin T.D., Leas-Cheann Comhairle
Editor – It cannot be stressed strongly enough the importance of having the Greyhound Industry excluded from the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill and all supporters are asked to contact their Public Representatives and state the case as strongly as possible. A public message will be read out at all greyhound tracks tonight and tomorrow night during racing to highlight the issue.
NEW UK REGULATIONS FOR IRISH RUNNERS
Thursday, February 18th
The Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations UK will come into force on April 5th and, in advance of their introduction, the GBGB have now modified its requirements for greyhounds wishing to race or trial on all its tracks as international entries.
From 1st March 2010, an international entry will only be permitted to race or trial if the greyhound has first been micro-chipped and registered on the GBGB Registry database.
There is no charge for an international entry registration. However, the following information must be provided to GBGB not less than five working days prior to the closing date of the intended race/ competition and not less than five working days prior to participation in a trial:
* Name and address and contact telephone number of owner (or owners if in joint ownership).
* Proof of address for the owner/s (copy of utility or telephone bill).
* Proof of date of birth of the owner/s (copy of passport or driving licence).
* Name and address of trainer.
* Name, address and date of birth of any trainer assistants/kennel hands.
* Name of greyhound and identification (markings and form lines).
* Certificate of micro-chipping, to include microchip barcode or full microchip number. The microchip must comply with either ISO standard 11784:1996 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785:1996 of the ISO’s standards for microchips.
* Name of competition/ race/ trial that greyhound will be competing in.
* Place of kennelling in Britain and name of GBGB trainer licensed to kennels.
* Up to date veterinary certificate of inoculation.
* Special Authority from the Irish Greyhound Board (061-448001)
Owners and Trainers with queries on any matter are requested to contact the GBGB Registry Department on 0044 207 421 3770
Please note that greyhounds participating in sales trials on GBGB tracks are exempt from the regulations and are not required to be micro-chipped or registered in advance.
Any queries from an Irish viewpoint should be directed to Barry Coleman, Welfare and Racing Operations Support Manager at the IGB (Tel: 00353 61 448001). Fax: 00353 61 448202. e-mail: barry.coleman@igb.ie
SALES RETURN TO SHELBOURNE
Wednesday, February 17th
After an absence of many years, Greyhound Sales will return to Shelbourne Park with a few major auctions to be staged this year.
Traditionally the Shelbourne Park Sales were the tops in the business over many years but the track ceased staging them upon the re-opening of the new look Harold’s Cross. They were not successful at that venue and there have been no Sales in Dublin for a number of years now.
However, the first Sales of the modern era will be staged on Friday, May 7th when the catalogue will be confined to greyhounds that have clocked 30 seconds or better.
Racing Manager Declan Carey said: “There has always been a demand from buyers to restore Sales at Shelbourne and we have decided to give it a go as it may assist in building up the greyhound trade. We will commence with the auction on May 7th and we plan to run a few Select Sales in the months ahead”.
2009 Figures Released by IGB
“Worst Of Decline May Be Over”
Monday, February 15th
The Irish Greyhound Board report for 2009 confirms what everybody knew, that it was a bad year for the sport. However there is a welcome positive note with Chief Executive Adrian Neilan suggesting that “the worst of the decline may be over”.
In a year when the Irish economy was rocked to its roots and thousands of businesses went to the wall, Greyhound Racing bore up quite well and actually noticeably fought back in the second half of the year.
The annual surplus dropped from €5m to €1m, attendances dropped by 21%, Tote profit dropped 15% but the decline was partially arrested in the final months of 2009.
Restaurant bookings were actually up in August and October and held up very well in the Christmas build-up; while the decline in attendances was much less in the second half of the year than in the first half.
On another positive note, prizemoney grants of €7.9m matched the record figures of the previous year, despite the fact that the Government funding has been cut by 25% in the last three Budgets and is now running below the 2002 levels.
A significant development this year will be the opening of the new Limerick Stadium and this will provide a much-needed boost for the sport in the south-west.
Neilan was heartened by a recent cross-party meeting of members of the houses of the Oireachtas “where there was unanimous support for our industry. We need to ensure that support translates into a level of funding in 2011 that can ensure this industry survives. At current levels of funding the Government is effectively getting this industry for free as well as enjoying the benefit of nearly 11,000 jobs. This level of employment in any other area would draw substantial levels of direct Government support, and we must press home the benefits of a strong industry as well as the threat to rural areas in particular of failing to support what has been created”.
But he concludes by saying that “we have faith that the sport will survive as it has done through a century and more. Ours is an industry that is rooted in the fabric of rural Ireland. We face great challenges but we will meet them with purpose and conviction and deliver a strong future for the people involved at every level.”
To see the full press release please click here.
Proposed Bill A Huge Threat To Greyhound Industry
DOG BILL MUST BE CHANGED
Friday, February 12th
The Dog Breeding Establishment Bill, which is currently going through committee stage, will cause untold hardship for greyhound owners and breeders if it is allowed to go through as it is currently framed.
This bill was originally proposed in order to control the “puppy farms” but somehow it has managed to expand to encompass greyhound owners and breeders and would result in the highly regulated greyhound sector being subjected to even further regulations.
Pat Herbert, Head of Regulation at the IGB, says: “This bill, as it currently stands, would have serious implications for greyhound owners, breeders and trainers at a time when they are struggling to keep pace with the current climate. The addition of unnecessary extra regulations on what is a hugely controlled sector is totally unwarranted. The greyhound industry is the most controlled form of dog breeding in the country and when this Bill was first discussed by the working group a lot of the current proposals were not in the Bill”.
The new bill includes new regulations regarding the number of bitches in any kennel, the number of litters any bitch may have in her breeding career and a ban on any bitch having two litters in any twelve month period. These would be disastrous if introduced into the greyhound industry – and this is not even considering the proposed extra fees and regulations regarding who can or cannot work in a kennel!
For something which took off as a bid to curb the illegal puppy farms, somehow greyhound racing has come under serious threat. Remember, there is considerable support for the greyhound industry in Dail Eireann, the Taoiseach himself has been a regular visitor and his brother is a prominent owner. Among the opposition Richard Bruton is a registered greyhound owner and has been a regular at Shelbourne Park in recent times. A dozen TDs from all parties were involved in a greyhound syndicate, led by Sean Barrett and including some very prominent “names”.
The Irish Greyhound Industry has been silent for far too long and it is well beyond time that we stood up and made our voices and influence tell. Before we know it, Mr Gormley and his colleagues will have greyhound racing backed up against a wall.
WE MUST NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN !
The RISE organisation is currently running a campaign against the Bill and they have a petition online which is linked to the site and can be signed by internet users. The link is: www.risecampaign.ie
JOINT COMMITTEE TRANSCRIPTS
Wednesday, February 10th
The Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs completed its consideration of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2010 last week.
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen addressed the Committee and there was some lively debate, much of which centred on the question of the funding and how the levy on all forms of betting could be introduced.
For the transcripts from the meeting “CLICK HERE”
OPEN PRIZEMONEY WILL BE BOOSTED
Wednesday, January 13th
IGB CEO Adrian Neilan has stressed the importance of maintaining top prizemoney at our leading tracks to attract the leading greyhounds.
In the aftermath of the Budget cuts it was feared that the rewards for open races at the major tracks would be the same as the prizemoney for lesser grade races at the smaller performing tracks. However, when addressing the Dublin Track Bookmakers annual lunch in Dobbins Restaurant yesterday, Neilan was at pains to assure everybody that the Board is well aware of the importance of maintaining the standards at the high performing tracks.
Elaborating on the comments he made in his address, Neilan said: “The basic prizemoney grants amount to roughly €6 million per year but any money over that level will be invested wisely in supporting open racing at Shelbourne Park and other big turnover venues like Harold’s Cross and Cork.
“The money which was previously given out through the Dublin fund, the Tote Retention scheme and the special sponsorship grants will now be directed towards maintaining the level of open race prizemoney at Shelbourne and the other big tracks at something close to the current level. We are well aware of the high performance level at Shelbourne and we don’t want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg”.
Adrian did confirm that the prizemoney for the major classics will be cut across the board and said that the prizemoney for the Derby will be reduced, but not until after discussions have taken place with the new sponsors.
On the Derby front, the CEO confirmed that there has been interest from a few quarters in taking over the Derby sponsorship. “We are talking to a good few people and we are hoping that a deal can be concluded as quickly as possible”.
Neilan also revealed that there has been a very significant response to the tender for naming rights of the new Limerick greyhound stadium. “We have had a very, very good reaction, much of it from people who wouldn’t previously have been involved in greyhound sponsorship. The fact that this is the last major sporting stadium that will open in the mid-west region for a number of years has obviously made the deal much more attractive. Obviously they realise that the new Stadium will be the place to be for the first few years at least and they wish to capitalise on the exposure. It is very encouraging”.
ARCHIVES STILL UP TO DATE
Friday, November 13th
Despite fact that there will be no live online racing on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from now on, the videos of those nights will still be available the following morning on www.igb.ie.
Fears had been expressed that the cessation of the online service on the opening three nights of the week would affect the availability of videos but this will not happen. The IT department has confirmed that archived racing will be available as normal the following morning for each night’s racing.
FULL VIDEO RACE COVERAGE LAUNCHED BY IGB
Wednesday, August 26th
In a major advancement of the current video operation, the Irish Greyhound Board has announced that as of next Saturday the video footage of all races run at sixteen Irish tracks will be available online the morning after the race is run.
For the past few years the video footage of all Dublin races has been available on the IGB website, www.igb.ie, as well as all Saturday night racing at Cork. But the new move means that racing from every track except Dundalk will be available from next Saturday.
Initially at least, the service will be free for all users of the IGB site. Archived footage of all races run throughout 2009 will also be available from this weekend.
Said IGB CEO Adrian Neilan: “This is a huge step forward for everyone involved in the sport. By making the footage of the races more available it will be a major boost for the promotion of greyhound sales in Ireland and to the UK and further afield. It will allow everyone involved in the sport greater access to what has happened on the track. There will be more information available to those who like to bet and the service will link in to our continued expansion of the online tote betting service which operates through the same portal.
“The internet presents great global opportunities for the promotion of Irish greyhound racing. Everything hinges on the performance of the greyhounds and that is what we will now be showing, initially in an archive format but with the opportunity for more live streaming as the demand and the betting interest from around the world gathers momentum. The service will be free in the early stages. We will monitor the cost of providing the service and the benefit of the increased coverage of the sport before making any decision on the pricing model. This may be linked to our betting portal. This initiative backs up the activity which has taken place on Facebook surrounding the Paddypower.com Irish Greyhound Derby and shows that our sport, while traditional in nature, has embraced the opportunities of new media”.
The only Irish track not included in the service is Dundalk but it is hoped that this will be added shortly afterwards.
INTERESTED IN SYNDICATION?
Thursday, July 30th
Recently we have been contacted by a few people with slightly different queries regard syndication. One man from the Limerick area is interested in getting involved with either a new or established syndicate. Is there anybody out there who would like to welcome a new member or syndicate partner on board?
So, if there is anybody who would like to recruit members for a syndicate or to personally join a syndicate, why not contact us at, “Malcolm on 086 8142833.”
IGB LAUNCHES FACEBOOK PAGE
Tuesday, June 30th
The Irish Greyhound Board has increased its online presence, by launching a Fan Page on Facebook. The site, which has experienced a massive rise in popularity in Ireland, allows users to not only interact with friends but also with celebrities, businesses and communities.
The Irish Greyhound Board page will give fans updates on events and happenings around the country, and will also give them the chance to win in exclusive Facebook competitions.
The establishment of the Facebook page follows the successful launch of the e-zine, IGB News & Views, in March. The monthly email newsletter has established a strong following, and rewards readers with excellent competitions each month. The July 2009 issue will give subscribers the chance to win flights with Aer Arann.
All of this follows improvements to the IGB website www.igb.ie, designed to create a more interactive and informative portal for visitors. In the past year the website has seen an expansion in the archived racing and live streaming service and the introduction of Talking Dogs, Special Offers, Photo Galleries and more.
To become a fan of the Irish Greyhound Board on Facebook, simply log in and search Irish Greyhound Board:.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irish-Greyhound-Board/92504867988.
NEW IGB NEWSLETTER
Thursday, March 12th
The Irish Greyhound Board has launched a new monthly Newsletter which will be available to all subscribers to the IGB Website www.igb.ie.
Each issue will give readers the opportunity to win great prizes and this month’s prize is two tickets to the Ireland versus Bulgaria World Cup qualifier at Croke Park on March 28th.
You can sign up for the Newsletter in the Reservations section or the Special Offers on the main IGB Website. If anybody would like to receive this month’s issue to be in with a chance of winning those Croke Park tickets, simply email newsletter@igb.ie by Wednesday next, March 18th