MUNSTER WOE & JOY
Saturday, January 3rd
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 21st
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 18th
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 18th
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 18th
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 17th
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 19th. 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 16th
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 16th
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 15th
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 40th career victory!
TOM’S TRAGIC INJURY
Monday, December 15th
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 14th
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 12th
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 10th
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 1st 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 22nd 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 8th
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 21st. 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 6th
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 18th
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 18th
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 18th
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 10th
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 30th 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 10th
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 10th
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 9th
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 7th
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 6th
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 4th
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?
PETER’S A SHREWDIE
Tuesday, October 28th
Peter Meaney is one of the driving forces behind that long standing and hugely successful BEAM benefit meeting at Kilkenny but he is also recognisable as the man who parades plenty of the Hennessy hotpots at Shelbourne on a Saturday night. He is also quite a shrewdie as a greyhound owner and trainer.
Peter spotted a nice little opportunity when he saw the Dinny Byrne Memorial A7, for dogs that had never won a race, advertised at Enniscorthy and entered his classically bred bitch Rathduff Tina. She was only having the third race of her career in the opening round and on her debut some eleven months earlier she had finished behind classy open racer Daleys Buzz in the first round of an unraced at Enniscorthy.
Rathduff Tina is a daughter of Top Honcho and Mama Tina and the dam is a daughter of Staplers Jo and the 2002 Champion Stakes winner Longvalley Tina. Anyway, Rathduff Tina won two of her three preliminary heats in the Enniscorthy competition and on Monday night she was a four length winner of the final and the 2,800 Euro prize!
His “boss” Hennessy accused Peter of being “very shrewd”. But, then, we looked through the results at Enniscorthy on Monday night and there we spotted Hennessy’s unlucky IGB National 750 finalist Hello Hippy contesting the A3 Enda Flanagan Memorial Tri-Distance. This open class six bender was running over 550 yards and will surely be coming into her own by the time the final is run over 600 yards! Now, who is the real shrewdie?
Charlie’s Bottom Line
Monday, October 27th
While An Taoiseach Brian Cowen got in on the winners at Navan Races on Saturday when Donnas Palm was a very impressive winner of a maiden hurdle, a former Cabinet colleague Charlie McCreevy was very much in the news at Clonmel on Sunday.
McCreevy owns the young dog De Bottom Line in partnership with Newbridge track proprietor Dermot Cox and Texacloth sponsor Aidan Walsh and they have a really fine prospect in the son of Premier Fantasy and Fabulous Nikita.
His major problem to date is in getting out of traps in touch with his rivals. When he does get racing he really flies home and will be well fancied to win the final of the Munster Puppy Cup next Sunday. Of course, EU Commissioner McCreevy is no stranger to the tracks and has owned a number of useful performers. But it would be no surprise if this Paul Hennessy trained youngster was the best he has been involved with.
Get Well Denis
Monday, October 27th
We’d like to extend our best wishes to Denis Hurley for a speedy recovery and return to the tracks following his current spell in hospital.
Denis, who has enjoyed such a fine year with Rushwee Bonzo and a few other trackers at Harold’s Cross, is having a knee replacement operation this week but we suspect he’ll be back in his favourite seat in the Shelbourne coffee bar before too long.
The big moment in the Hurley greyhound history came in 1982 when Denis and his wife Maureen derived considerable pleasure from their dog Rushwee Heights. He was the fastest semi-finalist in the Carrolls Irish Derby when beating Supreme Tiger in 29.18 but then had a very bad draw for the final in the inside box. However he ran an absolute blinder to be beaten less than three lengths into third place behind Cooladine Super and Milwaukee Prince.
Incidentally, it was good to see Sean Devlin back in action at Shelbourne on Saturday. The “Hi” man had a scare a couple of weeks ago but he was looking fresh and well on Saturday and is obviously back on the right track.
DEEJAY GUESS WHO?
Friday, October 24th
There I was watching the 3.45 from Navan races on Wednesday afternoon and I saw a horse called Doctor Deejay battle his way up that testing hill to win the mile nursery. Curiosity raised, I reckoned only one person I know would name a horse after a certain Kilkenny hurler, and so I checked the horse’s details.
So two plus two came to five when I saw that the son of Hawk Wing was listed as being owned by well known greyhound owner Jason Pollard. Suspicions were confirmed shortly afterwards when I discovered that the horse is owned by Pollard in conjunction with trainers Paul Hennessy and Martin Lanney.
When questioned, Hennessy admitted that: “Yes, the idea for this name was born the night of the Greyhound Awards when Jason gave his name to Imelda Grauer as Doctor Pollard. Anyway, Lanney is our Demi Byrne, he picked out the horse and we gave him to Michael Halford to be trained. From an early stage Michael told us that he should win a nursery. I got Susan to put on a score each way for me and I got back 500 Euro. It has been great fun”.
GROW A MO AND ENJOY THE FUN
Friday, October 24th
IGB Marketing Executive Dawn Quinn is organising the IGB response to the Movember movement which aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues and all money raised will be donated to Action Prostate Cancer.
One of the fundraising methods involved concerns the growing of moustaches and so in the month of November there are going to be an awful lot of moustaches about!
Dawn is getting together an IGB team of Mo Bros (guys that grow Mos) and Mo Sistas (girls that love moustaches) to help change the face of men’s health. The IGB team will be known as Mo Bow Wow and Dawn says: “I’m supporting the moustache and Movember because I’m passionate about getting guys to tackle their own health issues by being proactive in the fight against prostate cancer”.
A Mo Town Park has been organised for Thursday, November 20th at Curraheen Park. Dawn says: “This is the ultimate chance for you to show off those Mos (or flaunt a fake one), and have a bit of fun for charity. On the night we’ll be picking the Best Mo in Town and Miss Movember. Everyone can attend, so bring your friends along for what promises to be a fun night out”.
To join Dawn’s Movember team, go to http://ie.movember.com/ie/register and follow the steps. Once registered you’ll be sent all the info you need. To complete your online registration you need the following details: Captain’s Registration Number: 1350766. Captain’s Email Address: dawn.quinn@igb.ie.
MOTOR NEURONE NIGHT
Friday, October 24th
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association will be staging a massive Christmas Fundraiser at Shelbourne Park on Friday, December 12th. The night will have a very strong sporting theme and joining in the fun will be RTE’s Jimmy Magee, professional boxer Bernard Dunne and Olympic Gold medallist Michael Carruth.
Basically the IMNDA is organising a massive party which will include a sumptuous four-course meal, great atmosphere, top class racing and some fabulous prizes which will be auctioned on the night.
Among the prizes are:
· Sunderland v Chelsea: Day trip return, including flights, tickets and VIP Hospitality
· Large framed signed print of Henrythenavigator beating New Approach in the English 2,000 Guineas signed by both Aidan O’Brien and Johnny Murtagh.
· Tour of famed Ballydoyle & Coolmore for four people.
All proceeds from the night will go to the IMNDA, which helps to support people with Motor Neurone Disease. For further information contact: Derbhla Wynne at 01 8730422 or by email at dwynne@imnda.ie.
LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE AT LONGFORD
Wednesday, October 22nd
Who says that lightning never strikes twice in the one spot? Just consider what happened at Longford on Monday night.
Michael Mulleady, who is enjoying a great first season as a trainer, turned out Rince Boy to win over 550 yards in 29.76. This time was one spot faster that the track record which was jointly held by Coolamber Prunty and Pepsi Kev.
The twist in this tale is that Rince Boy is a litter brother to Coolamber Prunty, both being members of the Top Honcho and Rince Girl litter which was bred by Rince Boy’s owners Eamonn Prunty and Jude Clonan.
DOTLAND RETURNS
Wednesday, October 22nd
Dotland Hit Man is back in the UK following a spell with Seamus Graham in Ireland. He has now joined Andrew Bell in preparation for a crack at the All England Cup at Brough Park.
The son of Whisky Assassin and Magical Guest turned in a number of fine performances at Shelbourne but had an injury interruption shortly after arriving. He looks just the type of dog capable of making a major impact in the All England.
ANOTHER DROOPYS CLASSIC?
Wednesday, October 22nd
The Droopys are very much back on the crest of a wave again and there must be very short odds about the Dunphys being back in the news next Tuesday night in the final of the William Hill St Leger at Wimbledon.
Following the recent success of Droopys Noel at Harold’s Cross, another classic success looks imminent with Bubbly Totti, Droopys Arsene and Go Big Hitter all representing the famed Portlaw prefix.
Bubbly Totti was, of course, formerly known as Droopys Totti, and is a litter brother to Droopys Arsene, both being members of the World Class/ Droopys Seville litter.
Go Big Hitter is a son of Big Daddy Cool and Droopys Kara and the dam was a member of the Droopys Woods/ Droopys Cheryl litter bred at Portlaw.
The second semi-final winner Lenson Earl is a son of Top Honcho and Gold Seacrest (Im His/ Black Adraville) and was bred by Sinead O’Connor in Tarbert. Midway Skipper is another Top Honcho whelp, being a daughter of Midway Tomsascout (Toms The Best/ Midway Tina). The other finalist Lavenders Grant is a UK bred son of Swift Star and Lavenders Vieri (Droopys Vieri/ Calioma).
HOT YOUNGSTERS
Tuesday, October 21st
There will be huge interest in the 18 dog Shelbourne Open Unraced at headquarters on Wednesday night and the second of the three heats makes extremely interesting reading.
The r ace is full of very promising youngsters but the one that jumps out of the card is the September ’06 dog Fatboyz Nodrog. Pat Gordon’s 81 lb son of Crash and Whitefort Pride qualified with a 28.61 trial on October 11th and had an earlier 29.12 spin around Enniscorthy.
But the opposition includes Francie Murray’s Gilbeyhall Jake (Brett Lee/ Droopys Wiggy) with a 29.48 spin, the Reggie Roberts owned Bar The Rest (Disguised/ Cherry Mix) with a 29.05 spin and Colin Wilbourne’s Crackator Ollie (Dundrum Prince/ Cloheena Goldie) with a 29.12 qualifier.
Then consider the third heat where we have the much awaited debut of the Liam Marks owned and Dolores Ruth trained Razldazl Em (Razldazl Billy/ Tyrur Pearl) with a 29.05 run to his credit. David Buckley has Ballymac Banjo (Crash/ Ballymac Mir) with an 18.92 spin.
CHILLI’S RETURN
Monday, October 20th
We hear from Bryan and Lois Davies that their brilliant young bitch Almost Chilli is back in top form after a lengthy spell in the sick bay.
The daughter of Head Bound and Almost Jet In hasn’t run since June when she started favourite for the Consolation Irish Oaks at Shelbourne Park but only finished fourth behind Decent Prospect. It transpired that she had sustained an injury to her stopper tendon in that contest but she has recovered quicker than was originally anticipated.
So much so that she has had a couple of trials and really impressed when given a spin around Waterford before racing on Friday evening. She moved very nicely and stopped the clock in 28.42. It was sufficient to tempt Bryan to aim her at the Gain Waterford Masters. He said: “We know it’s a big ask, particularly as she hasn’t raced since June, but we are never afraid to take them on”.
Almost Chilli, a daughter of Head Bound and Almost Jet In, also started favourite for the Olympic Bee Puppy Oaks final at Shelbourne where she finished fourth behind Kildallon Maid.
EILEEN’S A WINNER
Wednesday, October 15th
Eileen Montgomery from Walkinstown in Dublin will be enjoying a special night for two at one of the local Dublin tracks as a result of her visit to the Over 50s Show in the RDS last week.
IGB Marketing Executive Dawn Quinn takes up the story: “The IGB had a stand at the show last weekend and it proved to be a big hit with thousands visiting us over the three days. Visitors to the stand were given the chance to enter a competition for Dinner for Two at any IGB Stadium. From the thousands of entries received, Eileen was chosen as the lucky winner”.
NOREEN’S PROSPECT
Tuesday, October 14th
A young bitch to make a big splash last week was the Noreen Weir owned Kildallon Lee as she contested a second round heat of the An Cu Veterinary A3 at Dundalk on Thursday.
The April ’07 daughter of Brett Lee and Count Again had finished second in the opening round behind Shanless Kewell in 29.47 but she improved by a whopping 1.18 secs this time. Fast into stride she led all the way to win by two lengths from Oran Phoenix in 28.60. The other heats were won by Cuddlers Corner in 28.99, Navona in 28.90 and Shanless Kewell in 29.26.
JIMMY IN A RUSH
Leading Irish country and western singer Jimmy Buckley joined the presentation party after the Puppy Derby final at Harold’s Cross on Friday night but he had to decline the invitation to sing one of his popular numbers.
You see, trainer Pat Buckley’s brother was on a pretty tight schedule. He was on the presentation podium as the clock ticked up to ten o’clock and he explained that he had to be on stage in Kilcullen at 10.30!
No sooner had the trophy been handed over and the main picture recorded for posterity then Jimmy jogged down the pathway and was out the gate like a shot. No doubt he mentioned Droopys Noel during his “gig” in Kilcullen!
Despite the dreadful weather it was quite a night at Harold’s Cross, the only track to record an increase in attendances so far this year. But for the terrible weather, which arrived at the worst possible time, I have little doubt that there would have been a record crowd on the night.
It was a great Puppy Derby and hopes are high that a number of the finalists will make a major impact in all-aged company next year.
GET WELL SOON SEAN
We would like to pass on best wishes to well known Armagh owner/ trainer Sean Devlin who is currently hospitalised.
Sean suffered a setback towards the end of last week and is currently undergoing treatment in hospital. We have little doubt that the formidable former Armagh corner back will win this battle like he won so many “wars” on the football field.
We ran into Sean recently in Portugal where we watched the All Ireland football final together. Sean had a little “killing” on that game as he laid Kerry to anybody who wished to bet the hot favourites at evens. The Devlin family race the “Hi” dogs and let us wish Sean a very speedy recovery.
FOSTER LAUNCHES HUGE RAID
Last year Jason Foster got four runners through to the Vetsearch Irish Grand National final but still failed to win it as Comans Joe foiled his hopes by a neck when beating Tommy Bahama by a neck with Kildare Lark in third.
Undeterred, Foster is on his way back in force and he plans to run eleven dogs in this year’s Vetsearch sponsored jumping classic. And this time Comans Joe will be a member of the Foster team!
Jason will be basing his team in Ireland for the duration of the National and he plans to give them all a trial at next Monday’s special trial session at Harold’s Cross.
Among his intended challengers are reigning champion Comans Joe, English National winner Kildare Lark, English Grand National finalists Smooth Turbo and Eye On the Flame, last year’s runner-up Tommy Bahama and the highly rated Kilaharry Henk and Four Handed.
Entries for the National close on Tuesday and the first round will be run the following Monday. UK challengers are reminded that they MUST have their paper work in order by Friday of this week.
Remaining with Harold’s Cross, there is a change of date for the T.R. Motors A1 570. This 24 dog event with a winner’s prize of 4,000 Euro will now close to entries on Tuesday next, October 14th with the heats on Friday week, October 17th.
LAURELS FINAL NIGHT
Entries will close next Tuesday for the valuable supporting races to be run on Cashmans Laurels final night at Curraheen Park.
Seven races will be run with winners’ prizes of 1,000 Euro and these are opens over 550, 575, 750, Bitch 550 and Bitch 525 as well as 2007 Pups 525 and September 2006 (or later) Pups 550.
Entries close on Thursday (October 9th) for the Curraheen Park A7 Racedogs 525 with a winner’s prize of 700 Euro.
Closing on Friday is a 12 dog 700 Euro A5 525 and then on Friday week, October 17th for a one-off Novice 750.
CALLING EXTREME STAYERS
Thankfully, the opportunities for stayers are gradually increasing in Ireland</