Stiff TEst gets his Clonmel ticket in Sligo.
Chubbys g also has a late qualifer.
3rd fav in teh Derby, Silent Turbo, 12âs with Berkie is goneâŚ
Draw tonight.
Its all kicking off now !!
Is has arrivedâŚ
The draw for the 85th National Coursing Meeting took place at Hotel Minella tonight. Missing from the draw were Silent Turbo and Notindispute who were both withdrawn today. Chinese who replaced Notindispute was second to be drawn from the hat and will contest the opening buckle next Monday, February 1st.
The short priced Hotel Minella Oaks favourite Newinn All In could not have drawn a more difficult first round opponent. She meets Needham Time, the impressive Co Carlow qualifier who recently changed hands. Honeycomb View v Latest Gamble, Lisloose Accord v Wise Purchase and Rushing v Cearc Ghoir are just some of the interesting first round pairings.
The most exciting buckle in the Boylesports.com Derby first round promises to be the meeting of Caesar Music and Lisloose Eoin. Who would like to call that one. The winner will then meet either Tullamoy King or Kyle Basil. Captain Dru v Prevelence, Adios Alonso v Tory Hill Blonde, Brazing Serpent v Kerry Call and High And Mighty v City Deal will give the short odds layers plenty to shout about.
Sandy Sea and Bexhill Brian will be fancied by many to meet in the final of the Champion Stakes whilst the bookmakers are likely to make Cleanaway Smurf and Kingsmill Bliss their top two in the betting for the Champion Bitch Stakes.
Derby !!
HIM OVER THERE V COLOSSAL STORM
MURTYS BLAZE ex CILLOWEN TIP TOP CILLOWEN HARBOUR ex LANTERN GIRL
MEDIEVAL QUARTER V KERRY CALLING
CILLOWEN HARBOUR ex LANTERN GIRL JANEY MAC AROO ex CALL UP
CENTRAL MENTOR V CLADDAGH HIGHT
BEXHILL EOIN ex CHUBBYS OG MATT HYLAND ex DALTONS HERESAY
DRIVE ON GUEST V IBRICKANE PAT
WHY TANYARDMOON ex MOUNTAIN GUEST BOAVISTA ex BALLYGODOON LIZ
WILTON HERALD V FUNOTHEFORGE
BEXHILL EOIN ex TANGO TIME TYNWALD SMOKEY ex TULLAMOY LADY
NEWGRANGE SPIRIT V MAILROAD GEORGE
JANEY MAC AROO ex EOIN BUI CILLOWEN HARBOUR ex LANTERN GIRL
MUCKY EAMONN V CITY TERMINATOR
BEXHILL EOIN ex SULLANE SIGN BEXHILL EOIN ex TANGO TIME
HECANTWIN V KNOCKROUR ROCK
EOIN RUA ex KILBREEDY TIME TRAJECTORY ex CARROWKEAL BETTY
FEALESUIR JOHNNY V MOOT POINT
MATT HYLAND ex VACUME HONEY MATT HYLAND ex MISS PRESTON
CAPTAIN DRU V PREVELENCE
BEXHILL EOIN ex LONGVIEW CIARA CILLOWEN HARBOUR ex LANTERN GIRL
GALLYS BRIDGE V MARCH IS ON
JUDICIAL BEST ex BEAUFORT BRIDGE TRAJECTORY ex DEDICATED
TUBBERMARTIN LAD V BLACKPOOL TIGER
ASHMORE VIEW ex ELDORADO MATT HYLAND ex CUDHAM SPECKS
LIKELY TREBLE V COOLHILL MOSSIE
MANIC MOVER ex STOP YAWNING BEXHILL EOIN ex FINUGE FLOWER
LOWESGREEN DANNY V BEYOND KILLIMER
BEXHILL EOIN ex PRINCESS TOWN BAR NONE ex GOON THE MAC
DISCIPLINE V COOGA RUBY
MURTYS GANG ex INCREDIBLE COURT HOUSE ex COOGA ANNIE
ADIOS ALONSO V TORY HILL BLONDE
JANEY MAC AROO ex EOIN BUI BEXHILL EOIN ex HOLLYHILL BLONDE
IRELANDS AWAKE V LONE BOXER
MULTIBET ex CARRICK SAM BEXHILL EOIN ex HOLLYHILL BLONDE
SAVEMYBACON V STIFF TEST
BEXHILL EOIN ex LONGVIEW CIARA BEXHILL EOIN ex CARRICK CANDY
BRAZING SERPENT V KERRY CALL
TULLAMORE ex LEIGH SHADOW JANEY MAC AROO ex CALL UP
VACUME VEGAS V BALLYDORGAN BOY
MATT HYLAND ex VACUME INN BAR TIME ex BALLYEGAN LAURA
TULLAMOY KING V KYLE BASIL
TYNWALD SMOKEY ex TULLAMOY LADY MATT HYLAND ex RITH GAN GAISCE
CAESAR MUSIC V LISLOOSE EOIN
DROOPYS CAESAR ex MORE MUSIC BEXHILL EOIN ex CHUBBYS OG
OILEAN FANTASY V ASHTOWN RUSTY
CASTLE PINES ex DUARIGLE DEE DROOPYS SAUNDERS ex BALLYMAC KANU
COLLA AGHADOWN V WITHOUT PA
BEXHILL EOIN ex AGHADOWN MYSTIC CASTLE PINES ex WHY TANYARD BLA
BRIDEWELL FAWN V BEGORRAGH
MATT HYLAND ex TEQUILA LADY JANEY MAC AROO ex EOIN BUI
TIPOKA V DANIEL FINNIAN
MULTIBET ex MOAT ELSA DROOPYS CAESAR ex GIVEITTOPADDY
MAFI MAGIC V SPUR PINES
BEXHILL EOIN ex CHUBBYS OG CASTLE PINES ex VACUME LADY
FORMCRIOR WALLY V CATCH CAESAR
TRAJECTORY ex BILLA OG DROOPYS CAESAR ex CREGGANE ROSE
KILDONOGUE BILLY V A NOBLE ONE
EOIN RUA ex KILBREEDY TIME BEXHILL EOIN ex HOLLYHILL BLONDE
STAY FOCUSED V CURIOUS MAN
JUDICIAL BEST ex SKELLIG SPRING TRAJECTORY ex BEST VIEW
HIGH AND MIGHTY V CITY DEAL
BEXHILL EOIN ex HOLLYHILL BLONDE BEXHILL EOIN ex TANGO TIME
UPSETTER V BEYOND GAISCE
MATT HYLAND ex CROCA OR MATT HYLAND ex RITH GAN GAISCE
Reserves MATTS JET, FIONNTRA DINNY, I SAY SO, BEARNAN EILE, GET HOME SPOT, CLUNE HYLAND.
Oaks
Hotel Minella Oaks
Quarter 1
SAME OVER v CHINESE
COURT HOUSE ex COOGA ANNIE MATT HYLAND ex JUDGEMENT
FLOWEROFTHELAUNE v SO RANDOM
BEXHILL EOIN ex LIOSARINN CHORUS BEXHILL EOIN ex HOLLYHILL BLONDE
SWAINS SHORE v PRECIOUS MOMENT
DROOPYS CAESAR ex KEY VIEW MULTIBET ex CARRICK SAM
CHILLAX GABRIELA v SYDNEY BLONDE
BEXHILL EOIN ex MASITA BEXHILL EOIN ex MASITA
ROSIEJOSIE v CHELTENHAM STAR
MATT HYLAND ex THREE FOOLS WILTON TIME ex EVESHAM STAR
LUCAN GLORY v RUA NUA
BEXHILL EOIN ex ARDNALEE ORLA EOIN RUA ex FINGAL GOSLING
VACUME ONMYWAY v SHES A DAZZLER
BEXHILL EOIN ex VACUME RUNAWAY BEXHILL EOIN ex CHUBBYS OG
ENJOYTHESUNSHINE v RUNAWAY ABBEY
DROOPYS CAESAR ex GIVEITTOPADDY CASTLE PINES ex VACUME BLUEGIRL
Quarter 2
LADY NIMBLE v WHY TANYARD NINA
DROOPYS CAESAR ex EMERS PRIDE ASHMORE VIEW ex WHY TANYARD JANE
GO NINA v SCATTERY EXPRESS
MATT HYLAND ex RITH GAN GAISCE MATT HYLAND ex SCATTERY MAC
VACUME SMASHER v MEDIEVAL CASTLE
DROOPYS CAESAR ex VACUME COUNTESS CASTLE PINES ex FLASHY VIERI
NUT GROVE v DELOTTI
BALLYMAC MAEVE ex THREE FOOLS BEXHILL EOIN ex DANCING DILEMMA
NEWINN ALL IN v NEEDHAM TIME
JUDICIAL AFFAIR ex FLASHY BEAU BEXHILL EOIN ex TANGO TIME
BRIDEWELL DYSERT v SKELLIG WAVE
MATT HYLAND ex TEQUILA LADY MATT HYLAND ex RITH GAN GAISCE
HONEYCOMB VIEW v LATEST GAMBLE
COURT HOUSE ex HARBOUR VIEW MULTIBET ex CARRICK SAM
URKER MO GHRA v WAKEN HER UP
BEXHILL EOIN ex BOLD ROBIN MATT HYLAND ex READY TO SLEEP
Quarter 3
TULLAMOY QUEEN v BECKY
TYNWALD SMOKEY ex TULLAMOY LADY MATT HYLAND ex MOORSTOWN MONA
QUALITY AND DASH v CROSS KINGS
BEXHILL EOIN ex CHUBBYS ACCORD CASTLE PINES ex CROSSPATRICK
HELENS DIVA v LATEST BET
TYNWALD SMOKEY ex CILLOWEN DIVA MULTIBET ex CARRICK SAM
PROLIFIC ARTIST v BOWER SIGN
TYNWALD SMOKEY ex TARMAC QUEEN BEXHILL EOIN ex SULLANE SIGN
SMOKEY AOIFE v LOUGHSHORE BLAZE
MURTYS BLAZE ex SMOKEY JINGLE MURTYS BLAZE ex LOUGHSHORE LILY
UPTOWN HOPE v TONERS GIRL
MATT HYLAND ex THREE FOOLS CASTLE PINES ex FOROLDTIMESAKE
LISLOOSE ACCORD v WISE PURCHASE
BEXHILL EOIN ex CHUBBYS ACCORD BEXHILL EOIN ex CARRICK CANDY
BURNPARK SADIE v SPRUCE STORY
BEXHILL EOIN ex BURNPARK DILEMMA TRAJECTORY ex BILLA OG
Quarter 4
RAZOR SCOTCH v JARDIN DEL MAR
TULLAMORE ex RAZOR LADY BEXHILL EOIN ex SOUTHWELL HEIDI
MARLFIELD FLASHY v SONAS AMBER
MANIC MOVER ex FLASHY MILLER CASTLE PINES ex WHY TANYARD BLA
GLIN VIEW BITLE v SOUTHWIND MOLLY
BEXHILL EOIN ex TOBITL BEXHILL EOIN ex SULLANE SIGN
RUSHING v CEARC GHOIR
JANEY MAC AROO ex DENMANIA MURTYS BLAZE ex FIERY MARY
CLASS ATTRACTION v MISSING HYLAND
JUDICIAL AFFAIR ex MOONVEEN ELLEN MATT HYLAND ex FISHERMANS LUCKY
Late: MOONVEEN LADY
VACUME HYLAND v INTENSE FOCUS
MATT HYLAND ex VACUME HONEY WHY TANYARDMOON ex MOUNTAIN GUEST
KILPEACON AMBUSH v FINUGE MOLLY
ASHMORE VIEW ex KILPEACON PETALS BEXHILL EOIN ex FINUGE FLOWER
GENTSTOWN GOLDIE v VACUME STARLIGHT
TRAJECTORY ex GENTSTOWN STORM MATT HYLAND ex VACUME INN
Reserves: VACUME WENDY: SOUTHSIDE TESS: BECK ROW HYLAND: UISCE SOLAS: CUSHIE CHER: ANT HILL MOB
I find myslef ridiculously busy this week and havent properly degested the draws yet, but a full preview will appear here soon⌠I expect same from our other followers of the leashâŚ
I leave you with:
[I]The hare she led on, what a beautiful view,
As swift as the wind oâer the green fields she flew.
He jumped on her back and he held up his paw;
âThree cheers for old Ireland,â said Master McGrath.
Iâve known many greyhounds that filled me with pride
In the days that are gone and it canât be denied,
But the greatest and the bravest the world ever saw
Was our champion of champions, brave Master McGrath[/I]
The same great bloodlines coming through on the damsides I see. Carrick Sam, Chubbys Og, Rith Gan Gaisce, Fingal GoslingâŚrepresented as usual. Interesting to see Three Fools represented with both Matt Hylands and (the new dual purpose superstar) a Ballymac Maeve.
Surprised past stars like Lucan Diva and Qualityandgold havenât been represented this year. Even the absent Big 'Arry wonât be without an interest with Denmania and Mountain Guest progeny on show.
[quote=âHangBlaaâ]I find myslef ridiculously busy this week and havent properly degested the draws yet, but a full preview will appear here soon⌠I expect same from our other followers of the leashâŚ
I leave you with:
[I]The hare she led on, what a beautiful view,
As swift as the wind oâer the green fields she flew.
He jumped on her back and he held up his paw;
âThree cheers for old Ireland,â said Master McGrath.
Iâve known many greyhounds that filled me with pride
In the days that are gone and it canât be denied,
But the greatest and the bravest the world ever saw
Was our champion of champions, brave Master McGrath[/I]
[/QUOTE]
[quote=âSHANNONSIDER**â]The same great bloodlines coming through on the damsides I see. Carrick Sam, Chubbys Og, Rith Gan Gaisce, Fingal GoslingâŚrepresented as usual. Interesting to see Three Fools represented with both Matt Hylands and (the new dual purpose superstar) a Ballymac Maeve.
Surprised past stars like Lucan Diva and Qualityandgold havenât been represented this year. Even the absent Big 'Arry wonât be without an interest with Denmania and Mountain Guest progeny on show.[/QUOTE]
Qualityandgoldâs litter are a month over age being whelped in Nov '07(a whole other story). A few of them have been out in all aged company this year. Some have looked pacey enough, but next year will be the year to see if they can hold their own in all aged company.
Going to try to preview Clonmel via blogs here⌠the first one is up there nowâŚ
One and all, over the coming days I will attempt to preview the Oaks and Derby by quarter. Starting today with the Oaks, and the top quarter. It looks like this:
[CENTER]SAME OVER v CHINESE
FLOWEROFTHELAUNE v SO RANDOM
SWAINS SHORE v PRECIOUS MOMENT
CHILLAX GABRIELA v SYDNEY BLONDE
ROSIEJOSIE v CHELTENHAM STAR
LUCAN GLORY v RUA NUA
VACUME ONMYWAY v SHES A DAZZLER
ENJOYTHESUNSHINE v RUNAWAY ABBEY [/CENTER]
Straight away the stand out bitche from here is Flowerofthelaune, a lighlty exposed bitch that impressed many a judge after her efforts in Abbeyfeale during the Corn na File meeting. She has pace, plenty of it, and will be feared. She will be shouted in the region of âtake 10 to 1â by the short odds lads on Monday morning for her first buckle, and rightly so, but she will be fully tested in round two when I expect her to meet Same Over. Same Over looked a TS winner for me in Nenagh, a stake that contained 6 TS winners eventually, and she runs a hill well. For me the winner of this quarter comes from the one of these two bitches.
There has been word for Edenderry winner Chillax Garbriella, while Vacumeonmyway, bred it the purple and coming from a hot Cork kennel has loads of potential, but mainly in the breeding paddocks for me. She won two trial stakes this year, both is style, but still I am not convinced You also have to take notice of the Brendan Matthews runner, Precious Moment, but she is proabably the weakest of what he brings to slips in the Oaks. The one that could be an good outside chance is John and Dennis Kellys Rua Nua, the daughter of Eoin Rua goes to Clonmel in the hands of the men that tasted success with he father and also the great bitch Eoin gâŚ
So in summary.
Same Over to win the quarter, and a few bob on Rua Nua, both as an outside bet, as i dont reckon this Q contains the Oaks winner.
Flowerofthelaune was flaged earlier on TFK after she was sold for a figure believed to be 17k. SS*'s north kerry radio man said she was nothing special.
From the blogâŚ
This is where things start to hot up⌠this quarter contains a few hot pots, plus the hot pot Newinn All Inn, the 9/2 long odds fav.
LADY NIMBLE v WHY TANYARD NINA
GO NINA v SCATTERY EXPRESS
VACUME SMASHER v MEDIEVAL CASTLE
NUT GROVE v DELOTTI
NEWINN ALL IN v NEEDHAM TIME
BRIDEWELL DYSERT v SKELLIG WAVE
HONEYCOMB VIEW v LATEST GAMBLE
URKER MO GHRA v WAKEN HER UP
In recent weeks the word around my neck of the woods has been for GoNina. A MAtt Hyland bitch out of one of my favourite Oaks winners Rith gan Gaisce she had no luck in Kilflynn day one, and then came a cropper at the SF stage on the Milton Malbay hill before winning her TS in trainers Ger Holians backyear, Galway and Oran. She always looked like she craved a long trip and this was eveident when she absolutely flew up the field in Sevenhouses during a âtrialâ two weeks ago. She clocked faster than a Champion Stakes dog and 7 other Clonmel qualifiers the same day. It was noticed, Berkie witnessed and duley knocked a few points off her price. However she ownt have it easy in this quater, and if she comes out of it I would expect her to go the slips after munch on Wednesday.
In her way, well early doors she will have to get over soem very fast bitches. Why Tanyward Nina, and twice winner from kerry Lady Nimble will be a great buckle, and the winner will fancy her chances.
Then we get onto the talking bitch, Newinn All In. I first came accross her at the wire in Crohane, talking to an old adverseey and follower of the leash, the told me of an almost white bitch that was the first he has seen to beat Catunda Ashmore up his gallop, he scratched her name on the back of box of Carrolls and told me to keep an eye for her. I did, sent a few bob to Kerry and collected from Berkie after the oblieged and scooted up in Lixnaw⌠she has been seen since, winning in style in all age company in Galbally before a tactical withdrawal⌠Do we believe the hype, the price, yes. However the draw means she will have to hit powerstow in top form as she will meet the the former Brendan Matthews charge and now resident in Ian Reillys kennel, Needham Time. If she is still stand after that she is also likely to meet one the matthew held onto, Latest Gamble out of super brood Carrick SamâŚ
This Quarter is the one to watch, the winner should the Oaks final. My advice, back the NewInn dog, back her oftenâŚ
Iâm looking to put a small fortune on a dog to win this years Derby. However, from what i can see, only Powers have a book on it currently. If this is in fact the case then itâs a thundering disgrace. How can the likes of Ladbrokes, Boylesports, William Hill et al call themselves bookmakers when they havenât yet done up a book on the biggest greyhound racing event of the year? Anyway, does anyone know if there are independants or somewhere else where i can scout around for prices for this event? Must try Betfair now as well but last i checked there was nothing there eitherâŚ
Lads, if anyone has an ICC account could you cut and paste the Dromina Open results? News is reaching me that my trainer has a qualifier for the Earl of Dunraven Kilgobbin Stake at Greenmount. I will have to buy a half stake in this beast as it has been a dream of mine for years to spirit away this noble prize, probably the most noble competition left for winners in the open now that the Anglesea and Waterloo Cups are no more.
SS**, the DAN BRENNAN MEMORIAL CUP at Dromina went to SPENCERS FLASHY.
Full results from the other two stakes are not yet on the ICC site though.
It really has been the most amazing start to the greyhound year. First we had the freeze-up and no racing at Shelbourne Park and other venues for a full month. Now we have the situation that because of many of our leading dogs lack full fitness, a prestigious event such as the Joe Dunne Memorial Puppy Stake has had to be put back a week in order to attract sufficient entries.
A positive side to things would be the excellent crowd that turned out at Shelbourne on Saturday night last with the upstairs very well populated and a great atmosphere in the middle of January. It was proof positive that if the product is right, then recession or no recession there is a willing audience for our sport.
The fact that open racing at Shelbourne will continue to boast top class prizemoney should guarantee that the âcash cowâ of the sport continues to generate the revenue to keep the industry turning over nicely.
For many traditionalists the greyhound season really kicks-off next week with the National Meeting at Clonmel. In the past most of the tracks remained closed until after the completion of the Clonmel Festival â some even waited until after Clounanna â but things have changed totally over the years.
However, thousands will make the pilgrimage to County Tipperary next week for three days of sport up Powerstown Park and some six nights of top class racing â the opening Saturday fixture at Thurles and then the five successive nights at Clonmel.
The way will be cleared this evening for Tuesdayâs final of the IGB Open Unraced Stake when the two semis are run at Clonmel. Boggan was probably a trifle fortunate in retaining his unbeaten record in the second round last week but Ken Foleyâs youngster is ideally drawn in trap one in the opening heat and can go in again. The Billy Drake and Vincent OâDonovan owned Broadstrand Boy looks a real threat while Jack Meadeâs Dalcash Dvinsky and Stephen Bourkeâs Mustang Ossie will both carry plenty of support.
Jimmy Ferncombeâs Peggys Way is the unbeaten contestant in the second heat and look sure to qualify but has formidable opposition in Riverside Greg, Nans Pride and Kid Billzer.
Saturdayâs meeting features the Pop Gun International meeting at Thurles and no less than eight open contests over all distances from sprint to ultra marathon should guarantee a really cracking evening of sport.
There may be no Joe Dunne Memorial this weekend but the semi-finals of the John J Casey Open 575 should provide plenty of excitement at Shelbourne on Saturday night. There have been plenty of upsets to date in this competition but the form should be settling down at this stage and things might be just a little more predictable on this occasion.
The opening heat looks very much a three dog affair with the early paced Deanridge Fury opposed by Whatsupjack and Accordello. One can visualise an early battle between Deanridge Fury and Whatsupjack and any bumping between them could result in Accordello proving too strong on the run home.
The second heat could see Ardera Power and Three One Three battling for early supremacy ahead of Rough Robinho but all eyes will be focused on the rear to determine the proximity of Sean Mulcahyâs Corporate Attack. He would prefer further but I can still see him pouncing late to snatch another victory.
The other big meeting this weekend is the postponed GOBA Gala programme at Limerick on Saturday. Eleven finals plus the presentation of the Annual Awards should bring in a very healthy attendance. By the way the first round of the Vetsearch International Kennedy Cup will be run on Saturday week and the final of that event will now be run on the Saturday night of Irish Cup weekend, February 27th. Already some 32 names are in the book but it is hoped to have the required 48 in advance of the draw. The first of the six Sales this year at Limerick will be run on March 2nd and entries are still required.
Curraheen Park will stage the opening round of the Guinness Trophy on Saturday night and this event should give the season a nice kick start. By the way, three further stakes will be closing in the near future. Ted Fitzgerald is sponsoring two âOdds On Dog Foodâ Stakes both for 24 dogs and a winnerâs prize of âŹ1,100. The A5 525 will close tomorrow week while the A7 Racedogs will close on Friday, February 12th. Richie OâReganâs Balintore Brave A2 525 (No Bg) is also a 24 event with a winnerâs prize of âŹ1,400 and entries close on Tuesday week, February 9th. Entries are still being accepted for the next sales on Tuesday, February 16th.
Isnât it amazing how rumours spread in the greyhound game? Last week I was assured that the Mike Cronin Readymix Juvenile Classic would not be happening but that a smaller stake would take its place. Then this week we learn that Croninâs great event will DEFINITELY be taking place and with a prizefund that is not all that far short of the massive level of recent years.
The event for 48 unraced greyhounds whelped in 2008 will have a prizefund of âŹ38,000 and a winnerâs prize of âŹ20,000, maintaining its position as the richest unraced stake in the country. There will also be the âŹ100,000 on offer to the winning trainer if the winner goes on to win the 2010 Irish Derby. But there is a new incentive this year for local dogs⌠The KGOBA is sponsoring a âŹ1,000 Bonus for the best placed Kerry owned greyhound in the stake but the dog must have run in the Kerry ownership prior to the commencement of the stake. The competition kicks off on Friday, March 5th.
Finally, a brief look at next weekâs National Coursing Meeting and the latest ante-post betting issued by Derby sponsors Boylesports:
Boylesports Derby: 6 Adios Alonso; 8 Caesar Music; 9 Lisloose Eoin; 10 High And Mighty, City Deal; 12 Mafi Magic, Kyle Basil; 14 Gaileys Bridge, Likely Treble, Wilton Herald, Mucky Eamonn, Prevelence, Brazing Serpent, Stiff Test, Discipline, Kerry Calling, Colla Aghadown; 20 bar.
Hotel Minella Oaks: 9-2 Newinn All In; 6 Go Nina; 9 Wise Purchase; 10 Chillax Gabriela; 12 Helens Diva, Needham Time; 14 Cearc Ghoir, Class Attraction, Flowerofthelaune, Intense Focus, Shes A Dazzler, Delotti, Lisloose Accord, Razor Scotch; 20 bar.
Read more: http://www.examiner.ie/sport/some-top-class-fare-on-offer-at-clonmel-110743.html#ixzz0dtgdWLEI
[quote=âHangBlaaâ]It really has been the most amazing start to the greyhound year. First we had the freeze-up and no racing at Shelbourne Park and other venues for a full month. Now we have the situation that because of many of our leading dogs lack full fitness, a prestigious event such as the Joe Dunne Memorial Puppy Stake has had to be put back a week in order to attract sufficient entries.
A positive side to things would be the excellent crowd that turned out at Shelbourne on Saturday night last with the upstairs very well populated and a great atmosphere in the middle of January. It was proof positive that if the product is right, then recession or no recession there is a willing audience for our sport.
The fact that open racing at Shelbourne will continue to boast top class prizemoney should guarantee that the cash cow of the sport continues to generate the revenue to keep the industry turning over nicely.
For many traditionalists the greyhound season really kicks-off next week with the National Meeting at Clonmel. In the past most of the tracks remained closed until after the completion of the Clonmel Festival some even waited until after Clounanna but things have changed totally over the years.
However, thousands will make the pilgrimage to County Tipperary next week for three days of sport up Powerstown Park and some six nights of top class racing the opening Saturday fixture at Thurles and then the five successive nights at Clonmel.
The way will be cleared this evening for Tuesdays final of the IGB Open Unraced Stake when the two semis are run at Clonmel. Boggan was probably a trifle fortunate in retaining his unbeaten record in the second round last week but Ken Foleys youngster is ideally drawn in trap one in the opening heat and can go in again. The Billy Drake and Vincent ODonovan owned Broadstrand Boy looks a real threat while Jack Meades Dalcash Dvinsky and Stephen Bourkes Mustang Ossie will both carry plenty of support.
Jimmy Ferncombes Peggys Way is the unbeaten contestant in the second heat and look sure to qualify but has formidable opposition in Riverside Greg, Nans Pride and Kid Billzer.
Saturdays meeting features the Pop Gun International meeting at Thurles and no less than eight open contests over all distances from sprint to ultra marathon should guarantee a really cracking evening of sport.
There may be no Joe Dunne Memorial this weekend but the semi-finals of the John J Casey Open 575 should provide plenty of excitement at Shelbourne on Saturday night. There have been plenty of upsets to date in this competition but the form should be settling down at this stage and things might be just a little more predictable on this occasion.
The opening heat looks very much a three dog affair with the early paced Deanridge Fury opposed by Whatsupjack and Accordello. One can visualise an early battle between Deanridge Fury and Whatsupjack and any bumping between them could result in Accordello proving too strong on the run home.
The second heat could see Ardera Power and Three One Three battling for early supremacy ahead of Rough Robinho but all eyes will be focused on the rear to determine the proximity of Sean Mulcahys Corporate Attack. He would prefer further but I can still see him pouncing late to snatch another victory.
The other big meeting this weekend is the postponed GOBA Gala programme at Limerick on Saturday. Eleven finals plus the presentation of the Annual Awards should bring in a very healthy attendance. By the way the first round of the Vetsearch International Kennedy Cup will be run on Saturday week and the final of that event will now be run on the Saturday night of Irish Cup weekend, February 27th. Already some 32 names are in the book but it is hoped to have the required 48 in advance of the draw. The first of the six Sales this year at Limerick will be run on March 2nd and entries are still required.
Curraheen Park will stage the opening round of the Guinness Trophy on Saturday night and this event should give the season a nice kick start. By the way, three further stakes will be closing in the near future. Ted Fitzgerald is sponsoring two \âOdds On Dog Food\â Stakes both for 24 dogs and a winners prize of 1,100. The A5 525 will close tomorrow week while the A7 Racedogs will close on Friday, February 12th. Richie ORegans Balintore Brave A2 525 (No Bg) is also a 24 event with a winners prize of 1,400 and entries close on Tuesday week, February 9th. Entries are still being accepted for the next sales on Tuesday, February 16th.
Isnt it amazing how rumours spread in the greyhound game? Last week I was assured that the Mike Cronin Readymix Juvenile Classic would not be happening but that a smaller stake would take its place. Then this week we learn that Cronins great event will DEFINITELY be taking place and with a prizefund that is not all that far short of the massive level of recent years.
The event for 48 unraced greyhounds whelped in 2008 will have a prizefund of 38,000 and a winners prize of 20,000, maintaining its position as the richest unraced stake in the country. There will also be the 100,000 on offer to the winning trainer if the winner goes on to win the 2010 Irish Derby. But there is a new incentive this year for local dogs The KGOBA is sponsoring a 1,000 Bonus for the best placed Kerry owned greyhound in the stake but the dog must have run in the Kerry ownership prior to the commencement of the stake. The competition kicks off on Friday, March 5th.
Finally, a brief look at next weeks National Coursing Meeting and the latest ante-post betting issued by Derby sponsors Boylesports:
Boylesports Derby: 6 Adios Alonso; 8 Caesar Music; 9 Lisloose Eoin; 10 High And Mighty, City Deal; 12 Mafi Magic, Kyle Basil; 14 Gaileys Bridge, Likely Treble, Wilton Herald, Mucky Eamonn, Prevelence, Brazing Serpent, Stiff Test, Discipline, Kerry Calling, Colla Aghadown; 20 bar.
Hotel Minella Oaks: 9-2 Newinn All In; 6 Go Nina; 9 Wise Purchase; 10 Chillax Gabriela; 12 Helens Diva, Needham Time; 14 Cearc Ghoir, Class Attraction, Flowerofthelaune, Intense Focus, Shes A Dazzler, Delotti, Lisloose Accord, Razor Scotch; 20 bar.
Read more: http://www.examiner.ie/sport/some-top-class-fare-on-offer-at-clonmel-110743.html#ixzz0dtgdWLEI[/QUOTE]
Bullshit.:rolleyes:
Markets Field. Watch Out. Here we come.
God Speed George Bunratty.
No joy for George. A poor night at the bitterly cold office.
Saw that alright, most disappointing. I see Noreen won her late fatherâs stake.
Iâm starting to worry about Clonmel now, this frost could have major repercussions.