2018 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby draw

Heat 1: 1 Droopys Denny, 2 Packing Heat, 3 Minor Mike, 4 Native Chimes, 5 Javielenko, 6 Karlow Eddie (w)

Heat 2: 1 Panther, 2 Uncle Wexford, 3 RuralBrae, 4 Ross Swift, 5 Kereight Dodger (w), 6 Clona Blaze (w)

Heat 3: 1 Beara Gig, 2 Jock, 3 Swithins Brae, 4 Skywalker Rafa, 5 Slippy Cian (m), Kylehill Mozart (w)

Heat 4: 1 Crossfield Will, 2 Ping Putter, 3 Kilbride Warrior, 4 Fantasy Lane, 5 Knuck Boy, 6 Totos Park (w)

Heat 5: 1 White Puma, 2 Elusive Heights, 3 Ballydaniel Benz, 4 Frisky Leader, 5 Uncut Diamond (w), 6 Kilgraney Denvir (w)

Heat 6: 1 Coolavanny Gery, 2 Rockybay Foley, 3 Ballyhooley Fin, 4 Lapari Supreme, 5 Vaguely Noble (w), 6 Maireads Spring (w)

Heat 7: 1 Ballymac Bolger, 2 Stonepark Noel, 3 Champs Boy, 4 Creevy Girl, 5 Ravenswood Lotti, 6 Macaroon Towser (w)

Heat 8: 1 Alfies Prince, 2 Gurteen Feather, 3 Droopys Dargle, 4 Titus Spirit, 5 Howth Head, 6 Whoops Jack (w)

Heat 9: 1 Boherna Bliss, 2 Cashen Kuba, 3 Ballymac Tabor, 4 Macaroon Cruz, 5 Droopys Verve (m), 6 Frisky Luck (w)

Heat 10: 1 Klopps Wee Man, 2 Blue East, 3 Droopys Neymar, 4 Ballyhale Blaze, 5 Coconut Crusader, 6 Loskeran Vardy (m)

Heat 11: 1 Cabra Hurricane, 2 Burgess Superior, 3 Ninja Fortune, 4 Choctaw Trail (m), 5 Mc Razl (m), 6 Misty Supreme (w)

Heat 12: 1 Doggy Mcdogface, 2 Man Twenty One, 3 Bonus Point, 4 Holycross Lad, 5 Kilgraney Master (m), 6 Urban Jet (w)

Heat 13: 1 Droopys Expert, 2 Boylesports Joy, 3 Burgess Dancer, 4 Beaming Paradise, 5 Clonbrien Hero (m), 6 Brownstown Tango (m)

Heat 14: 1 Ibra, 2 Newhall Missile, 3 Rocket Turbo, 4 Burgess Jupiter (w), 5 Grahams Star (w), 6 Vahsel Bay (w)

Heat 15: 1 Forest West, 2 Greenisle Hades, 3 Nitro Notorious, 4 Dunsallagh Mike, 5 Pudgie Budgie, 6 Chespirito

Heat 16: 1 Burbank, 2 Nice Charmer, 3 Lightfoot Oscar, 4 Mandeville Fly, 5 Our Lovely Tune, 6 Borna Gin

Heat 17: 1 Blitzem Bill, 2 Coolavanny Pet, 3 Ballyane Sim; 4 Clearly Written, 5 Dynamic Cool Sky; 6 Whoops Harry (w)

Heat 18: 1 Birchfield Act, 2 Dromana Jet, 3 Natural Wonder, 4 Jelly Flood (m), 5 Cash Is King (w), 6 Great Occasion (w)

Heat 19: 1 Jumeirah Charm, 2 Fane Zeema, 3 Budgie Marbh, 4 Ballymac Arminta, 5 Blueberry Diva (m), 6 Droopys Davy (w)

Heat 20: 1 Lenson Blinder, 2 Aayamza Express, 3 Parlow Sanka, 4 Magical Logan, 5 Boyhero (w), 6 Rio Coco (w)

Heat 21: 1 Boleys Fella, 2 Notorious Nodrog, 3 Clonbrien Prince, 4 Jaytee Yankee, 5 Lingrawn Joe, 6 Bakery Lane

Heat 22: 1 Wichita, 2 Crohane Ronnie, 3 Polish Hero, 4 Drive On Tipp, 5 Buckos Dream (w), 6 Jaytee Taylor (w)

Heat 23: 1 Patricks Castle, 2 Ballymac Trinkle, 3 Magical Bale, 4 Ninja Burgess (m), 5 Ballybough Dad (w), 6 Lisnastrane Gold (w)

Entries increase for BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby as better incentives introduced

The trap draw for the most prestigious race in the Greyhound Calendar, the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2018 got underway earlier today (Tuesday 14 August), with 138 entries submitted, above the set target of 120. Feedback from owners and trainers has been very positive to the greater distribution and new incentives announced for the 87th running of the classic. The race for the increased €300,000 jackpot starts this Friday at Ireland’s premiere greyhound stadium, Shelbourne Park in Dublin.

Racing Manager Derek Frehill commented ‘Previously we would have received around 120 entries. This year, the bonuses have created a greater interest from smaller owners to enter the Derby. This is the first time that prize money is concentrated on the heat winners, with €2,000 going to the winners of the semi finals.’

The total jackpot will see a greater distribution as unplaced finalists including semi and quarters will receive a significant increase. Payments will be staggered for heat winners with larger rewards for greyhounds winning later rounds, particularly quarter and semi-finals. A number of new incentives have also been introduced. The last standing UK Greyhound (exc. Northern Ireland) will receive €5,000 (min. 10 entries required) in addition to the €200 payment to assist with travel costs. The last bitch standing will receive €3,000 while €2,000 each will go to last owner trained greyhound and the last syndicate owned greyhound.

With a total prize fund of €300,000, the Irish Greyhound Derby is in its 87th year. In 2017 BoyleSports, Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker signed a three sponsorship deal with the Irish Greyhound Board which will deliver €1 million in prize money to greyhound owners, breeders and trainers.

The Irish Greyhound Derby begins on Friday 17 August in Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium in Dublin. The Final of this highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday 22 September 2018. Both the Semi-Final and Final will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 and online to a worldwide audience on RTÉ website and RTÉ Player.  For information on the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby visit www.gogreyhoundracing.ie.

Prize money increases to €300,000


Incentives:

€5,000 to last standing UK Greyhound (T & C's apply: only paid if 10 or more entries travelling from England/Scotland/Wales)

This is confined to greyhounds travelling from mainland UK and not open to greyhounds based in Northern Ireland. Winner based on last greyhound eliminated from Derby. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved. All greyhounds travelling from mainland UK (England, Scotland, Wales) are entitled to a one off €200 payment to assist with travel costs.

€3,000 to last bitch standing. This is confined to bitches competing in the event regardless of where they have travelled from. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two bitches are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last owner trained greyhound standing. This is confined to greyhounds that are owner trained only. Any greyhound who is with an agent or private/public trainer do not qualify for this incentive. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two bitches are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last syndicate owned greyhound standing. This is confined to syndicate owned greyhounds regardless of their training status. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two bitches are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.


Additional Information

This is the fifth year of BoyleSports sponsorship of the classic event, which has been running since 1928, receiving classic status in 1932.  The competition, which is run over a distance of 550yds, takes place in Shelbourne Park, Dublin, and was won in 2017 by Good News.

The total prize fund for the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2018 is €300,000. Of the €300,000 the winner will receive €140,000 and a commemorative trophy. Under the Irish Greyhound Board’s innovative prize money scheme, the breeder of the winner will receive €14,000 (10% of the winner’s prize) and if the winner is trained by a licensed public trainer he or she will also receive €14,000 (10% of the winner’s prize).

Irish Greyhound Derby timeline:

First round heats:  17 & 18 August 2017

Second round heats: 24 & 25 August 2017

Third round heats:  Saturday 1 September 2017

Quarter- Finals: Saturday 8 September

Semi- Finals:  Saturday 15 September – Live on RTÉ 2

BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Final: Saturday 22 September – Live on RTÉ 2

Prize Money increases to €300,000 for BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby

Prize Money increases to €300,000 for BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 
with Greater Distribution and New Incentives

Dublin GAA’s Denis Bastick launches 2018 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby


Five-time GAA All-Ireland winning footballer Denis Bastick launched the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby at Ireland’s premiere greyhound stadium, Shelbourne Park on Monday 16 July – joined by 2017 Derby winning trainer Pat Guilfoyle and Leon Blanche of BoyleSports. The Irish Greyhound Derby is the most prestigious race in the Irish Greyhound Calendar and boasts an increased prize-fund of €300,000.


Ireland’s Supreme Greyhound for 2017, Good News claimed the Derby title last year for trainer Pat Guilfoyle in a record time of 29.37 over the 550 yards. The top dog’s astonishing speed equalled over €5,000 per racing second before a packed crowd in Dublin’s Shelbourne Park. ‘A dream come true for me and my family,’ is how trainer Pat Guilfoyle described winning the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby in September 2017.

The 2018 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby sees an increased prize fund of €300,000.  The total jackpot will see a greater distribution as unplaced finalists including semi and quarters will receive a significant increase. Payments will be staggered for heat winners with larger rewards for greyhounds winning later rounds, particularly quarter and semi-finals. A number of new incentives have also been introduced. The last standing UK Greyhound (exc. Northern Ireland) will receive €5,000 (min. 10 entries required) in addition to the €200 payment to assist with travel costs. The last bitch standing will receive €3,000 while €2,000 each will go to last owner trained greyhound and the last syndicate owned greyhound. (Full details on prize money distribution and incentives below).

Speaking at the launch, former Dublin GAA footballer Denis Bastick commented ‘GAA fans attending championship games can cheer on their county’s top dog as the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby will showcase Ireland’s fastest greyhounds from every corner of the country. The excitement will build towards the Derby Final in tandem with the action at Croke Park. I look forward to an exciting six weeks of top class racing at Shelbourne Park.’

Leon Blanche of BoyleSports commented “This is our fifth year sponsoring the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby and we’re delighted to be involved again in such an iconic race. It is fantastic to see the overall prize fund increase to €300,000 with a greater emphasis on rewarding all competitors. As a company we pride ourselves on our continued commitment to Irish sport and we’re looking forward with vigour to what is certain to be another very competitive renewal.”

With a total prize fund of €300,000, the Irish Greyhound Derby is in its 87th year. In 2017 BoyleSports, Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker signed a three sponsorship deal with the Irish Greyhound Board which will deliver €1 million in prize money to greyhound owners, breeders and trainers.

IGB Chairman Phil Meaney commented ‘We have seen some of the world’s best greyhound racing at Ireland’s premiere track – Shelbourne Park for over 90 years. The BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby is viewed by a global audience each year and I want to thank BoyleSports for their continued support. The prize money increase will create a more attractive package and will result in a better distribution for all within the racing community.’

The Irish Greyhound Derby begins on Friday 17 August in Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium in Dublin. The Final of this highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday 22 September 2018. Both the Semi-Final and Final will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 and online to a worldwide audience on RTÉ website and RTÉ Player.  For information on the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby visit www.gogreyhoundracing.ie.

The early market with BoyleSports has Droopys Biker and Verve at 16/1 to claim the title. Droopys Davy, Borna Gin, Ballymac Bolger and Magical Logan are at 20/1 while Dorotas Wildcat, Slippy Cian and Magical Bale follow at 25/1. Lenson Blinder, Rockbay Foley, Bombers Bullet, Droopys Expert, Bakery Lane, Lemon Shane, Cash is King, Skywalker Tuco, Bruisers Bullet, Jaytee Yankee, Clonbrien Hero, Droops Noah and Minor Mike are at 33/1.

Prize money increases to €300,000

Incentives:

€5,000 to last standing UK Greyhound (T & C's apply: only paid if 10 or more entries travelling from England/Scotland/Wales)

This is confined to greyhounds travelling from mainland UK and not open to greyhounds based in Northern Ireland. Winner based on last greyhound eliminated from Derby. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved. All greyhounds travelling from mainland UK (England, Scotland, Wales) are entitled to a one off €200 payment to assist with travel costs.

€3,000 to last bitch standing. This is confined to bitches competing in the event regardless of where they have travelled from. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two bitches are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last owner trained greyhound standing. This is confined to greyhounds that are owner trained only. Any greyhound who is with an agent or private/public trainer do not qualify for this incentive. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account.

€2,000 to last syndicate owned greyhound standing. This is confined to syndicate owned greyhounds regardless of their training status. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account.

Additional Information

This is the fifth year of BoyleSports sponsorship of the classic event, which has been running since 1928, receiving classic status in 1932.  The competition, which is run over a distance of 550yds, takes place in Shelbourne Park, Dublin, and was won in 2017 by Good News.

The total prize fund for the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2018 is €300,000. Of the €300,000 the winner will receive €140,000 and a commemorative trophy. Under the Irish Greyhound Board’s innovative prize money scheme, the breeder of the winner will receive €14,000 (10% of the winner’s prize) and if the winner is trained by a licensed public trainer he or she will also receive €14,000 (10% of the winner’s prize).

Irish Greyhound Derby timeline:

First round heats:  17 & 18 August 2017

Second round heats: 24 & 25 August 2017

Third round heats:  Saturday 1 September 2017

Quarter- Finals: Saturday 8 September

Semi- Finals:  Saturday 15 September – Live on RTÉ 2

BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Final: Saturday 22 September – Live on RTÉ 2

NATIONAL GRADING SYSTEM AMENDMENTS

Following a recent review by Bord na gCon of the National Grading System Rules and Tables, which came about due to a noticeable lack of clarity among industry stakeholders on the back grading of greyhounds below S3/A3 Grades, the following amendments are to be made to the National Grading System Rules with changes to be implemented in early August.

The following benefits will be observed from their implementation:-

An immediate clarity and transparency on where a back grade is due, as greyhounds will now have to complete three unsuccessful sprints in succession, for a back grade to be achieved. The same will apply for middle distance races.

Back grades and current grades are more closely linked to current rather than historical lines of form. Back grading is more indicative of current form.

A more organised sequential approach to back grading, which can be more easily captured and reflected in the Race Management System.

Back Grading– Sprint and Middle Distances

A greyhound will only be back graded on completion of three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over Sprint or Middle Distances. The greyhound will be lowered one grade from its current Grade on completion of this three race cycle.

A greyhound competing in Sprint and Middle Distance races will break the three race cycle for back grading purposes if the greyhound races over a different category of Distance (Sprint or Middle Distances only) i.e. if a greyhound runs two consecutive unsuccessful races over 525 and the greyhound then runs a Sprint this will nullify the three race cycle for back grading purposes over Middle Distances. The same rule applies to the Sprint (S) category.

A Greyhound competing in the Hurdle category or in the Long Distance category will not nullify the three race cycle for back grading purposes over Sprint or Middle Distances

Back Grading – For Grades S3/A3 and for Grades better than S3/A3

1) Greyhounds of Grade S3/A3 to Grade S9/A9 - Greyhounds will be back graded over both the ‘S’ and ‘A’ Grade when they have run three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over the same category of Distance i.e. when they have run three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over Sprint Distances or when they have run three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over Middle Distances, e.g. a greyhound which is S3/A3 will be back graded to S4/A4 if it runs three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over Sprint Distances or if it runs three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over Middle Distances. A greyhound running a trial within this sequence of races is still eligible for back grading

2) Greyhounds of Grade S2 to SO and Greyhounds of Grade A2 to AO-  A greyhound will only be back graded over a category of Distance (i.e. either ‘S’ or ‘A’) when it has run three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over that category of Distance i.e. a greyhound will only be back graded over Sprint Distances when the greyhound has run three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over Sprint Distances and the greyhound will only be back graded over Middle Distances when the greyhound has run three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over Middle Distance, e.g. a greyhound which is S1/A1 will be back graded to S2/A1 if it runs three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over Sprint Distances and will be back graded to S1/A2 if it runs three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over Middle Distances.  A greyhound running a trial within this sequence of races is still eligible for back grading.


3) Greyhounds of Grade SSO and Greyhounds of Grade AAO- Greyhounds will only be back graded over a category of Distance (‘S’ or ‘A’) under the following conditions:
(1) It must have ran three consecutive unsuccessful races in a row over the same category of Distance and will only be back graded over that category of Distance (i.e. Sprint or Middle Distance)
(2) It must not have recorded SS0 or AAO time in any of the three consecutive unsuccessful races

(3) Recording an SSO or AAO time in a trial between races will reset the three race cycle over both categories of Distance (‘S’ or ‘A’)

The National Grading System Rules and Tables currently on the IGB website will be updated to reflect the above changes when the rule changes are implemented.

Family Funday at Mullingar Greyhound Stadium

Families are welcome to make tracks to Mullingar Greyhound Stadium this Sunday (15 July) to enjoy great entertainment and fun for all ages. Free admission is available to all as gates open at 1.30PM with live racing at 3.15PM. 

A free welcome pack will greet all kids on arrival while friendly retired greyhounds and face painting will keep them occupied throughout the afternoon. Live racing and full Sunday sports will match the top-class dining available for all of the family.

Family fun days at Mullingar Greyhound Stadium are sponsored by GAIN Greyhound Nutrition. Bookings can be made on 061448080 or by emailing sales@igb.ie

Greyhound First- Welfare measures initiated due to high temperatures

Monday’s Longford racing cancelled. No trials between 10AM and 7.30PM


Following the 'High-Temperature' five-day warning issued by Met Éireann, the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has suspended all trials between 10AM and 7.30PM with immediate effect and is monitoring all race meetings subject to changing weather patterns and local conditions throughout the week. The measures follow best welfare practices that are routinely followed during sharp temperature changes.

·         No trials at any tracks between 10AM and 7.30PM.

·         Racing at Longford Monday 25 June is cancelled. Friday’s (29 June) meeting is under-review.

·         Racing at Enniscorthy and Youghal Monday 25 June will proceed as planned.

·         Control Stewards and Racing Managers to assess local circumstances as all race meetings during the ‘High-Temperature’ period will be reviewed.


A spokesperson for the IGB commented ‘To cancel trials or racing can be a great inconvenience to owners and our customers but the welfare of greyhounds comes first in all operational decisions. Staff at all tracks have been advised to supplement existing operational arrangements during this heatwave to ensure welfare considerations are fully taken into account.’

IGB Incentive Schemes

IGB Incentive Schemes June 2018


·         Novice Scheme

Effective from 1 April 2018, a once-off payment of €100 for greyhounds who commence their racing careers prior to reaching 19 months and complete their first five races at IGB licenced tracks.

The greyhound must run their first five races in a consecutive order at IGB tracks only. The greyhound must complete its first novice race after 1 April 2018. The payment is made on the completion of a fifth race to the owner of a greyhound. The first payments are to be made from early June 2018.


·         Dublin Participation Scheme

This scheme will allow for a €20 payment in respect of the fourth, fifth and sixth place in all races at Shelbourne Park Stadium on all nights. The scheme is effective from 1 April 2018. The proposed payment should assist in alleviating the exceptional travel costs incurred by owners, breeders and trainers in attending at Shelbourne Park.


·         Runners Incentive

A once-off payment of €800 is made to an owner that reaches 100 races at IGB tracks between 1 April and 31 March of the following year. For each race after the 100 and within the year, they will receive a payment of eight euros.

An owner may designate a public or private trainer to receive the payment. Double payments for owner or trainer are not permitted.


·         Breeders’ €15 Scheme

A payment of €15 is paid to the breeder of the winning first-place greyhound in all races. The winning prize money must be €1,999 or less and at IGB tracks only.


·         SIS Scheme

A €20 payment in respect of the fourth, fifth and sixth place in all races at the three SIS meetings is paid to the owner.


·         Breeders’ 10% Scheme

The breeder of the winning first-place greyhound at all races will receive a payment equal to 10% of the winning prize money in cases where the applicable prize money is €2,000 or greater. This applies to IGB tracks only.


·         Public Trainers 10% Scheme

A Public Trainer will receive 10% of all prize money payments applicable to their greyhound. This applies to all races at IGB tracks.

Chairperson of Bord na gCon/ The Irish Greyhound Board

The vacancy for the position of Chairperson of Bord na gCon/ The Irish Greyhound Board is now live on StateBoards.ie with a closing date for applications of Tuesday 19 June 2018 at 3PM.

The position online here, http://www.stateboards.ie/stateboards/campaignAdvert/84715.htm  , identifies essential characteristics including experience of strategic planning as a ‘CEO/Managing Director of a commercially driven organisation’ and a ‘clear understanding of the greyhound racing and breeding sector’, amongst other desirable attributes.

An Assessment Panel will be convened by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to consider and assess the applications. The Panel will draw a shortlist of suitable candidates to be sent forward for consideration by the Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine for the appointment to be made

IGB allocate €250,000 for private track investment

As part of upgrading stadia within the Strategic Plan 2018-2022, the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has established a fund of €250,000 for private tracks to upgrade and improve facilities. The grant scheme provides a maximum of €35,000 per track with applications open until 8 June 2018.

The criteria for approval, available on the IGB website, states that funds are confined to ‘projects or initiatives that will enhance animal welfare, health and safety, examination and testing facilities and track improvements.’ Furthermore applications should outline clearly the improvements that the project will deliver.

Chairman of the IGB, Phil Meaney commented ‘Our focus is on rebuilding the greyhound sector through an improved customer experience but also greyhound welfare. This scheme is an important early step as part of our five year plan. Addressing the long term debt of the IGB was never an end in itself, but rather a means to allow the much needed investment across the greyhound sector.’

PRODUCE DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING AT CLONMEL

PRODUCE DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING AT CLONMEL

Such has been the trend in major events over the past few seasons that there is hardly any need for panic when entries are slow to arrive, even in the last week before deadline but Eddie Anderson would welcome a deluge of names for the 2018 Larry O’Rourke sponsored National Produce Stakes which commences on Sunday week, May 6^th.

Carrying a €20,000 winner’s prize, entries will close on this coming Tuesday at 10 am in readiness for the draw but having not reached the halfway point in the search for 54 runners as of yet, all at Clonmel would appreciate entries as soon as possible.

So many of the bigger events get labelled as classics in the modern era but in truth, there are only a handful of true original classics and the National Produce Stakes holds a special place in the history of Irish greyhound racing since first claimed by Sporting Fancy in 19.39!

Indeed, with the changing complexion of racing in modern times and a shift to 550 yards for many major events, it is the younger generation of the sport who enjoy the greater opportunity to contest for major honours as even the English Derby has now gone beyond the previously traditional 525 yard classic distance and the Produce Stakes is a precious opportunity for youngsters who will see their options limited at that trip as they advance.

Of course we always expect the major kennels to fill the bulk of entries in the classics and it can be daunting for smaller outfits to entertain the thought of a classic entry in exalted company. That is something that my own family kennels have been guilty of in the past but in reality, there is simply nothing to be lost in contesting these events with promising young racers and inspection of the recent Kirby Memorial will reveal many in the latter stages that were graded racers before heading for Limerick! How well did they advertise their breeding line, their dam or even their attractiveness as a possible prospect for sale?

To emphasise, 2015 winner Ballybough Mondo entered the event while graded A2, Whiteys Hawk was an unraced Novice Open before the first round in 2011, a year after Faypoint Dave entered the event as an A1 runner in 2010.

With four to qualify from each of the opening two rounds of the Produce Stakes, it should be noted that all bar 18 of the 54 entries will get their entry fee back at the very minimum.

THE 2018 NATIONAL PRODUCE STAKES

For 54 greyhounds @ €70 each that were whelped in 2016. It’s important to note that the first four will qualify from the FIRST & SECOND rounds so all bar the 18 greyhounds eliminated from the first round will, at least, get their money back.

WINNER: €20,000 & TROPHY

First Round: SUNDAY, MAY 6

Entries Close: Tuesday, May 1 at 10 am Draw will take place at 12

Entries to Eddie Anderson at 052-6183334 / cmltrack@gmail.com

Sale of Harold’s Cross to provide €6 million reinvestment

Sale of Harold’s Cross to provide €6 million reinvestment for greyhound racing



Investment marks a ‘new beginning for greyhound industry’



The sale of the former Harold’s Cross greyhound stadium is expected to be completed shortly as contracts have now been signed between the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) and the Department of Education & Skills for the sum of €23 million euros. Approval has been granted by the Minister for Agriculture Food & the Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform for the IGB’s Business Plan for the surplus of some €6 million from the sale to be reinvested, as outlined in the recently published Strategic Plan 2018-2022.



Phil Meaney, Chairman of IGB commented ‘This investment marks a new beginning for the greyhound industry. In recent years, a long term debt has acted as a financial strait-jacket on our industry. The sale of Harold’s Cross will now provide some €6 million to reinvest. Our Strategic Plan proposes a capital development programme totalling €12 million which includes upgrading Shelbourne Park, further welfare enhancements, IT upgrades and improving basic facilities to the benefit of all that participate in and enjoy the sport. However all investments over the five year period are contingent on financial resources being available. The surplus funds from the Harold’s Cross sale will allow us to make significant progress on implementing our plans.’



The interim 2017 financial statement by the IGB reported a group operating surplus of €1.67 million (EBITDA), a reduction from €3.2 million in 2016. The statement highlighted the impact of Shelbourne Park’s 22 week closure which ended in June 2017. Total attendances were reduced by circa 98,000 in the Dublin region (2016 national total 636,914) to 514,546 customers in 2017. The disruption to racing at Shelbourne Park also adversely impacted on other income streams, principally all tote betting platforms.



A recent report by Economist Jim Power, The Economic and Financial Significance of the Irish Greyhound Industry calculates there are 5,058 full and part-time jobs within the sector with a further 7,313 greyhound owners deriving economic benefit. The impact of this employment creates €171 million in additional spending while the greyhound owners contribute €135 million in spending. The national industry therefore contributes €300 million in additional economic activity. Of the 16 stadia within Ireland, 15 are located outside Dublin which the report states, highlights the contribution to rural communities in additional jobs and spending. The PAYE/PRSI contribution per annum is estimated at €12.7 million.