Splits analysis for 2017 Irish St Leger Final

Trap Order	Opening 325	Closing 225
Black Eyed Peppa                               Rd 2                               Q/F                             S/F	17.78 ckd 18.02 ckd 17.72	12.35 12.21 12.20	Clearly the numbers indicate that Peppa has been one of the most impressive stayers in the Leger. However, those early figures simply must come down if he is to retain any win claims but watch the videos, he does actually have early pace and is Trap 1 the keep to making him break?! Sneak a run with a bump or two among the early pacers…..possible!
Jaytee Yankee                               Rd 2                             Q/F                               S/F	17.56 17.82 mvd-rails 17.50 hampd	12.45 12.39 12.50	The draw gives Yankee a chance to repeat last week’s win because he was clipped from behind in his latest 17.50 so can lower that. His best 12.39 coming home would make even Sonic work given that Yankee won’t give up the inner. He must lead and even then you’ll sweat if your on him but he is definitely a player in the final.
Clonbrien Hero                               Rd 2                             Q/F                               S/F	17.38 17.42 17.60 ckd	12.34 12.57 12.68 ckd	Even a quick glance would have supporters worried because Hero’s numbers are receding each week. Granted he met traffic in the semi but his win claim now hinges on a fast break. If he could make the front and produce say a 17.45, he would have a right chance but the worry is that although checked in his latest 12.68 finish, it was only a slight check and wasn’t enough to have him so far back on his best 12.34.
Ballybough Dad                               Rd 2                               Q/F                               S/F	17.75 ckd 17.50 17.58 bmp	12.43 12.52 12.49	Super consistent and if left alone, he would probably do 17.50 to the third turn every night. His latest 12.49 may have been even better because although not checked, he was nose to tail with Yankee for much of it so 12.43 would be about right. That all says 29.90 or so with a clear run and the only way that would win is if he turned in front (same for Yankee, Hero & Cabaye). He could though and 10/1 is very big for this consistency at a high level.
Sonic                               Rd 2                               Q/F                               S/F	17.53 ckd 17.63 17.43	12.49 12.36 ckd 12.21	Posts his best figures in the semi. Timed to perfection? They numbers say yes! When he breaks he can reach the third bend with the best of the early pacers in the final and we know he will out-stay them. It all screams that Sonic wins if given a clear run. The only one that can match him coming home, probably can’t match him early. Three lengths off the lead at halfway….Job done?!
Droopys Cabaye                               Rd 2                               Q/F                               S/F	17.60 17.44 17.46	12.36 12.51 12.39	Just simply couldn’t get far enough ahead of Sonic last week but the numbers are classy and last week’s 12.39 means that he is a big player with the most likely clear run. Nothing broke on Sonic’s inner last week but what if they do now?! If Sonic gets a bump, Cabaye could be scooting to lead and in 12.39 form coming home, he could possibly repel a late surge. Remember, he has a saucy 575 run at SPK, he stays plenty well enough. The numbers confirm it, he has a right chance!

2017 St Leger Final Runner by Runner

	BLACK EYED PEPPA  No heat win but strong stayer is ideally drawn to sneak run for big late bid, live outsider. 12-1
	JAYTEE YANKEE  Smart semi winner can clock faster & real claims if command rails to turn first, chance! 10-3
	CLONBRIEN HERO  Held in semi but retains claims now if return to best break & win early battle to the bend. 9-4
	BALLYBOUGH DAD  Very consistent in Leger & early pacer is capable of leading. Must do for win, respected. 10-1
	SONIC  Brilliant in fastest semi win, strong runner is worthy fav who can convert if find clear run. 2-1
	DROOPYS CABAYE  Smart early pacer in fine form. Lead on the outside & realistic claims if lead off 2nd bend. 7-2

	BLACK EYED PEPPA: Michael O’Donovan’s strong stayer has made a hugely pleasing graduation to Open race company in this event and is arguably as well drawn as any in the final line-up. Without a heat win, his passage to the final has been more a plot than a stampede when coming from off the pace to fill qualifying positions. Not expected to match the early pacers to the first bend, he will make his challenge from halfway and attempt to mow down tiring leaders. He will need to sneak a rails run and keep close off the second bend and will need to stay in front of favourite Sonic to the back-straight. It will require a career best to deliver a shock victory at 12/1.
	JAYTEE YANKEE: Seeking back to back St leger victories, trainer Paul Hennessy has charmed a game passage to the final from his 2017 Champion Stakes hero as the confirmed railer produced brilliant battling performances to progress from less than ideal draws in the early rounds. Rewarded with Trap 1 in the semi-finals, he duly converted from a more suitable draw when repelling fast early paced runners to the first bend and a repeat can bring plausible win claims now. Expected to outpace Black Eyed Peppa in the early strides, he can dictate the race to the back-straight with an adept break and in doing so, complicate matters for all in behind. Stubborn when on the bunny, he will prove difficult to pass if leading at 10/3.
	CLONBRIEN HERO (m): Limerick owned and the first of three Graham Holland finalists, the 2017 Produce Stakes winner is capable of blistering runs as he produced when fastest of the event in his 29.49 opening night win. Suffering his first defeat in the semi-final he has form to reverse with Jaytee Yankee now but although appearing to tire as the event has progressed, he simply can not be overlooked as one of the most talented in the sport. It will require a return to his best breaking form and he will need to lead his fellow early pacers to the first bend but he remains a big player at 9/4.
	BALLYBOUGH DAD (w): Also suffering his first defeat of the competition at the paws of Jaytee Yankee last week, Murt Leahy’s hugely consistent early pacer has been near paw perfect in his march to the final. Only beaten by one length then, his win chances are obvious and he is another of the early pacers who will prove difficult to pass if winning the crucial battle for early supremacy. Trap 4 will be little inconvenience to the wide seed who contests his second classic final of the season having also reached the Produce Stakes decider at Clonmel and none represent more value in the market at very generous odds of 10/1.
	SONIC (w): Second of Graham Holland’s finalists, the twice Derby third needs little introduction as one of the most talented runners of his generation. Capable of blistering runs, he is a superbly strong runner at the 550 yard trip and an elusive classic victory would punctuate his wonderful career most appropriately. Tardy breaks saw him return just one heat win in a moderate opening to his campaign by his own very high standards but following his sublime semi-final win, his campaign appears to have been timed to perfection. Stalking kennel companion Droopys Cabaye before powering to a three length win in a fast 29.64, the timing of that improved effort appears ominous now. He will need a clear run but if securing that, it would be very difficult for any to contain this true racing star at 2/1.
	DROOPYS CABAYE (w): Bursting onto the Open race scene in the summer at Shelbourne Park, this third finalist for Graham Holland was an extremely unlucky Derby quarter-final eliminee but he has now earned a shot at classic redemption following yet another string of quality performances. Developing a more consistent profile as he matures, the slick early pacer has led to the first bend in his last three St Leger heats and if doing so again, is capable of a bold bid for glory. As with his fellow early pacers now, he can put all to the sword if leading while likely to cause traffic problems in behind. He will need to get further clear of Sonic than he managed to halfway last week but his is a straight forward claim; break well and try to cling on. A proper contender at 7/2. **All prices quoted are from Boylesports The verdict! From the outset, the 2017 Kerry Agribusiness Irish St Leger has been hugely competitive and has only tightened on form with each passing round. Our final now houses four runners with early pace who will seek a lead in the opening exchanges to be seen to best effect while two who will produce their best running from halfway. Falling into the latter category is favourite Sonic but a true superstar of the sport, he is also capable of a smart start which he produced in a brilliant semi-final victory and with these abilities combined he truly merits his place at the head of the market. From Trap 5, he is again likely to cede early advantage to Droopys Cabaye on his outer but that could prove ideal if avoiding any bumps at the bend as that kennelmate would be a perfect target for Sonic with his inevitable back-straight charge. Possessing ever increasing track craft, he almost invariably finds a passage at the bends and on the back of a brilliant semi-final win, he is difficult to adamantly oppose. However, there are plausible threats to Sonic and with so much early pace in the race the biggest problem could be a line of runners in his path at the bend where possible bumping among the pacesetters could see his path blocked at a crucial point. For four of our finalists, the path to victory is complicated by it’s very simplicity because for Jaytee Yankee, Clonbrien Hero, Ballybough Dad and Droopys Cabaye, they all must turn first to conceivably claim the St Leger title. There is little to chose between them on the run to the first bend and in that scenario you would much prefer to be on the flanks. From Trap 2 now, Jaytee Yankee is fancied to outpace Black Eyed Peppa on his inner and he has very strong claims to repeat what he did a week ago when containing both Clonbrien Hero and Ballybough Dad to the bend where his inside pitch proved a deciding factor. With Clonbrien Hero much more likely to move towards the middle than step to his left from Trap 3 now, Yankee is well drawn! Equally well drawn is Droopys Cabaye and the hugely likeable early pacer can dictate on the outer as chief threat Ballybough Dad may have plenty on his plate being on the right hand side of Clonbrien Hero from traps. If as expected, he turns in contention for the lead with Jaytee Yankee, the pair would serve up a rare old tussle as there seems little to separate them from the second bend to home. A tight affair early, it may require a smash break from either Clonbrien Hero or Ballybough Dad to secure a first bend lead that they would need for victory hopes and while both are capable, complications are more likely for these early pacers than for Yankee and Cabaye. Outsider of the field, Black Eyed Peppa is arguably drawn best of all in the final and is not totally devoid of early pace despite his slower splits. He is the only finalist who can match Sonic from the second bend to home and with the possibility of bumping in front of him at the first bend, he could possibly turn close enough to pose a late threat. He is definitely not ruled out and is one for those seeking a longer priced alternative. Attempting to describe the race before the off, Jaytee Yankee leads the charge to the bend on the inner while Droopys Cabaye matches him stride for stride out wide. Taking a step to the right Clonbrien Hero edges right towards Ballybough Dad which affords Sonic the opportunity to contest for third place approaching the bend. Yankee and Cabaye go paw to paw along the back-straight with the inside line giving Yankee the opportunity to hit the home-straight in front. Having established himself in a clear third place with a strong back-straight challenge however, Sonic now looms large in behind the leading duo before overhauling Yankee close home. One possible scenario! 5-1-6.

BoyleSports Irish Derby rosettes raise €2,000 for Irish Retired Greyhound Trust

The sale of rosettes for the finalists of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby raised just over €2,000 for the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT), a substantial increase on €1250 collected in 2016. The rosettes were purchased by the IGB and proved very popular on Derby night. 

Welfare Manager with the IGB Barry Coleman commented "I wish to thank our excellent sales volunteers on the night; Samantha Flynn, Ciare Flynn, Alma Carroll, Muriel Carroll, Brenda Powderly, Catriona Ni Duill, Tara Fitzpatrick and Ciara Darby.

"The Good News rosette sold out very quickly. Overall the initiative was very popular with many racing regulars giving more than the price of five euros. The level of rehoming has increased in recent years through the IRGT and supported agencies, from 614 in 2014 to 891 in 2016. The money raised on Derby night will help in finding more homes for our ex-racers."

Mattie Murphy on behalf of the Irish Greyhound Board, presents the cheque to the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust. Pictured L-R Brenda Powderly, Bill Murphy, Mattie Murphy, Barry Coleman, Pamela Holian, Brigid Frank.

Healthy Thurles October Sales

Phenomenal demand for greyhounds at Thurles Sales

Total of €54,000 spent with new record average at €1,000

Signs of growing confidence within the greyhound racing sector were seen at the Thurles Sales on Tuesday (24 October) with 54 dogs sold from a total of 56 on the bench. The only two unsold were Kildubh Rocky with top bid reaching €1,400 (reserve €2,500) and Honey River unsold at €3,400 (reserve €6,000) although a sale outside the auction is expected for the latter greyhound.

The top selling dog was Sal’s Express, sold for €3,600 to Karol Ramsbottom, a Laois based trainer.

Billy O’Dwyer of the Sales & Ownership Committee commented “The Thurles Sales shows growing confidence in the market. There was phenomenal demand as there was a bid received for every dog. Bidding was very strong with the average selling price at €1,000 - this is a new record for a sales meeting in Thurles. Most buyers were looking for general graders. I believe the demand is due to a recent increase in prize money of 25% or €1.2m by Bord na gCon, along with demand for the SIS market in the UK. The overall prize money total will mean an investment of over €9 million across 16 tracks nationwide.”

Top selling greyhounds
Salls Express
€3,600
Move over Ming
€2,500
Nessas Star
€2,000
Dance Meeta
€1,900
Anamore Rusty
€1,900
Election Reward
€1,700
Move over Henry
€1,650
Vale Jogger
€1,350
Shay’s DJ
€1,350
Warrior
€1,350
She’s a Flyer
€1,200
Home town goal
€1,100
Braqcket Hall Duke
€1,100
Mind a Penny
€1,050
Boots no Bell
€1,050
Tell on Blacy
€1,000
Drynan’s Boy
€1,000
Gateman
€1,000

2016 National Greyhound Awards

Double win for Jaytee Jet at the National Greyhound Racing Awards

The National Greyhound Racing Awards were held on Sunday 22 October in the Killashee Hotel in Co. Kildare. The event was kindly sponsored by Galway Crystal in its tenth consecutive year. A previous winner of the Easter Cup and English Derby, Jaytee Jet almost stole the show after taking home the awards for Dog of the Year and Supreme Greyhound of the Year.

Witches Belle faced off strong competition from Holycross Leah and Sidarian Pearl to collect the Bitch of the Year honour for owners Liam and Edel Twomey. Airmount Tess got the award as Stayer of the Year while Ballymac Bigmike & Scarlet earned a double honour for Liam Dowling as Sprinter and Brood Bitch of the Year respectively.

The Future Star went to Droopys Wilbury and the Stud Dog award went to Droopys Scolari, over Headbound and Kinloch Brae. Francie Murray, a trainer based near Mullingar, received the Hall of Fame award. The Special Merit award honoured Jim Russell, while Tara Fitzpatrick, racing enthusiast and founder of All About Greyhounds, a Belfast re-homing agency, was the awardee for Greyhound Welfare.

Phil Meaney, Chairman of the IGB commented “I wish to congratulate all finalists and winners for their achievements. The high standard of quality across all categories is evidence of the commitment and passion that exists within the Irish Greyhound Industry. I wish to thank Minister Andrew Doyle TD for presenting the awards and for the continued support of Government for the greyhound sector.”

Retired Greyhound Stroll around University of Limerick

The members of the University of Limerick Greyhound Racing Society have organised a Retired Greyhound Stroll around the grounds of the University of Limerick on Wednesday 25th of October.

Owners of Retired Greyhounds to confirm their participation with Mr. Joe Sheahan joesheahan90@yahoo.com or Mr Barry Coleman barry.coleman@igb.ie 

Owners to meet at Court Yard at 11.15am and members of the U.L. Greyhound Racing Society will be available to assist owners with the parading of greyhounds if they have a number of retired greyhounds on the day. 

Please support the Society with this greyhounds as pets awareness campaign in any way you can. Thank you.

St Leger Rd 2 extra split times

With the split clock being a bit temperamental on the opening night, the few figures we had to hand from last week could not be applied with confidence so we had to wait until Saturday's second round heats to go all nerdy on the Leger!

I would estimate the track to have been on the slow side by about 30 spots so some of the split times are quite impressive. Clearly the figures would make Clonbrien Hero a worthy favourite at this point as the fastest runner to the third bend and his finishing split too compares very well, especially as he is likely to be in front most of the time!

The likes of Priceless Rum and Jaytee Dutch are going to be difficult to eliminate with impressive finishing times that you may expect to see at 525 but which are superb for the Leger trip, however, clearly both will have to turn closer to put these finishing kicks to winning effect.

Heat 4 on Saturday was a high class affair where all were staying on well and with Cabaye and Brae in particular being capable of a sharp run to the third bend, they must remain of interest for outright contention. Jaytee Denver clearly stays very strongly but he must show more in the opening half of his races going forward.

Anyway, use the figures in conjunction with the race card when studying up for the quarter-finals and we will try to establish some trends after this week's action.

ST LEGER RD 2	Opening 325 Yards	Closing 225
HEAT 1 – 29.89
COOLAVANNY MASON	17.50	12.39
PRICELESS RUM	18.06 ckd	12.18
CHAWKE IT DOWN	17.50	12.79
HEAT 2 – 29.92
GULLEEN BILLY	17.48	12.44
SONIC	17.53 ckd	12.49
BEARA GIG	17.90 ckd	12.44 ckd
HEAT 3 – 30.11
CAHIR CASTLE	17.80	12.31
GARRYVOE BOBBY	17.81	12.47 ckd
HOVEX MICK	17.85 bmp	12.31
HEAT 4 – 29.96
DROOPYS CABAYE	17.60	12.36
JAYTEE DENVER	17.91	12.26
SWITHINS BRAE	17.76 ckd	12.33
HEAT 5 – 30.01
JAYTEE YANKEE	17.56	12.45
BLACK EYED PEPPA	17.78 ckd	12.35
FALCON BAY	17.70	12.48
HEAT 6 – 29.72
CLONBRIEN HERO	17.38	12.34
JAYTEE DUTCH	17.94 ran wide	12.16
ARCLIGHT BOLT	17.70	12.46
HEAT 7 – 30.16
KNOCKNACREE SKY	17.70 ckd	12.46
DRIVE ON TIPP	17.79 crd/bmp	12.36
HEWHODARESWINS	17.69	12.85 ckd
HEAT 8 – 30.18
BALLYBOUGH DAD	17.75 ckd	12.43
MISTY SUPREME	17.65	12.56
AWAY JET	17.86	12.60