English Derby S/Final Draw

SATURDAY JUNE 24th

Irish In Green

HEAT 1

Hiya Butt
Droopys Buick
Bruisers Bullet
Droopys Acrobat
Murrays Act
Forest Con

HEAT 2

Clares Rocket
Swithins Brae
Astute Missile
Coolavanny Mason
Tyrur Shay
Sallows Ford

REVIEW OF Q/Finals HERE

Irish Greyhound Board announce plan to increase prize money by 25%

The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has today (Tuesday 20 June) announced a planned increase in prize money through an equivalent of a 25% increase in ordinary race grants. This decision has been made possible through the sale of Harold’s Cross Stadium which will clear the company’s legacy debt and facilitate scope for re-investment into the industry.

The increase will take effect once the sales process for Harold’s Cross has closed or by 1 October 2017, whichever is sooner.

Commenting on this IGB Chairman Phil Meaney said, “This increase is step one in a range of measures the Board will be implementing as part of its plan for renewal in the Irish greyhound industry.

"Prize money is the immediate priority for this Board as we develop a larger plan that will include investments in marketing, IT, upgrading our stadia and incentives for breeders.

"This decision is only possible now that we have addressed the severe debt burden that this Board inherited. We will also be hosting a National Greyhound Consultative Forum to seek feedback and engagement as to how our industry can move forward together and this will inform our plan for renewal.

"I believe everyone in our industry can start looking forward with optimism.”

Statement from Tipperary Greyhound Owner Breeders Association

Following recent developments within the greyhound industry members have requested a response.

The picket on Shelbourne Park was a result of the draconian way the Irish Greyhound Board closed Harold's Cross greyhound stadium and the final straw after years of dissatisfaction at the way the industry is run. Over this period of time all indicators of the health of the industry have dramatically declined.

Dublin GOBA in the best interest of the industry have agreed a deal in the last few days to lift the picket and for racing to return to the sports flagship stadium, Shelbourne Park. However, to suggest all in the garden is rosy is some way off the mark.

If the structure of the governing body is not significantly overhauled and replaced by people with expertise in areas such as business, marketing and betting who have a strong interest in the success of the industry, then it will continue to die a slow death until its ultimate demise through mismanagement.

The industry participants have over a prolonged period tried to get TDs from all party's to act regarding the overall health of the industry. In the main this has been to no avail. All Tipperary TDs have been approached with varying results. Members do however wish to express their gratitude for the effort and advice given by Alan Kelly TD. He above all others stood with the industry's participants when we needed help and for this I can assure him he will be remembered by the greyhound people not only in Tipperary but throughout the country.

Chairman of TOGBA

Geoff Parnaby

Derby Q/F Draw

Quarter Final Draw for 2017 English Greyhound Derby

Tuesday June 20th


IRISH in GREEN

Heat 1
Clares Rocket
Astute Missile
Bruisers Bullet
Ballinakil Clare
Shaneboy Freddie
Fweshfromthesesh (w)

Heat 2 
Droopys Buick
Crossfield Hugo
Carn Brae
Newinn Blitz
Swithins Brae
Forest Con (w)

Heat 3
Danzeys Exception
Cable Bay
Droopys Acrobat
Pacey Bambi
Sallows Ford
Murrays Act (w)

Heat 4
Hiya Butt
Coolavanny Mason
Airport Jumbo
Slaheny king
Tyrur Shay (m)
Jaytee Jet (w)

Garryvoe Bobby.....OUT!!

The Irish challenge for the 2017 Star Sports English Greyhound Derby was reduced to thirteen ahead of the third round this coming Saturday when Garryvoe Bobby returned a positive reading from the urine sample taken before his eventful third place finish in last week's Heat 14 of the second round.

The GBGB did not reveal the nature of the analytical finding, or the substance involved, in their statement released today but suffice to say that the news is a bitter blow for the Derby.

With a total of ten entries in the event, all remaining Graham Holland runners have passed their tests from the previous rounds including his remaining runners this weekend (Ballinakil Clare, Clares Rocket) and with the stringent testing regime in the UK, the news of this failure comes as a real shock.

We can only assume and hope that when fully examined, these findings prove to be a miscalculation of withdrawal times on some form of therapeutic or medicinal application over the course of Garryvoe Bobby's preparation as any attempt to dupe the notoriously thorough GBGB testing procedure would be a futile endeavour.

Set to dominate Derby conversations ahead off the Third Round action, the news comes after some sublime track record performances, controversial comments from a high profile trainer regarding the seeding of a different trainer's dog and hotly disputed stewards decisions in two instances of deliberate interference; what next in the Derby that seems to have everything??!!

**Update- Quick to respond to the positive finding, trainer Graham Holland explains that he administered Buscopan, a recognised treatment for urinary issues and irritable bowel syndrome, to Garryvoe Bobby who had displayed an inability to urinate.

"I would like the truth to come out immediately. The dog has a major problem cleaning himself, his father was the same. I was worried about him and spoke to Nick (Savva) who said that Buscopan was particularly effective with dogs that can’t pee. Bobby was really struggling so I gave him a dose.

“The drug obviously stayed in his system for a whole week and I bitterly regret giving it to him. But there was nothing sinister or cruel, quite the opposite. It was a welfare issue for a drug that would have no effect whatsoever on his performance on the track.

“Obviously there will be an inquiry, but I hope it leads to a wider debate. Should we be allowed to apply for permission from the veterinary steward to use drugs like Buscopan if it is in the dog’s best interest. I am absolutely gutted for the owner who has taken it in his stride, but I feel so sorry for him.”


GBGB Statement

Positive sample - Derby withdrawal
16/06/2017

The greyhound GARRYVOE BOBBY trained by Mr Graham Holland has been disqualified from any further participation in the 2017 Star Sports Greyhound Derby following its disqualification under GBGB rule 173(ii) following the positive analysis of a pre-race urine sample taken from this greyhound on 10th June at Towcester racecourse.  The greyhound tested positive for a prohibited substance.


The trainer has been notified.


All other samples taken from the second-round heats have returned negative results.


There is an additional positive sample from the 2017 Derby first round heats from a greyhound that was eliminated at that stage. The trainer and racing office at Towcester have been notified.

Live racing returns to Shelbourne Park

– IGB welcomes positive decision

‘A new beginning for greyhound racing’

 The Irish Greyhound Board has today Thursday (15 June) welcomed the decision by the Dublin Greyhound Owners & Breeders Association (DGOBA) following mediation and a ballot, to support the resumption of live racing at Shelbourne Park Stadium. Racing will re-commence from Tuesday 20 June and will see an increase in live racing at Shelbourne Park and extra supports for the local greyhound community.

Speaking of the resumption of racing at Shelbourne Park, interim CEO of IGB Dr Sean Brady commented “I believe this marks a new beginning for greyhound racing in Ireland. Once the sale of Harold’s Cross is concluded, a bright future free from crippling debt is within sight for our industry. For the first time in years, we can consider increasing prize money, investing in more marketing and upgrading our stadiums.”

Dr Sean Brady continued “I wish to extend my thanks to the DGOBA for their cooperation in settling this dispute. We look forward to welcoming our patrons, Greyhound breeders and owners back to Shelbourne Park next week and to building a successful industry together. The greyhound industry can only ever be successful if we are united together as one team. True to a commitment I made previously, the IGB will host a National Greyhound Consultative Forum within the next 30 days to seek feedback and engagement as to how our industry can move forward together.”

Live racing will return to Shelbourne Park from next Tuesday 20 June. The additional racing and staff from Harold’s Cross will now be accommodated at Shelbourne Park.

Proposals for Settlement between IGB and DGOBA

Introduction

The following set of Proposals for Settlement of the above dispute were agreed for recommendation to the IGB and the members of DGOBA after mediation/negotiations between both parties. The proposed agreement is designed to restore a positive working relationship between both parties, to reopen greyhound racing in Dublin, and to facilitate the interests of the Harolds Cross Greyhound Community in the transition and future involvement at Shelbourne Park.
Dublin Greyhound Racing Advisory Council

The Shelbourne Park Advisory Council is already in existence. To facilitate the integration of the Harolds Cross greyhound racing community in Shelbourne Park, two additional members, one nominee each from DGOBA and IGB will be appointed.

Harolds Cross Racing Manager @ Shelbourne Park
A dedicated racing manager will be provided in Shelbourne Park for Harolds Cross racining. The Harolds Cross Racing Manager will not provide cover for the Shelbourne Park RM and vice versa. Rostering is the responsibility of the Head of Regulation.

Tuesday/Friday Night Racing Shelbourne Park
All Tuesday/Friday race card will have Harolds Cross Racing @ Shelbourne Park. All dogs racing at Shelbourne Park will have SPK on their form guide.

Racing on Tuesday nights will be confined to Harolds Cross regulars within reason. The Friday night card will reflect the type racing previously undertaken in Harolds Cross.

Tuesday Nights in Shlebourne Park
Tuesday Nights racing is guaranteed until the end of the current IGB Board term, which concludes December 2018.

DGOBA Meetings
IGB will facilitate DGOBA meetings by providing a suite on the relevant Tuesday nights.
All trainers and owners with runners in Shelbourne Park will receive a voucher for a free Tea or Coffee to be redeemed in the Shelbourne Park Food Hall. The current tea facilities in the kennels will be discontinued.

Private Trials
Private trials will be granted at Shelbourne Park until the end of the current IGB Board term, which concludes December 2018. The impact of the trials on Shelbourne Park business & industry will be reviewed in Jan 2019.

Transparency
Two copies of the official trap draws before and after will be posted on the Shelbourne Park notice boards for every meeting. Drug testing will be undertaken in accordance with the IGB rule book. When possible a DGOBA member will witness the random test draws.

Dispute Resolution Officer
A dispute resolution officer will be appointed to manage any disputes that may arise as a result of the integration of Harolds Cross racing into Shelbourne Park.

Harolds Cross Parade Coats
These will be transferred to Shelbourne Park for use on Tuesdays and Friday nights.

Dublin Cup
IGB will sponsor the Dublin Cup for €10,000 for the next 3 years (2018,2019,2020). Stipulations to be decided by DGOBA as normal with priority given to their members.

Harolds Cross Classics and Stakes
All HRX Classics and Stakes will remain on Tuesdays and Friday Night cards.

Greyhound Awards
These awards for Bitch/Dog/Trainer & Owner will take place quarterly. Prize, provided by IGB will be a €50 voucher and presentation jacket.

Annual Awards
IGB will provide a suite and finger food for the awards night which will be held on a Tuesday. Trophies will also be provided by IGB.

Harolds Cross Fund Raising Nights
Unless otherwise requested the Harolds Cross Benefit Nights will continue on the Tuesday and Friday nights in Shelbourne Park.

DGOBA Funding
DGOBA to receive a free benefit night to raise funds for DGOBA, annually for the next 5 years.

Transfer of Racing
First Friday Night:11 Race Card, 1st €500, 2nd €150, 3rd €75
Complimentary Bus Transfer provided from Harolds Cross to Shelbourne Park (duration to be confirmed). Those on bus receive free entry to racing in Shelbourne on Tuesday nights for the first 4 weeks.

For the initial 8 week period all prize money will increase by 50% on Tuesdays and Fridays.
A €3,000 stake will be run monthly for 12/24 greyhounds for the first year of racing in Shelbourne Park.

Valentines night pre-booked patrons will receive complimentary dinner/drink on Tuesday/Friday nights.

IGB Board Representation
The mediator will convey to the Ministers the strong view of the DGOBA that in the event of a future vacancy arising on the Board of the IGB, that an agreed representative from the greyhound stakeholders be appointed to the Board, and that in the new greyhound industry legislation should make statutory provision for the appointment of greyhound stakeholders to the board.

Brexit threat to Greyhound Industry

Brexit poses enormous challenges for the Irish greyhound sector

The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) outlined the enormous challenges facing the industry at the fourth all-island sectoral dialogue on Brexit for the Equine and Greyhound sectors on Friday ( 9 June), hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine in Portloaise.

The meeting was opened by Minister Michael Creed TD before discussion groups examined the potential impact and response to Brexit. A presentation was delivered by IGB’s Director of Commercial Operations Colin Walsh that included the impact of currency fluctuations on greyhound stadia close to the border such as Dundalk. Breeders have been significantly affected by the depreciation in Sterling as 85% of greyhounds in the UK are imported from Ireland, with many now being sold at below-cost.

The IGB outlined their priorities to officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine which included: frictionless movement for greyhounds between Ireland and the UK which can be aided by better traceability between the IGB and the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), minimised travel time to ensure greyhound welfare and no disadvantage in trade terms for feed producers in the Republic of Ireland.

Speaking after the meeting, interim CEO of IGB Dr Sean Brady commented, “There are up to 10,000 jobs directly and indirectly dependant on the greyhound sector which contributes €230 million to the Irish economy. The industry is uniquely reliant on the UK market as other markets do not currently exist. Speaking to people within the industry, there is recognition that the next few years will be very uncertain but the Brexit meeting with the Department was very useful in addressing this challenge. I would like to thank Ministers Michael Creed TD and Andrew Doyle TD for meeting different stakeholders.”

English Derby Round Three Draw

SATURDAY JUNE 17th

Star Sports English Derby Round Three

Irish in Green

Heat 1
Carn Brae
Pacey Bambi
Minnies Highway
Minglers Toure
Garryvoe Bobby
Sallows Ford (w)

Heat 2
Bruisers Bullet
Coolavanny Pet
Shaneboy Freddie
Ballinakil Clare
Droopys Who
Dorotas Vic (w)

Heat 3
Romeo Treaty
Cloran Paddy
Droopys Buick
Slaheny King
Newinn Blitz
King Eden (w)

Heat 4
Swithins Brae
Airport Jumbo
College Paradise
Liam Og
Ballymac Sarahjo
Jaytee Jet (w)

Heat 5
Clares Rocket
Priceless Brandy
Crossfield Hugo
Jaytee Yankee
Barricane Tiger
Fweshfromthesesh (w)

Heat 6
Ballymac Matt
Sober Cindy
Droopys Acrobat
Knockard Spring
Tyrur Shay (m)
Forest Con (w)

Heat 7
Velvet Blaze
Danzey Exception
Hiya Butt
Cable Bay
Razldazl Tierna (m)
Calico Ranger (w)

Heat 8
Astute Missile
Stay loose
Coolavanny Mason
Teejays Apache
The Other Reg (m)
Murrays Act (w)

Round Two heat overview HERE

New legislation on greyhound export!

Irish Greyhound Board welcomes new legislation on greyhound exports - Action may be needed at an EU level
‘A new traceability scheme will support greater greyhound welfare’

The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) have welcomed proposed legislation on greyhound exports at the Joint Oireachtas (Parliamentary) Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Tuesday (30 May 2017) however the Board cautioned that action may be needed at an EU level.

The meeting of the Oireachtas Committee took place as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of Greyhound Industry Bill 2017. Currently, there is no legislation prohibiting the exports of greyhounds however the IGB had already stated their opposition of exports to countries do not meet Ireland’s welfare standards.

The movement of all dogs between Member States is currently set on a European level. This may require any further legislative changes to be sponsored at a European level rather than as a national measure in isolation.  Speaking at the committee, an IGB board member stated that concerns over exports relate to all dogs, not just greyhounds and added that some of the practises involving dogs in other countries are ‘appalling’.

At the Committee meeting, the IGB proposed a new greyhound traceability system to underpin welfare improvements.  The robust traceability measure would require that all racing greyhounds to be registered in a new database and for owners to report on significant life events which the IGB believe would be a significant step forward in ensuring greater welfare and accountability.

Under questioning from Oireachtas members of the committee, the IGB outlined significant action taken to combat the doping of greyhounds. In total, circa. 5400 samples were taken to combat doping in 2016, of these 48 resulted in an adverse analytical finding. This result equates to a less than 1% adverse rate and most of these can be explained due to therapeutic substances.
All adverse laboratory results are published along with the decisions taken by the independent Control Committee on doping investigations.

Recently, the IGB invested €400,000 in a new world-leading laboratory analytical machine that is internationally accredited and can detect substances at very low levels in samples which includes anabolic steroids. The IGB outlined their cooperation with the ISPCA and An Garda Síochana in welfare investigations which have resulted in 571 inspections of kennels, 34 full investigations and over 20 sanctions being issued in 2016.

The Irish Independent Irish Laurels

The Irish Independent, Ireland’s leading quality daily newspaper, announced its continued sponsorship of the prestigious Irish Greyhound Laurels competition. Commencing on Saturday the 24th June, with the Final on the 22nd July, this year marks the second year of a 3 year sponsorship agreement.

The sponsorship includes an advertising support package for the event via the Irish Independent and Independent.ie, bringing the Irish Laurels to a nationwide audience.

One of the most important fixtures in the Irish greyhound racing calendar, the Irish Independent Irish Laurels is hotly contested by the country’s top greyhounds for a €60,000 prize purse with the winner taking home €30,000 and the chance to join a respected group of champions.

Speaking of the sponsorship, Arlene Regan, Marketing Manager, of the Irish Independent said “We are pleased to continue our sponsorship of the Irish Laurels in Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium. It is one of Ireland’s most important greyhound competitions and it reinforces our commitment to bringing our readers, listeners and viewers the highest quality and most comprehensive sports news coverage available in Ireland across our newspapers and websites.”

Frank O’Meara, Sales, Commercial, and Operations Manager, Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium, Cork said: “When the Irish Independent first signed on as our sponsor, for an initial 1 year deal and a subsequent 3 year agreement, we were delighted at the opportunity to reach other audiences and prospective fans of greyhound racing throughout Ireland. Their sponsorship has been invaluable to the owners, trainers and fans who treasure this sport and we know the Irish Independent’s continued support will also continue to change and improve the Laurels Classic this summer.”

The Laurels dates back 70 years to 1944 when the classic was first run at the old Western Road venue over the then distance of 500 yards. Earlier this month INM launched ‘The Punter’s Platform’ betting podcast, in association with Ladbrokes. The 25 minute podcast goes live each Friday, and will look ahead to the major sports events each weekend, from soccer to horse racing, to GAA, golf, greyhound racing and anywhere else there are tips to be had for sports fans.

2017 English Derby Second Round Draw

2017 Star Sports Greyhound Derby Second Round Draw

IRISH runners n Green

Friday 9th June

Heat 1
Slaheny King
Priceless Brandy
Rubys Rascal
Graigues Loch
King Eden (w)
Maglass Razzle (w)

Heat 2
Sab Miller
Shaneboy Style
Monepoint Brae
College Paradise
Jaytee Jet (w)
Dorotas Vic (w)

Heat 3
Velvet Blaze
Romeo Treaty
Shaneboy Freddie
Adageo Gold
Carlos Court (w)
Powerful Boy (w)

Heat 4
Cloran Paddy
Barricane Tiger
Ticking Clock
Dorotas Wildcat
Murrys Act (w)
Brinkleys King (w)

Heat 5
Kildallon Turbo
Sober Cindy
Burgess Sugarray
Knockard Spring
Tyrur Shay (m)
Droopys Bonucci (w)

Heat 6
Teejays Apache
Burgess Papa
Droopys Buick
Sisters Secret
The Other Reg (m)
Maireads Spring (w)

Heat 7
Madabout Eoghan
Clares Rocket
Minnies Highway
Coolavanny Pet
Bubbly Turbo (m)
Crossfield Giles (w)

Heat 8
Liam Og
Jaytee Dutch
Crossfield Hugo
Ballymac Belle
Saleen Ash (m)
Calico Ranger (w)




Saturday 10th June

Heat 9
Ballinakil Clare
Droopys Acrobat
Droopys Who
Tiernans Gift
Bockos Alfie (m)
Salacres Koeman (w)

Heat 10
Coolavanny Mason
Toss The Coin
Savana Donie
Bruisers Bullet
Hiya Butt (m)
King Kid (w)

Heat 11
Piemans Bullet
Cable Bay
Pacey Bambi
Astute Missile
Diego Flight (m)
Vancouver Shea (w)

Heat 12
Carn Brea
Ballymac Matt
Kiss And Hug
Jaytee President
Empress Katie (m)
Forest Con (w)

Heat 13
Graces Blueboy
Newinn Blitz
Stay Loose
Awe Struck
Razldazl Tierna (m)
Slippery Louise (w)

Heat 14
Swithins Brae
Garryvoe Bobby
Bubbly Bluebird
Airport Jumbo
Garryglass Champ (m)
Drumkeen Oyster (w)

Heat 15
Minglers Toure
Danzey Exception
Garryglass Teddy
Droopys Wilbury
Kranky Mark (m)
Fweshfromthesesh (w)

Heat 16
Jaytee Yankee
Ballymac Sarahjo
Barricane Tommy
Black Zack (m)
Sallows Ford (w)
Master Kelly (w)

IGB welcomes HRX sale approval

Irish Greyhound Board welcomes the approval for the sale of Harold’s Cross stadium

The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has today (Thursday 1 June) welcomed the consent of Minister Creed at the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and Minister Donohoe at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the purchase of the Harold’s Cross stadium by the Department of Education & Skills, subject to the terms agreed.

Welcoming the approval of the agreed purchase terms, interim CEO of the IGB Dr Sean Brady said, “the sale will open a new chapter of opportunity for all involved in the Irish greyhound industry. The IGB will now be in a position, once the sale and purchase has been completed, to progress debt-free with a robust business plan to invest in rebuilding our industry so as to bring new incentive and growth to the sector.”

Broadly speaking, Dr Brady said, “From the proceeds of sale when completed, the IGB will be in a position to finance planned investment to add value for both greyhound owners and trainers and to enhance the enjoyment experience that greyhound racing provides. This will see necessary investment in stadia, additional promotional and prize money incentives, the implementation of better regulation and welfare programmes and the generation of enhanced customer experience from the greyhound racing sport and entertainment perspective.”

Anticipating the new opportunity that debt-free operation will bring, he added,

“I encourage stakeholders to engage with us, to ensure the future viability of Shelbourne Park with the urgent return of live racing in Dublin. A successful Shelbourne Park is fundamental to the future viability of the greyhound industry and the development of a business plan to chart its viability and sustainability.”