‘Strolls to GAIN Homes’

‘Strolls to GAIN Homes’ – Ireland’s Best Secret Pet

August is Greyhound Rehoming Month

Across ten cities and towns throughout the month of August, Strolls to GAIN Homes will showcase Ireland’s best kept secret pet: the Irish greyhound. Contrary to popular perception, a pet greyhound requires little exercise or special diet, many owners confess that their beloved hound spends most of their day on the couch!

This new campaign kindly supported by GAIN Greyhound Nutrition, will allow the public to interact with these loveable hounds and discover that they can make for fantastic pets.
All events are open to the public and all greyhounds are welcome. Spot prizes will be given to the best presented greyhound.

The Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT) was established by the Irish Greyhound Board and is jointly funded together with greyhound owners to rehome greyhounds after retirement and in promoting greyhounds as domestic pets. Many retired greyhounds are also rehomed throughout Ireland, Europe and North America through charities supported by the IRGT.

Barry Coleman Welfare Manager with the IGB commented “Greyhounds make for excellent pets. They shed very little fur, require little exercise or special diet and can be quite lazy! Many can go from being an excellent racer to enjoying retirement on the family couch very quickly. The public are invited to our strolls and to support us on social media using #StrollsToGAINhomes”.

A few rules for dog owners: all dogs on leads, always clean up and please bring water and bowls. For more information please visit greyhoundsaspets.ie or email barry.coleman@igb.ie

Barry Coleman (IGB), John Fox & Willie Rigney GAIN Greyhound Nutrition and Patrick Flynn (Shelbourne Park)

IGB thanks interim CEO Brady

IGB Board offer thanks to interim CEO Dr Sean Brady

The Irish Greyhound Board wishes to thank Dr Sean Brady for his term as interim CEO during an exceptionally challenging period for the industry. Chairman Phil Meaney commented “Dr Sean Brady showed consistent and steady leadership during the most challenging period of change for our industry. I want to thank him personally and on behalf of the Board for his tireless efforts and optimism and we wish him every success for the future.”

Dr Sean Brady commented “I want to express my deep gratitude to our hard working and talented staff in Limerick and at every track throughout the country. Their dedication is what drives our business and brings 640,000 patrons through our gates every year. From the track teams, EHS, Tote, Head Office and local supporters, the industry has excellent people working in it. Their efforts receive little recognition but are essential to our success.”

Dr Sean Brady acknowledged that unpopular decisions were taken during his short term but added “Some people may never agree with the decisions I have taken but they know where I stand, I am straight with everyone.”

Looking to the future, Dr Sean Brady repeated his call for all stakeholders to work together for their shared future and added “The industry faces significant challenges which can only be addressed through cooperation amongst stakeholders and unity of effort across the sector. We need all shoulders to the wheel to renew the greyhound industry. I wish my successor Gerard Dollard every success in his new position.”

IGB Appoints new CEO

Irish Greyhound Board Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

The Irish Greyhound Board has appointed Mr. Gerard Dollard, the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Economic Development of Clare County Council, as its new CEO.

Mr. Dollard, a native of Limerick City , has responsibility for the promotion of economic development and tourism in County Clare and  brings a significant record of long term strategic planning,  financial, human resource  and community development  expertise to the CEO  role.

In recent years, he played a key role in the promotion and development of internationally  known  tourism projects such as  the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience and the UNESCO Burren Geopark. He has held the position of Finance Officer, Director of Service Environment and Emergency Services and Director of Service, Community and Enterprise with Clare County Council.

Mr. Dollard will now lead the organisation with overall responsibility for sixteen racing tracks, IGB and private, in Ireland and for an industry that provides direct and indirect employment to several thousand people. The Irish Greyhound Board itself employs almost 800 full and part time staff. The industry supplies the raw materials in the form of greyhounds to greyhound racing internationally, with over 83% of greyhounds racing in the U.K. being bred in Ireland.

The Chairman of the Irish Greyhound Board, Mr. Phil Meaney, warmly welcomed the appointment of the new CEO.

  “ The Irish greyhound industry is undergoing rapid change and is moving into a more positive space after a number of difficult years. Gerard Dollard has a proven, relevant  skills set as the Irish Greyhound Board  looks to the future of the industry. Our ambition is to deliver a commercial, well regulated Greyhound Racing and Breeding Industry and a customer centred, exciting and value led entertainment experience. The Board and I look forward  to working with Gerard to realise these objectives.”

Gerard Dollard

Consultative Forum

IGB Release:

National Greyhound Consultative Forum held by IGB in Limerick

The National Greyhound Consultative Forum was held by the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) on Tuesday (18 July) at Limerick Stadium. The forum was arranged to seek feedback and engagement as to how the industry can best develop in the years ahead. Invitations were sent to a wide range of industry stakeholders including greyhound owners and breeders groups, private stadia, bookmakers and other trade groups. Eighteen people from a cross-section of greyhound stakeholders attended the meeting.

Interim CEO of IGB, Dr Sean Brady commented “This forum is the start of our industry coming together to focus on our renewal and future development. The IGB’s efforts will be undermined unless we have buy in from all stakeholders. Our industry faces enormous challenges such as new wagering technologies and the public concern over welfare. These issues are far too serious for some who may prefer to wait in the long grass and not participate. A debt free future now presents a unique opportunity for our sector to come together to address these challenges.”

The forum was opened and chaired by IGB Chairman Phil Meaney who acknowledged the industry had come through a very challenging period but would soon be in a position to re-invest. This was followed by a business update with presentations by the IGB executive team; on welfare and exports, marketing, regulation and integrity measures, including wagering and the fall in on-course revenues across Tote operators. The final presentation was delivered by Dr Sean Brady who stressed the need for the sector to work together constructively in addressing these challenges.

The agenda then allowed for a discussion by all stakeholders as to the future direction of the industry. The discussion covered a number of issues which included the grading system, regulation, recent legislation, improving communications and addressing the public concern about greyhound welfare. Another forum meeting is to be held before year end, with Dr Brady inviting all stakeholders to work with the IGB over the coming months to address the common objective to improve the performance of greyhound racing and entertainment in Ireland.

Laurels Best Dressed Lady

Wilton Shopping Centre employee, Karen, launching the search for Best Dressed Lady at this year’s Irish Independent Irish Laurels Final in Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium on Saturday 22nd July. The Best Dressed competition, which can be entered on the night, offers €1,500 worth of prizes and will be judged by Wilton Shopping Centre Manager, Susanne Irwin, and Bairbre Power, Fashion Editor of the Irish Independent. Visit www.CurraheenParkGreyhoundStadium.ie for more info.

GAIN Corn Cuchulainn

GAIN Corn Cuchulainn returns to Shelbourne Park with prize fund of €22,500

Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium have today (Tuesday 4 July) announced the return of the GAIN Greyhound Nutrition Corn Cuchulainn six bend classic to be held throughout July 2017. This year’s renewal has a prize fund of €22,500, with a winner’s prize of €12,500. The event is designed for 36 greyhounds over four consecutive Friday nights starting on 7 July. The second round heats will be held on 14 July, semi-finals on 21 July with the grand final on Friday 28 July.

Patrick Flynn Sales, Operations and Commercial Manager Shelbourne Park commented

“The GAIN Corn Cuchulainn is now firmly established as one of the Classic events on the racing calendar and we are delighted to be hosting this years renewal which has a fantastic prize fund in excess of €22,500. We look forward to working again with GAIN, a great supporter of Irish Greyhound racing on this prestigious event guaranteed to produce some superb racing action throughout the month of July.”

The Corn Cuchulainn 750 yards event was first held in 1961 and has now become firmly established as one of the top six bend events in the world, having first carried classic status when won by De Eight Wonder in 2005. Having started in 2010, this is the eighth year in a row that GAIN Greyhound Nutrition has sponsored the event.

Pictured at the launch of the GAIN Greyhound Nutrition Corn Cuchulainn at Shelbourne Park on Tuesday 4 July are L-R Daniel Creech (Racing Manager), Willie Rigney (GAIN) and Patrick Flynn (General Manager). Starting on Friday 7 July with final on Friday 28 July, a prize fund of €22,500 is available.

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.