Increased Prize-money from October

Irish Greyhound Board confirm 25% increase in prize money

‘Increase in prize money will support greyhound re-homing and welfare’

The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has today (Tuesday 19 September) confirmed the planned increase in prize money through an equivalent of a 25% increase in ordinary race grants will take effect from 1 October 2017.

The 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.

Commenting on the announcement IGB Chairman Phil Meaney said:

“This increase in prize money which works out at an additional investment of €1.2m, will provide for an overall annual prize money total of over €9 million. I am delighted to see this further support to owners, breeders and trainers which will further sustain the greyhound sector. Today’s announcement will also  further support the re-homing of retired greyhounds as a percentage of prize money matched by IGB is assigned to the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT). In recent years, the number of re-homed greyhounds through the IRGT and supported re-homing agencies has increased from 614 in 2014 to 891 in 2016.”

The Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT), a registered charity set up by the IGB, works with owners to re-home greyhounds after retirement and in promoting greyhounds as domestic pets. The charity is funded by a 2% deduction from winning prize money which is then matched by the IGB. Many retired greyhounds are also re-homed throughout Ireland, Europe and North America through charities supported by the IRGT.

Contrary to perception, greyhounds make for excellent pets as they require little exercise or special diet.

Support the IRGT at Derby Final

Show your support for your favourite Derby Finalist this weekend in aid of the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust. Rosettes supporting each of the finalists will be on sale in Shelbourne Park on Saturday night at the Final of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby. Priced at only €5 all money raised from the sale of the rosettes will go directly to the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust, with the rosettes themselves paid for by the IGB Marketing department.

Last year, a total of €1,250.65 was raised for the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust through sales of rosettes and donations received at the Derby Final. **Let's treble that this year!!

Barry Coleman, Welfare Manager at the IGB, manning the IRGT stand at last year’s Derby Final.

Live RTE Derby Fancies

A hugely exciting night ahead and for now we will just concentrate on the positives in our sport at a time which was due to be a celebration of excellence and all that is good in the game. The fastest professional athletes on the planet will do battle for a place in the final of the most prestigious greyhound competition in the world.......and that's all I'm concentrating on today!

For the first time in twelve months, we are back on mainstream TV with five live races on the RTE coverage from 8 to 9.30pm. The first of those is a classy 550 yard event with runners who all contested the Derby itself.

Race 3 Trap 3 Barefoot Painter. Knocked out in the first round of the Derby behind Concrete Jungle who re-opposes tonight, the selection is confidently put forward to get us started in profit. Yes there is some early pace to his inside but he is plenty capable of matching them in the early strides and anything approaching a clear run would see him too strong for that pair beyond halfway.

A threat here would be Me Phat Daddy if returning to his best break but a concerning draw in Trap 5 may be enough to negate that threat especially when considered that in contrast, Painter has his ideal draw. He is 4 from 5 when wearing the white jacket and unlike his opponents who went deeper in the Derby and all ran in the last fortnight, he has had a month to re-assess and is likely to present fresher than any. Expect him to start around the 2/1 mark.

Race 4 Trap 2 Fast Fit Alex. Quite an amount of early pace here which includes reserve Toolmaker Obama in Trap 3 after the withdrawal of Tyrur Hugo and the draw can prove key for the selection. Toolmaker will be kept busy with his attempts to repel brilliant early pacer Cometwopass on the run to the bend and this pair are a major complication for the much respected Ballybough Dad who will be expected to contest close to them on the outside upon turning.

The task for Fast Fit Alex is much more straight-forward than all those mentioned who will be sweating a clear run. Alex can outpace Slippery Billy on his inside for command of the crucial rails pitch and his claims for a clear run are much more plausible. He could possibly lead but even if Cometwopass turns in front, a likely handy position in behind should see Alex pick him up close home at around 9/4.

Race 5 Trap 2 Elusive Heights. Yeah I know, I'm tipping a 14-race maiden to win the semi-final of a Derby Plate but I can see this happen. The selection ran a cracker last week when simply not close enough at the second bend to use his powerful stamina for victory. However, he can turn closer tonight and we will be hoping that the favourite gets everything right from the boxes. Expecting Jaytee Dutch to run wide off the first bend (which he is given to do lately), this heat does not house much early pace and he could hold up the field just enough for the selection to close right up on the inside. In this scenario we would have realistic claims to see the strong stayer gain a deserved first career success at around 11/2.

Semi-final 1

I won't have a bet in the first semi-final of the Derby, for the simple reason that I can't be adamant about what will happen from traps but I can see how the fancied duo of Native Chimes & Tyrur Harold could find a problem or two. If I do put my hand in my pocket, it will be small change coming out and it will go on Buckos Dream for I believe that he can lead to the bend again. 6/1 is big enough to risk small money while hoping for trouble behind to collect.

If he does, he gives dangerous runner Jaytee Barracuda the opportunity to track him with an ideal tow to the back-straight and as long as Jaytee has Bucko to aim at, he will be so difficult to overhaul for anyone who ends up behind him. Of course Native Chimes and Tyrur Harold are the big two here. A concern for both is how Harold moved markedly towards the rails form Trap 5 last week which was a little surprising. Hard pressed, I'd say he won't do that again....but he could I suppose. If he did, that could spell big trouble because although an outsider, Hey Bound can move to the bend and backing either of the favourites at 6/4, you do not want him on your inner when preparing to turn, especially if your main rival is also paw to paw with you as Bucko cuts the nose off everyone.

I expect the class of both Native and Tyrur to get them out of any potential trouble and a fast break for either would settle the race. In fact a fast break for either would almost certainly help the other by affording extra racing room. But with the respected Black Farren ideally drawn, a question or two at trap rise along with the enigmatic Barracuda with a heaven sent draw, there is just too much for my brain to work out here and I'm leaving it alone.

Semi-final 2

This may have just five runners with the loss of a superstar but it is still a compelling likely thriller with simply amazing exponents of the art. To think that a dog who went under the track record for 550 at Longford in June could be 25/1 in a five runner race, well, that's just testament to Drumsna Star's opposition here.

As ever, the draw is key and that is the reason Good News earns the vote. There have been many runners in the Derby who would expect to lead the main players here on the run to the bend but in reality, Good News, Sonic and Kilgraney Ace probably all average the same from boxes to the turn. In that situation you would always like to be on the inside when arriving at the bend and fancying Good News is as simple as that. The three mentioned are expected to contest the lead and given clear runs, are the three I would select to qualify......but, we have learned not to ever discount the mighty Jaytee Jet.

He will again be flying close home and any problems for the leaders will see him pounce on a qualification spot without hesitation. It's going to be a fascinating watch but the draw says Good News at around 7/4.

**I have a few passes for Shelbourne tonight so call to the kennels during the day if you're close to me. Otherwise just get in touch before entering the track but make it early, I will be tied-up from about 6.40 onward.

See you all tonight, from this angle!!

Try a Treble, Again, In Derby Rd 3

The nerves will be starting to jangle for connections of all remaining runners in the 2017 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby ahead of tonight's quarter-finals, not that I'd feel sorry any of them or anything, they are after all exactly where the rest of us all want to be!

We got our treble up last week and we'll have another go tonight for it appears the draw offers the opportunity to cash-in again, albeit quite a bit tougher. The selections will again omit Clares Rocket however with the main reason being lack of value but also because the outright favourite has his most dangerous task of the event thus far from a tricky closing heat.

Stick me to the wall and I still say he'll win but this time he has runners capable of matching him to the bend and the star of the show so far may see a dog tonight for the first time in a month! If Typical Ash was breaking well, Rocket's draw would be even worse but despite his vicious early pace, the Holian runner has to improve his break to bother the favourite. One that can bother him though is Buckos Dream and I would be surprised if he is not on Rocket's inner at the bend.

Although plenty far away in Trap 3, Skywalker Manner could well be upsides that pair at the bend also if back to his early paced best and that's not even considering the possibility that Good News could fend off Manner to the bend; a line of runners approaching the bend in tight quarters is certainly a possibility.

Clares Rocket

There is quality in every box and some classy sorts are in big danger of elimination from the heat. Bocko or Manner can qualify if one of them can turn in front. Whichever of the possible scenarios materialises, Rocket's class will see him through at the very minimum because it's not like he can't recover if things go wrong so for the remainder it might be a case of picking up scraps. Hovex Mick has, in theory at least, a good draw in Trap 1 and is definitely approaching his best at present while Good News has done nothing to suggest that he can't qualify. This is a tough Derby heat, as it should be at quarter-final stage and is a no bet race for me. There are simply too many possible scenarios.

A word of caution though and something that must be looked out for as the hare approaches traps is whether Clares Rocket repeats his mis-timed break of last week. Some may have missed it but he made a very early drive at the trap door a week ago. It was so early that he had time to reset himself for the eventual trap rise but this was a heart-in-mouth moment that his legion of supporters will not want repeated.......settle lad!

Selections
Heat 1 Trap 5 Sonic. The heat appears to be a good make-up for Sonic who should not be inconvenienced by Jaytee Barracuda in the opening exchanges. It must be a bit of a nightmare for Graham Holland with three in the same heat but his Clona Kid looks assured to command the inside and regular readers could probably guess what I think will happen at the bend once Drive On Tipp has a backside in his eye-line.

I expect Drive On Tipp to switch out and move off the bend in search of a sight at the hare; with both Pension Plan and Hey Bound highly likely to be on his right at this point, bumping is very possible. Even Sonic may be in danger of a small tip despite being wider out but he is very much fancied to get around in second place or very close to it and Clona Kid would want to be gone a long way in front to entertain fending him off. You could probably find a more straight-forward 8/11 shot somewhere today but if he's going to win, we have to have him! 8/11 Boyles

Heat 2 Trap 6 Kilgraney Ace. It pains me to go against Native Chimes here, especially after he lined our pockets last week but the Ace is back on song and with an ideal draw tonight, looks assured of clear passage to the back-straight where his slick early pace can have the heat settled before turning for home. Expect Chimes to power around the inside runners at the second bend before going in pursuit but Ace is clocking well and should last home. 11/10 Boyles

Heat 3 Trap 4 Droopys Cabaye. The one to make the treble value but not selected solely on those grounds. Cabaye faces into a very tough heat where again, some supreme talents are in danger of elimination. Housed beside fellow unbeaten runner Tyrur Harold, who was in our treble last week, crucially Cabaye is on his inner. At first glance it looks lethal with Burnt Beans on the opposite side but the selection has not put a foot wrong at traps so far and if these race in tight quarters to the bend I would want to be on Cabaye every time.

Having stood close to the first bend, especially in Round One when he had threatening company alongside, Cabaye behaves live a scary monster entering the turn and is thoroughly willing to take the ground of any and all runners without any regard for his own safety....in other words, he really wants it! If I wasn't backing him in this heat, I wouldn't back any of the others for that very reason, I just couldn't be against him. Backing him to win that early battle amounts to backing him to win the race for if he turns first, he will not be passed and even that last comment was hard to type when you know Jaytee Jet is going to be powering from halfway....some heat! 3/1 Boyles

TREBLE pays 13.5-1 on Boyles

***Anyone passing through Nenagh on their way to Shelbourne tonight, give me a buzz. I can't make it tonight (not happy) but I have a few passes if anyone is near me today.

Cambridgeshire Final 2017

Aside from the obvious at Shelbourne Park, there is plenty to entertain at the top level around the country this weekend and the Cambridgeshire Open 750 provides quality final action at Limerick where the commencement of the always entertaining Birmingham Hooper Dolan 600 forms part of a quality under-card with recent Derby eliminees Mildean Puma and Sellout Magic among a stellar entry.

In the Cambridgeshire, there was some high profile casualties in the semi`s with Ballymac Bonnie and Droopys Smasher failing to progress from a heat won by Oakfront Oreo in a slick 41.76 which was over 80 spots ahead of the opposing semi won by Cailin Pol.

It would be easy to dismiss the qualifiers from the slower heat and in win terms they do have a mountain to climb but that does not mean that they can't influence the outcome.

Aiding Oakfornt Oreo in a thrilling buckle with Searchforahero last week was his draw on the inside of that rival as they cut out a fast pace from the off. Tempering confidence in Oreo now is that same rival's position to his inner while complicating matters for both is the sharp and wonderfully game Cailin Pol who could deny them a rails pitch in the early stages as she would be fancied to lead Rockchase Bilic from Trap 2.

In a short run to the bend it is always likely to get tight at the corner in a 750 race but this time it looks nigh-on inevitable when considered that Society St Ridle is also likely to race in a prominent position on the outside of that trio and predicting who will gain a crucial clear run is far from simple. That said, a fast break for either Oakfront Oreo or Searchforahero could settle the final early.

What is predictable however is that Jaytee Patriot, on all recent evidence, will not be beside these at the bend to worry about an early bump. He hasn't been trapping well and indeed never has in five Limerick outings. Expected to track the early leaders to the third bend, those leaders have very similar figures for the opening 225 yards and the possibility of bumps remains high even beyond the first turn.

The Hennessy runner, who got too far detached last week, can keep closer order to halfway this time before unleashing his powerful finishing kick.

Trap 1:	Flew from halfway in close 3rd to T2 last week. Must keep closer order for late bid now.						13-2
Trap 2:	Such a gutsy performer & semi winner can make bold bid again if sneak round in lead.						11-2
Trap 3:	Lost out in brilliant battle with T4 latest but clear claim again now inside him, chance!						11-4
Trap 4:	Fastest in semi`s, winning thriller vrs T3. Draw a factor & must match him early, player!						11-4
Trap 5:	Just lost out in a cracker with T2 last week. Time to find but likely lead on outer, trios?						6-1
Trap 6:	Got too detached in semi but expect another late rally & powerful stayer is a big factor.						11-4
Win/ Place:		6	Reverse Forecast:	6-3	Trio All-Ways:	6-3-4

Try a Treble in Derby Rd 3!

It's always one the most exciting nights on the racing calendar when the action converges to a single programme of eight third round heats and the 2017 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby will reach the halfway point tonight at Shelbourne Park.

The outlook of the event will become much more polarised come 10.30 pm with just 24 runners remaining, although some would contest that it had already been narrowed even beyond that from the very first exchanges and few could present a reasonable case to contradict those who claim that the Derby already lies between Sonic or Clares Rocket.

Sonic was simply awesome when extricating himself from a perilous first bend position while posting 29.62 last week and was arguably even more impressive than Clares Rocket in his scorching 29.15 success. The latter can again threaten the record if the expected rains can hold off until after Heat 6 but either way, he appears assured of clear passage tonight which can see him remain unbeaten. At odds of around 1/5 however, there's hardly even any point in sticking him in among your other accumulator selections.

CLARES ROCKET

In or around the 8/13 mark though, there is merit in supporting Sonic for Heat 7. I won't lay odds to any bookie in a greyhound race but for those who will, he looks banker material. In betting terms, I'm happier to invest with him in Trap 6 and given that the best early pace in the race is to his immediate inner with Buckos Dream, he can track that rival to the bend while wide of any potential trouble. With Sonic expected to turn in second place, Bucko would need a minimum of six lengths by halfway if he could hope to fend off the Holland powerhouse, and even that would probably not be enough.

At a similar price in a 5-runner Heat 2, Tyrur Harold can also justify a banker tag. From Trap 4, he will have an empty box to his left and likely to break sharper than he did last week, should only have Black Farren on his inner at the first bend while containing those on his outer. A clear run looks highly plausible and he is another favourite who should convert while confirming his very competitive outright claims.

NATIVE CHIMES

Still a short price but bringing the value of a treble up to justifiable reward is Native Chimes in Heat 3. Some will naturally be concerned about being drawn in Trap 6 for a race with all inside seeds but I have never viewed Chimes as draw dependent more clear run dependent, as obvious as that sounds. For completely clear runs are a rarity with this powerhouse. A big framed dog, even his best break takes a stride or two before developing into a full gallop and possessing greater early pace than he largely gets credit for, he invariably reaches the bend in company, more often than not. In middle traps, that can be dangerous for betting purposes but may not be an issue tonight.

While a drift left can't be ruled out, he has in the past and will now happily race outside runners to the bend; as for example when housed in Trap 5 for the Con & Annie Kirby Final. Tonight, Concrete Jungle is likely to dominate the early exchanges on the inner while Clona Kid would be the fancy to match or track him from Trap 5. The latter is an ideal rival to have on Chime's left in the context of this race and expect the Johnny O'Sullivan monster to range alongside him before setting off in chase of Concrete Jungle down the back. Somewhere between 7/4 & 2/1, he'll do for me!

TREBLE PAYS over 6/1 with BOYLES
HEAT 2 TRAP 4 TYRUR HAROLD **won!
HEAT 3 TRAP 6 NATIVE CHIMES **won!
HEAT 7 TRAP 6 SONIC **won!

In the outright market, it's hard to recommend anything at this stage, and I won't! If you're on the Rocket or Sonic, fair play! And if like me you are on one of the others, it does look like we are going to need a poor break and/or a complicated draw for that pair before it is all over if we are to collect, an assertion, not a wish!

That said, it's not even halfway yet and while they look unstoppable at present, you are never too far ahead of a supremely talented posse in the Irish Derby. It's far from a two-dog race and if there is one who I wish I had in my ante-post portfolio at this point it would be Tyrur Harold....and I wouldn't put anyone off him at 14/1.

For the record my own betting hopes are with Native Chimes 33/1, Jaytee Jet 33/1, Swithins Brae 66/1. Keep her lit boys!

Glamour Paws kick-off Derby Rd Two!

Speaking with the Glamour Paws Syndicate last October after Me Phat Daddy claimed victory in the Track Supporters/Langton Hotel Derby at Kilkenny, we learned of a syndicate of friends who had enjoyed wonderful success since Aileen & Kathleen Lennon introduced their fellow members to greyhound ownership.

Now contesting the 2017 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, Me Phat Daddy ran with great credit despite a hefty bump to qualify from Round One and racing from Trap 1 in Heat 1 for tonight's second round, kicks-off proceedings at Shelbourne Park while carrying the Derby dreams of his enthusiastic owners who are pictured below, just in advance of his Round One appearance last weekend.

Good Luck Ladies!

**Below was the the Glamour Paws Syndicate story of October 2016

ME PHAT DADDY

Glamour girls score with a very cool Daddy

One of the most prestigious graded stakes on the entire calendar, the A1 525 Yard Langton Hotel & Track Supporters Club Derby at Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium, more often than not, requires any aspiring winner to possess talents beyond that A1 level and in 2016 the event returned a most impressive victory for Me Phat Daddy (Scolari Me Daddy/Lemon Soul) who extends the brilliant ownership exploits of the Glamour Paws Syndicate in Kilkenny.

Joining the AA0 ranks having claimed the €4,700 first prize, he delivered on his early career promise by winning three of his four heats in the competition. Recording a career best 28.79(-30) in Round 1, he completed the event with a most accomplished display from his suitable Trap 1 draw when keeping pace with 2015 Tipperary Cup winner Black Tom to the opening bend before asserting his dominance on the back-straight for a strong running five and a half length verdict.

The Glamour Paws Syndicate following the victory of Me Phat Daddy in the Langton Hotel and Track Supporters Club Derby at Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium

A third racing representative for his winning owners who began their syndicate with none other than Scolari Me Daddy in 2009, Me Phat Daddy will now target the Waterford Masters with syndicate member Aileen Lennon, daughter of trainer and prolific breeder Dinny Lennon in Threecastles, hopeful that he can continue to improve.

“He’s running great, we’re delighted with him. He’s just starting to come into his own now actually. He gave a long time where he wasn’t really right in himself, just not eating well even though there didn’t appear to be much wrong. But he came through that, was back eating and Dad said to me back in June or July, he’s right now! From that day to this, he has just kept improving, long may it last!

“He’s up in Open class now so you have no choice, you have to take them on but we’ll go to the Masters in Waterford before we think about Shelbourne. It’s a bit closer for us all going racing and it’s a very good competition to see how he can match up with the top dogs. He might lack a bit of early pace at that level but he wasn’t too far off Black Tom, who is a very fast runner, going to the bend in the stake so that’s encouraging and he’s developing to be very strong at 525 yards so you’d think that he can go to 550 in the future. His times are good at Kilkenny though and they should hold up anywhere really, so here's hoping!”

Scolari Me Daddy

The Glamour Paws Syndicate has been hugely successful and although Scolari Me Daddy’s career was interrupted with injury, the eight glamorous ladies who make up the syndicate enjoyed a wonderful start with a Derby quarter finalist who was one of the fastest of his generation. A second runner followed who was naturally always going to be a son of the now successful sire and Me Daddy Rocks was another smart sort, reaching A1 while bridging the gap to the arrival of Me Phat Daddy.

The syndicate ownership experience is one that Aileen, thoroughly enjoys and along with her family, truly believes that it has a very important part to play in the promotion of the sport.

“We had a great start in fairness and not everyone is going have a dog as good as Scolari Me Daddy who will end up at stud. I would like to think though, and I do believe, that even if the first dog had turned out to be less than average, we would have kept the syndicate going.

“With us, it was myself and my sister Kathleen that started the syndicate and we were lucky to have dad doing his best to get us a good one, which in fairness he always does for a syndicate because he wants them have a good experience and promote the sport. But our other six girls have had a great experience and really gotten into the whole thing.

“I don’t think people realise enough just how easy it is to do it. We just started off with €100 each and put €30 a month into it after that. When you think of the cost of entertainment these days, it’s for nothing! All you want after that is someone to take control of things and Aine Costello does that for us thankfully, she’s great. Poor auld Dinny would never get paid if it was left to the rest of us!

“I know we’ve been lucky but we’ve never had to put any extra into the pot, even with Me Daddy Rocks who wasn’t as good as the other two. Making money out of the syndicate wasn’t the priority  but we’ve been lucky and we are in profit, especially with the few bob coming from Scolari Me Daddy’s matings who I must thank all the Dunphy Family for. They have been great to deal with, we couldn’t praise them enough.

“Our aim every year is to have the price of a good night out at Christmas and thankfully we have been lucky enough to do that every year so far. We would take a few a quid each out of the pot after a big win like the stake at Kilkenny but otherwise it stays in the kitty so that we’re always ready for anything that might crop up.”

Me Daddy Rocks

Of the eight members, it is only the Lennon sisters Aileen and Kathleen who were involved in greyhounds prior to the formation of the syndicate but the remainder are now firmly converted race goers with Aileen explaining, “Yeah they're mad for it. Like I said, they have had a great experience so far, lucky really. But we all go racing as much as possible, none of us want to miss him racing. There was two missing for the final last week but they had good excuses. One of the girls had a wedding to attend but Karen Fitzpatrick was giving birth to her first child, a baby girl arrived who on Sunday morning!”

The previously unmentioned syndicate members are Catriona Drennan, Katie Norton who is a lone Tipperary woman amongst seven Kilkenny cats, Lorraine Norton and Aisling Maher.

Asked about the naming of their dogs and of the syndicate Aileen exclaims, “Oh Karen is the glamorous one, the rest of us just follow but we have done some agonising over the naming of the dogs. We were taking ages to come up with a name for Me Phat Daddy but the forms had to be sent away and my brother Tom, doing a bit of messing with us, named him Sugar Lollipop and sent it away!

“Now we weren’t having that and Dinny wasn’t best pleased with it either. He came back from the track after giving him his first trial and said to me, you may go and change that fella’s name fairly quick. I was happy enough to hear that because it probably meant he was decent so I tried first to get Whos The Daddy but that was a registered prefix. Now Phat is supposed to mean cool but not everyone in Ireland gets it, so we still get a bit of stick about the name. It’s still better than Sugar Lollipop though!”

The ownership history of the Glamour Paws Syndicate is a wonderfully successful story and they have shown that for minimal investment and admittedly with a touch of good fortune, syndicate ownership can be a fruitful and exciting way to be involved in greyhound ownership and we wish them all the very best of luck as Me Phat Daddy prepares for the Waterford Masters and beyond.

If you wish to learn more about greyhound ownership or the formation of your own syndicate, you will find all the help and information you need on  http://www.igb.ie/ownership/ where you can download our ownership brochure, syndication registration forms or read about more successful syndicates and their own individual approaches to owning a racing greyhound. Also don’t be shy in asking the many friendly greyhound folk you will encounter at your local track, you will find that are all only too happy to welcome new owners to the sport and help in every way they can.

7-in-a-row Rinwood?

I'll never get the Friday night Limerick tips done if I keep stopping like this but the AJMT Syndicate's Rinwood Pearl (Droopys Cain/Rinwood Niamh) surely merits this interruption.

The Des Flaherty trained bitch, defeated on debut, has been a sprint sensation at Galway as the June 2015 whelp subsequently notched up an unbeaten sequence of six wins while climbing through the grades in the west.

Successful in her S2 350 Yard final last time, she now switches to LMK for an S1 appearance in chase of a seventh victory on the spin. It would be a brilliant achievement is she could complete the feat on her Limerick debut but victory will not come easy for among her rivals on Friday will be the brilliant Treaty Cup Sprint winner Factotem Boy in a mouth-watering contest.

All Jam's first runner!

The wonderful 2014 Sporting Press Irish Oaks winner, Velvet All Jam, will see her first pup begin a racing career when Velvet Ruby (by Kinloch Brae) makes her debut on Friday evening at Limerick Greyhound Stadium.

Retired after that wonderful 2014 final display when defeating Always With Me by three quarters of a length while posting 28.42 in a thriller, the brilliant "Bitch Of The Year" award winner sees the first of five pups by Kinloch Brae (2d, 3b) contest in A7 company over 525 yards. A litter which is certain to draw much attention, Velvet All Jam looks to have solid claims to begin her breeding career with a winner!

Flying start to Derby 2017

What a phenomenal start we had to the 2017 Boylesports Irish Derby on Thursday evening. The Derby will always set pulses racing regardless of favourites winning or fast times but the opening session of ten heats already have this year's renewal amongst the most exciting and highest class ever staged.

Native Chimes is part of my three-strong betting portfolio ahead of the Derby (also Jaytee Jet 33/1 & Swithins Brae 66/1) and still available close to the 33/1 that I nibbled at, I couldn't turn anyone off a bet on Johnny O'Sullivan's powerhouse after he gamely ran down the in-form Skywalker Manner when, I thought very impressively, he began proceedings in a smart 29.69.

What followed was something that we have become very accustomed to over the past few seasons and not many would have doubted, if told, that Graham Holland would return four heat winners on Thursday; but it was the emphatic manner in which they were achieved that left patrons in awe having witnessed greyhound racing excellence, almost starstruck!

Sonic, along with breeder and owner Pat Moloney who entertained the greyhound world with lively interviews ahead of last year's final showdown, endeared himself to the Derby public before starting favourite for the 2016 decider. Some time off, a few moderate runs by his own lofty standards and a very indifferent spell at Towcester however had many wondering if he could get back to Derby contention this year. Now he gave notice that he may be ready for the challenge when mowing down Tyrur Harold in a cracker on the previous Saturday but I doubt anyone was truly anticipating that he could go within Two spots of the track record when lighting the litmus paper on Derby 2017 in Thursday's Heat 2.

It was the best that I can remember him breaking and he displayed more early pace than I believed he possessed. Trap 6 clearly suits him well but he had this over after fifty yards. Yeah Good News had some traffic problems when performing very well in second but even with clear sand ahead early in the back-straight, Sonic continued to increase the deficit and in hindsight, we should have realised that the clock must read something special.

29.12 is almost as ridiculous as it was brilliant for a first round of the Derby and made even more scary when Timmy Holland declared that "he needs races" upon accepting my congratulations. What a start, and truly magnificent to see last year's final favourite in such flying form.

Droopys Cabaye then landed more favourite odds for Team Holland as he continued his stealthy progression for new owner Larry O'Rourke and on any other night, we could well be waxing lyrical about his gutsy 29.63 success. He added quality substance to the kennel challenge before dual classic winner Clonbrien Hero comfortably justified his 4/6 quote clocking 29.65 ahead of a hugely eye-catching display from recent Tipperary Cup Final beaten favourite Cahir Castle who must be fancied for another deep run on this evidence having reached semi-final stage a year ago when just a youngster like Sonic himself was.

Then came the Rocket
The scene had been well set by the time Heat 7 arrived and the hottest dog in any ante-post market did not disappoint. I thought, and actually still contend that 7/1 is too short for any Derby favourite, especially in Ireland with a strength in depth that just can't be rivalled anywhere in Europe and before Towcester I would have said that it was definitely too short for Clares Rocket!

In my mind he went to Towcester as a racing machine in terms of speed but still had questions to answer in terms of elite level competition over five and six rounds. Could he do a Droopys Roddick or a Jaytee Jet and qualify when nothing went right from traps to the back-straight? Had you done your dough if he missed his break and got cut off at the third bend after flying down the back to give himself a chance? Well I still say 7/1 was too short but he answered so many of my questions at Towcester and I would no more tell anyone to avoid him at skimpy odds; ignoring the price, by the time the draw was made and the market appeared, he had shown everything you want to see in a Derby favourite and thoroughly deserved his place at the top.

The top may be where he is destined to stay and even though he has shortened to 7/2, I'd say that won't turn his loyal legion of supporters away. The way he demolished some very talented greyhounds on Thursday was astounding. A white streak of lightning I described him as once and that is what it was like on the back-straight as he glided across the Shelbourne sand. I audibly muttered off the second bend, "the record is gone"; it didn't need to go......the time of night, a later heat, slight changes in going...I don't know but visually, I genuinely don't think a dog has ever moved faster on an Irish track.......29.16....Whoosh!!

It's crazy to think that Tyrur Harold is not making headlines after a brilliant defeat of Toolmaker Obama in 29.46 and PJ Fahy must have been delighted with his opening effort. He along with English raider Dorotas Wildcat (29.62) were the pick of the rest and both, the former in particular, could yet be big players in this Derby as the margins become increasingly finer round after round.

It was a truly exhilarating start to this year's Derby for even the most race hardened of us.....bring on Saturday!

Saturday Aug 19th

I say at this point of every Derby, keep your heat betting to a minimum in the first round. It is always unpredictable and rarely as kind to favourite backers as Thursday's session was. That said, we are all going have a bet of some sort but mine will be a treble with fancied favourites that has real claims of clicking.

HEAT 11 JAYTEE YANKEE :- We have to respect Burnt Beans here and Brinkleys Blaze could possibly pose an early threat also but it's difficult to see a scenario where Yankee doesn't lead the trio to his inside on the run to the bend and that should bring safe passage, enough to justify favouritism at 11/10 on Boyles

HEAT 12 COLLEGE PARADISE :- These days I doubt there is very much between the selection and Jaytee Dutch on the run to the bend from a 550 yard box and the rails pitch should be enough for the Dowling runner to defend the inside line on his main rival before staying strongly for victory. 13/8 Boyles

HEAT 15 JAYTEE JET :- No disgrace in his latest Champion Stakes semi-final third and the make up of this heat gives Jet every chance to open with a win. Yes we have to be concerned about the intriguing Pension Plan and what he may achieve with a slick start but Cometwopass can cut out the running from Trap 5 which will ideally suit the selection. The Cronin runner will not drift out to inconvenience Jet and if Cometwopass sweeps the bend in front, Jet should have an ideal tow into the back-straight to set up his inevitable late surge for victory. 6/4 Boyles

Treble on Boyles pays almost 13/1

**Comment under this post with your Saturday night Derby Heat Nap (just one selection required with your name in comment) for a chance to win two free passes to next weeks Derby action. (Highest priced winning selection is declared winner. If a tie, winner settled by a draw)

Festival of Irish Greyhound Racing announced for Shelbourne Park

*Full three day Festival ticket only €30
*Free Dublin Coach Shuttle on Friday & Saturday

Three days of top-class racing action is to take place in the month of September at Shelbourne Park, Ireland’s premiere greyhound stadium. The Festival of Irish Greyhound Racing will include the Sporting Press Microdog ID Irish Oaks, Connollys Red Mills/ Frightful Flash Kennels Unraced Stakes, the Dublin Coach Puppy Derby and the highlight in the racing calendar, the Final of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2017.

The Festival will kick off on Thursday (21 September) and continue on Friday and Saturday (22/23 September). Smart punters can make a saving by booking early with a full three day Festival ticket only €30 (admission and race programme), compared to the normal price of €40.

Thursday’s race meeting will feature the Opening Rounds of the Sporting Press Microdog ID Irish Oaks and the Semi-Final of the Connollys Red Mills/Frightful Flash Kennels Unraced Stakes. The opening rounds of the Dublin Coach Puppy Derby will kick off on the Friday while Saturday will feature the Final of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2017.

To sweeten the deal, a free Dublin Coach transfer will be available for Friday and Saturday from Burgh Quay in Dublin City Centre.

Festival tickets can be bought online, at the reception desk in Shelbourne Park and from the night office at Shelbourne Park during racing. Great value restaurant packages are still available as normal for each night.

Speaking ahead of the Festival, Patrick Flynn Manager at Shelbourne Park added “The Festival of Irish Greyhound Racing is not to be missed. Not only will racing fans feel the speed over three nights but they can also get great value at just €30 for what promises to be a memorable festival of racing.”