BER DILLON
Thursday, March 18th
The death occurred suddenly on Tuesday of popular Newbridge bookmaker Ber Dillon.
Ber (54), a leading figure on the rails, stood at Newbridge Greyhound track for over 20 years. Ber, whose son David passed away late last year, was a native of Rathangan before moving residence to his current home in Naas. He is survived by his wife Ann and brothers Sean, David and Arthur. We extend the sympathies of the greyhound community to the Dillon family.
Funeral arrangements: Reposing at his home this evening (Thursday) from 6 to 9 p.m. House private on Friday. Removal on Saturday at 9.30 a.m. to arrive at the Church of Our Lady and St David, Naas for Requiem Mass at 10 a.m. Burial immediately afterwards in St Corban’s Cemetery, Naas.
HX JACKPOTS
Thursday, March 18th
Punters at Harold’s Cross on Friday night will have two fine jackpots to chase with attractive guaranteed pools.
The Pick 7, which again avoided punters on Tuesday night, will be guaranteed to €20,000 while the Pick 4 Jackpot will be guaranteed to €1,000. Certainly worth having a crack!
SKATER & HIPPY CAN QUALIFY
Thursday, March 18th
The Paul Hennessy trained duo of Group Skater and Hello Hippy find themselves in opposition in the semi-finals of the Grand Prix at Henlow this evening but both can qualify for the final.
Group Skater, winner of the Golden Jacket just a few weeks ago, will wear the blue jacket with Hello Hippy going from four in the first heat. They face a tough task with the John Mullins trained Bridge Diamond, fastest in the second round, going from six. However both Irish trackers can advance.
The competition favourite Dazzle Special will be a strong favourite to win the second heat in the white jacket.
EASTER CUP CLOSING
Wednesday, March 17th
Owners and trainers are reminded that the College Causeway/ Killahan Phanter Easter Cup will close to entries next Tuesday at 11 a.m. and the first round will be run on Saturday week.
The Easter Cup, which has enjoyed classic status for some years, will be for 48 greyhounds at €50 and the winner will receive €20,000.
It is sponsored by Mike McKenna and no doubt the man from Kerry will have Droopys Noel defending the title he won last year. Droopys Noel showed his current well-being with a brilliant run at Tralee on Friday night last.
Another major event coming up at Shelbourne is the Shelbourne Aston @ Stud Open Unraced which will start on Thursday, April 1st. It will have a winner’s prize of €5,000 and an associated bonus of €100,000 in the event of the winner going on to win this year’s Ladbrokes Irish Derby.
KEV’S TOUGH GAIN TASK
Tuesday, March 16th
While John Doyle’s Kiltrea Kev set a strong pace in the first round of the Gain Feeds Irish Cesarewitch, the 600 yard competition is a really wide open affair as we head into next Saturday’s second round at the Mullingar Stadium.
What has really thrown the cat among the pigeons is the draw which has placed four of the first round winners in Heat 5 and a further three into Heat 6. These are two hugely competitive affairs and include many of the leading fancies for the competition.
Among the rivals to Kiltrea Kev in Heat 6 will be Paul Hennessy’s Green St Lass, Donal Wilson’s Gunner, Brian McCann’s Ropewalk Wonder and Sean Mulcahy’s great stayer Corporate Attack. But Kiltrea Kev will take a lot of beating. He is a very consistent and under rated tracker and set a new track record for 570 yards at Harold’s Cross when winning an A2 570 before Christmas.
The four heat winners in Heat 4 are Lar Kinsella’s Ladbrokes 600 winner Accordello, Joe Campbell’s Home Belle, John McGee’s Frisky Fantasy, the runner-up in last year’s Ces’, and northern bitch Northbound Lucy.
In contrast, just one heat winner Definate Opinion figures in the opening heat while there is no heat winner in Heat 2.
* Full draw and form in Events.
FAHY STEPS IN
Tuesday, March 16th
P.J. Fahy has stepped in to sponsor the Open Puppy 550 at Shelbourne and the 48 dog event will this year be known as the ECC Timber Open Puppy 550.
The competition was known as the Oran Majestic Puppy Stake for the past few years but Des Whyte has stated that he will sponsor an event later in the year this time.
Won last year by subsequent Derby finalist Faypoint Man, the ECC Timber Puppy 550 will commence on April 22nd and the final will be run on May 15th. The event will carry a winner’s prize of €4,000.
TERESA ON BORD
Monday, March 15th
The expected announcement of the new Bord na gCon did not materialise but one of the outgoing members has been confirmed for another term of three years.
Teresa Wall has just completed her first term and it has been confirmed that she will remain as a member for a second term.
The other member due for re-election on the rota basis is Tony McKenna but there is no definite word just yet. There is, of course, another vacancy created by the untimely death of Frank O’Connell. The retirement of the Minister Martin Cullen could mean there might be a delay in completing the process.
SKATER’S UK AWARD
Sunday, March 14th
For the first time ever an Irish trained greyhound has been named the Greyhound Writers Association Greyhound of the Month. Group Skater picks up the award on the strength of his recent victory in the Golden Jacket at Crayford.
Trained by Paul Hennessy for his wife Susan and Florida based priest, Fr Dan Greene, Group Skater is due to run at Henlow today and the award was to be presented during that meeting.
Tote Gold Cup
THURLESBEG A REAL JOKER
Saturday, March 13th
Thurlesbeg Joker produced a sensational performance when winning the second semi-final of the Tote Gold Cup at Shelbourne on Saturday night as he stopped the clock in a brilliant 28.41. It established the Owen McKenna trained tracker to a top of the market rating for next Saturday’s final.
It was a victory that didn’t look on the cards as the field raced to the bend with Tyrur Giovanni just the leader but he was edging inwards. Giovanni was crowded and suddenly the complexion of the race changed completely. Mileheight Dazl shot ahead and led from Royal Tornado but now Thurlesbeg Joker was a close third and motoring. By the third bend Thurlesbeg Joker had shot ahead and he then powered clear to win by six and a half lengths from Mileheight Dazl in 28.41 with Da Hatter a length away in third.
The hugely consistent Fane Basher produced a really gutsy performance to win the opening semi but what a thriller it was. A level start and four of the six runners would almost have been covered by a blanket racing to the bend. However it was Fane Basher (Hondo Black/ Condolleezza) that forced his way through on the inside at the corner and he was clear from Castlehill Pat into the far side.
De Ex Factor produced a big run to go second approaching the third bend but was five lengths down. This fellow is a famed finisher and he really went into overdrive. He cut the deficit with every stride and the two dogs were almost inseparable as they hit the line. However the photo showed that Fane Basher had shaded it by a short head from De Ex Factor in 28.82, with Castlehill Pat all of six lengths adrift in third.
* Full Shelbourne report in Saturday report.
FINAL TRAP DRAW
[To be run next Saturday]
1 MILEHEIGHT DAZL
2 CASTLEHILL PAT
3 FANE BASHER
4 DA HATTER
5 DE EX FACTOR (m)
6 THURLESBEG JOKER (m)
CURRAHEEN’S 10TH BIRTHDAY
Saturday, March 13th
Time moves fast. It’s hard to believe that it is almost ten years since Curraheen Park opened its gates and it is planned to have a big birthday party to mark the occasion on Saturday, April 10th.
The date coincides with the semi-finals of the McCarthy Insurances Cork Oaks (see Track News) and it promises to be a real gala occasion.
There will be finger food, kids goodie bags, a fantastic live band and everybody in the stadium will be automatically entered into a draw for a great prize which comprises Two nights in the Grand Hotel in Dublin and entrance and Dinner for Two to the Ladbrokes Derby. Also on the night the final of the Curraheen Park 10 Year Party A4 525 and the English Derby Trial Stake will also be run
LINEHAN TOP CORK TRAINER
Wednesday, March 10th
John Linehan will be honoured at Curraheen Park on Saturday night when the Annual Greyhound Awards will be presented.
Having enjoyed a tremendous year with his charges, the Blarney handler will receive the Public Trainer of the Year Award.
Mumhan Aris, a son of Top Savings and Ballinahina Maid trained by Denis Fitzgerald for the Abbey Bar Syndicate, is the top tracker after winning fourteen races during the year.
There are joint winners of the Private Trainer Award in Tom O’Neill and Bobby Barrett while Helen Wadsworth is the Owner of the Year.
MARKET’S FIELD FOR €2 MILLION
Tuesday, March 9th
The Market’s Field in Limerick is synonymous with greyhound racing but over the years it has also hosted many other sports, particularly soccer. There is a growing possibility that it can again become the home of soccer in the western city when the greyhounds switch to the new stadium later this year.
When addressing the assembled audience at the Strand Hotel on Sunday, IGB chairman Dick O’Sullivan expressed the hope that the Limerick club would be able to move in to the venue.
Dick confirmed that the Board would be happy to receive €2m for the ground, representing what the venue cost the greyhound body. Efforts are apparently being made by the soccer interests to raise the necessary finance which would enable the Market’s Field to become the centre for soccer in the city.
HAVE YOU MARKET’S FIELD MEMORABILIA?
Tuesday, March 9th
The Irish Greyhound Board are involved in the Sporting Heritage project which is currently being undertaken by Boston College, based in St Stephen’s Green. The Board’s Head of Marketing Orla Strumble is appealing to greyhound followers to help her in her efforts to produce a thorough submission on the 70 plus years of Market’s Field.
Says Orla: “The project is funded by the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism and our submission is focused on the Market’s Field which is especially apt since we are moving location at the end of the year and want to ensure that we leave with a full record of all our years at the same venue.
“We will be taking photographs of the existing property and personalities at the venue and compiling them for use for the website and for the project itself. I would be most obliged if anyone with old photographs of the stadium, presentations, etc. would permit us to copy them as part of the project and include them in the history compilation. People can contact me at orla.strumble@igb.ie or 061 448025. This may also include soccer or any other events that were held in the Market’s Field that may be of historical interest. We already have rugby and cycling pictures to include”.
I am sure plenty of our readers will have photos or programmes of the great days for Limerick, particularly the magical Al Finucane era.
€25K FOR PRODUCE WINNER
Tuesday, March 9th
Fears that the prizemoney for the Red Mills Produce Stakes at Clonmel would be drastically reduced have been allayed with confirmation that the winner of the classic will receive €25,000.
There will be a total prizefund of €48,400 for the 96 dogs whelped in 2008 at €70 each. The entries will close on Monday, March 29th at 12 noon with the first round to be run on Thursday, April 1st and Sunday, April 4th.
MARTIN CULLEN RETIRES
Monday, March 8th
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen has informed the Taoiseach that he is retiring from the Cabinet and from public life due to ill health.
It had been widely speculated in recent times that Minister Cullen was about to retire, after spending some days in hospital due to back trouble last week.
Last night it became official when Mr Cullen tendered his resignation to the Taoiseach. In his letter he wrote that “I have always been a fighter and optimistic in both my personal and political life, however my consultant’s advice is that my condition is deteriorating further and options for treatment and recovery are narrowing…. As a result of my current medical condition and taking advice from my medical consultants, it is with regret that I must now retire from public life”.
Mr Cullen has been in the position of Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism for almost two years. His last public appearance at a greyhound function was a few weeks back when he presided over the unveiling of Ladbrokes as the new sponsors of the Irish Derby.
We wish Mr Cullen the very best in his retirement and in his battle with illness.
GORMLEY UNDER FIRE
Thursday, March 4th
Minister for the Environment John Gormley has left little doubt that he is totally against the Irish Greyhound Industry and his statements on Wednesday have pinpointed the need for our industry to stand up and be counted.
Fine Gael Waterford Senator Paudie Coffey has issued a very strong statement calling for the Departments of Agriculture and Sport to clarify the comments made by Minister Gormley in which he declared that the Regulation, Integrity and Welfare systems employed by the Irish Greyhound Industry are inadequate in their present form.
We have been stressing for some time the importance for everybody involved in this industry to put their shoulders behind the wheel and to battle against the Green initiatives which are so clear in the proposed Dog Breeding Establishments Bill.
Thankfully, Senator Paudie Coffey has now come out with a very strongly worded statement where he calls on all Fianna Fail TDs and Senators to come out and make their feelings on the subject known.
BE WARNED - The Greyhound Industry must go to war on this one now – next week could be too late!
* Below we carry the statement issued by Senator Paudie Coffey.
“Clarification needed from Depts. of Agriculture & Sport on Gormley’s comments” - Coffey
Laws governing greyhound and coursing bodies inadequate, says Environment Minister
Fine Gael Waterford Senator, Paudie Coffey, has today (Wednesday) called for clarification from the Departments of Agriculture and Sport on comments made by the Environment Minister that the existing regulation governing the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) and the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is inadequate.
Senator Coffey went on to say that the Minister’s comments, which could potentially be extremely damaging for the industries, demand a response from the Departments that preside over each respective body.
“Statements this morning by the Environment Minister, while debating the Dog Breeding Bill in the Seanad, that the current legislation that governs the IGB and the ICC is inadequate, are potentially toxic and could potentially cause irrevocable damage to these industries, domestically and internationally.
“When I questioned the Minister last week in the Seanad about whether or not the IGB and the ICC, both of whom are currently regulated by the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, would be subjected to fees and inspections on the double, following the introduction of this Bill, he danced a jig, was astoundingly ill-informed and completely unable to give a straight answer on the matter.
“His comments today will undoubtedly cause considerable unease, however, for Ministers Cullen and Smith as both the greyhound and coursing sectors are generally thought to be well regulated and are the subject of very few complaints.
“Minster Gormley’s attempt to have his own Bill passed by casting a slur on the current regulation system, as well as two semi-State agencies, is beyond belief. I am calling on Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators to front-up and clarify if they agree with Minister Gormley’s slur on regulation within the Irish Greyhound Industry which has high standing internationally. This Bill, as it currently stands, has the potential to wipe out the Irish Greyhound Industry. Fine Gael agrees that puppy farming must be regulated, however, the Party has submitted amendments that will protect the Irish Greyhound Industry which the Government would be well advised to accept.”
GORMLEY FAILS TO ALLAY FEARS
Thursday, February 25th
The Irish Greyhound Board has welcomed Minister John Gormley’s promise that he will consult fully with stakeholders on amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill during questioning in Seanad Eireann today. However, I personally found the Minister’s performance both unconvincing and very worrying with regard to the proposed Bill.
While listening online to the Seanad debate one had to wait for the very final section of the session before the greyhound subject was raised. The Minister on a few occasions reminded his questioners which included Paudie Coffey, Liam Twomey and Maurice Woods, that they had been consulting with all sectors of the Dog Industry for five years. This is untrue as the top officials in the Irish Greyhound Board will confirm.
There was also a deafening silence when he was queried strongly as to how the wording of the act could include the breeding of bitches of four months old. Mr Gormley declined to answer questions regarding the need for two sets of inspections of kennels and one must say that the Minister appeared totally unaware of the implications of the Greyhound Industry Act 1958.
In the statement issued by the IGB today, Chairman Dick O’Sullivan says: “Today’s debate has highlighted the existing registration of all greyhound matings, litters, naming and transfer of ownership as well as the marking and DNA profiling. There is no question that the proper regulations being introduced to end practices of ‘puppy farming’ are to be welcomed. It is important though that the Greyhound industry is recognised as being already compliant with standards that are in fact higher than those included in this Bill as part of the Greyhound Industry Act (1958)….. We will continue to campaign urgently and energetically on behalf of the industry to ensure that the right and proper legislation is enacted which is strong on welfare in the areas that require strengthening in this regard, but that which does not damage the greyhound industry as an unnecessary side effect”.
Meanwhile the IGB have received further supportive replies to their letters which were delivered to all TDs and Senators last week. These include TDs John Browne, Michael Woods, Eamon Scanlon, Michael Moynihan, Michael Kitt, Brendan Kenneally, Olivia Mitchell and Leo Varadkar and Senator Denis O’Donovan.
Adrian Neilan has reported that “we met Labour TDs on Tuesday and the Fianna Gael Parliamentary Party on Wednesday and have looked for a similar meeting with Fianna Fail”. There is no doubt that the battle is hotting up but it remains imperative that everybody involved should continue to apply pressure on all TDs and Senators. Soon could be too late, NOW is the time.
* To view a video playback of the Senate debate Click Here
* To access the Senate debate Click Here
* To access the IGB Statement Click Here
Major Boost For The Greyhound Industry As
LADBROKES TAKE OVER IRISH DERBY FOR 3 YEARS
Monday, February 22nd
Ladbrokes Ireland will sponsor the Irish Derby for the next three years. This very positive news for the Irish Greyhound Industry was announced at a press conference at Shelbourne Park this afternoon.
The premier classic had been sponsored by Paddy Power Bookmakers for ten years, from 2000 to 2009 inclusive and now another of the major bookmaking firms has taken over the mantle of the world’s most valuable and prestigious greyhound classic.
Ladbrokes is Ireland’s largest bookmaker, operating from over 270 shops nationwide. The company offers internet, telephone and mobile betting to a global customer base and this new sponsorship deal is set to further expand their product on offer.
Ladbrokes will, for the first time, show all heats of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby via live feeds to all of their UK shops, giving their UK customer base a first look at the 2010 Irish Derby winner. This coverage will be exclusive to Ladbrokes to the semi-final stage.
Joe Lewins, Managing Director of Ladbrokes Ireland, said: “The Irish Greyhound Derby is regarded as a prestigious sporting event both at home and afar, and our association heralds the start of exciting times for Ladbrokes and the broader greyhound industry. It is an event that captures the hearts and minds of the Irish sporting public and we intend to deliver that sense of sporting excellence to a wider global audience than has ever been the case up until now.
“Ladbrokes has a great record in preserving the best of sporting tradition. The Irish Greyhound Derby is an addition to an already expansive Irish sports sponsorship portfolio and we will be working closely with the management at Shelbourne Park and the Irish Greyhound Board to further raise the profile and importance of this great event”.
Speaking on behalf of the IGB, Chairman Dick O’Sullivan said: “It has been a difficult past twelve months for all sport and business but this is a great start to 2010 and the pulse of the sport will be racing faster as a result of this announcement today.”
Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism said: “Greyhound racing is a premier evening entertainment and also a major sporting activity, with the Irish Greyhound Derby the most significant night of the year. I congratulate the Derby’s new three year sponsor Ladbrokes (Ireland) and wish both Ladbrokes and the Irish Greyhound Board a very successful partnership. The Government, in its support for the Irish Greyhound Board, is committed to the continued development of the sport and the greyhound industry, which is a key employer particularly in our rural communities.”
The Ladbrokes Irish Derby will commence on August 4th at Shelbourne Park while the final will be the highlight of the greyhound year when it is staged on Saturday, September 11th.
600 NOW UP FOR GRABS
Tuesday, February 23rd
With Ladbrokes safely wrapped up as the new sponsors of the Irish Derby, the search now intensifies for a new sponsor for what was originally known as the Guinness 600 and has been the Ladbrokes 600 since 2003.
The 600 is the longest running sponsored event in the Irish calendar. It was first run back in 1964 when won by the legendary bitch Cranog Bet and quickly became established as one of the most popular events on the Irish greyhound calendar.
It remains one of Ireland’s premier events and the last two runnings have featured those amazing finishing bursts from College Causeway, one a successful late surge in 2008 and last year’s unlucky effort behind Accordello.
Given the fact that it will be one of three live programmes on RTE TV this year, the 600 should be a prime target for any greyhound associated company. Word has it that Patrick Flynn and the IGB team have been in discussions with potential sponsors but, obviously, the main priority has been securing the Derby sponsorship first and then shifting the attention to the other pieces in the sponsorship puzzle.
Dog Breeding Establishment Bill
GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS
Friday, February 19th
The battle to have the Greyhound Industry removed from the controversial Dog Breeding Establishments Bill is gathering force and there has been a very positive early reaction from many of the Public Representatives contacted by IGB CEO Adrian Neilan this week.
Neilan sent a letter to all TDs and Senators earlier this week and already he has received considerable positive reaction. He said this morning: “We have got very significant levels of support by phone calls and letters and I would like to say thanks to Niall Collins TD who actually arranged to have all the letters hand delivered to the representatives.
“I have had considerable support in phone calls from Peter Power, Jimmy Deenihan, Brian O’Shea, Jerry Buttimer, Paudie Coffey, Maurice Cummins and Mary Upton and the letters are coming in thick and fast”.
The following are some of the messages received :
* The greyhound racing and breeding industry in this country must be protected. I have owned and bred greyhounds in a personal capacity and appreciate entirely the high standards with regard to maintaining the annual Stud Book through registration of all matings, litters born, greyhound naming and transfer of ownership …. There is no reason why additional legislation is required as the provisions set out in the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 don’t need to be adjusted or amended. Senator Paudie Coffey will be tabling an amendment on behalf of Fine Gael in the Seanad seeking the exclusion of the Greyhound Industry from this Bill. I will raise this serious matter at the next Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting and look forward to strongly supporting the Greyhound Industry’s exclusion from the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill – Joe Carey T.D., Fine Gael Spokesperson of Juvenile Justice.
* The Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen T.D., has asked me to acknowledge receipt of your letter … which has been referred to the office of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr John Gormley T.D., for attention and direct reply to you – Paul Mooney, Taoiseach’s Private Office.
* I will consult with my Party Spokesmen on this issue and I hope that we can work together to maintain what is a very important indigenous industry which gives so much employment throughout the country even in these difficult times – Bernard Allen T.D.
* I note your concerns in relation to the greyhound industry in the context of the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill. I appreciate the issues you have raised in this regard and you can be assured I will take on board the sentiments you express – Senator Ivor Callely
* Thank you for your letter. I have written to Minister John Gormley for his comments in this regard – Michael P. Kitt T.D.
* Thank you for your recent letter outlining your concerns for the Greyhound Industry with regard to the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill. I have noted your comments and also passed a copy of your correspondence to the Minister for consideration – Senator John Ellis
* Thank you for your submission which I will discuss with my Parliamentary Party colleagues – Brendan Howlin T.D., Leas-Cheann Comhairle
Editor – It cannot be stressed strongly enough the importance of having the Greyhound Industry excluded from the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill and all supporters are asked to contact their Public Representatives and state the case as strongly as possible. A public message will be read out at all greyhound tracks tonight and tomorrow night during racing to highlight the issue.
NEW UK REGULATIONS FOR IRISH RUNNERS
Thursday, February 18th
The Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations UK will come into force on April 5th and, in advance of their introduction, the GBGB have now modified its requirements for greyhounds wishing to race or trial on all its tracks as international entries.
From 1st March 2010, an international entry will only be permitted to race or trial if the greyhound has first been micro-chipped and registered on the GBGB Registry database.
There is no charge for an international entry registration. However, the following information must be provided to GBGB not less than five working days prior to the closing date of the intended race/ competition and not less than five working days prior to participation in a trial:
* Name and address and contact telephone number of owner (or owners if in joint ownership).
* Proof of address for the owner/s (copy of utility or telephone bill).
* Proof of date of birth of the owner/s (copy of passport or driving licence).
* Name and address of trainer.
* Name, address and date of birth of any trainer assistants/kennel hands.
* Name of greyhound and identification (markings and form lines).
* Certificate of micro-chipping, to include microchip barcode or full microchip number. The microchip must comply with either ISO standard 11784:1996 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785:1996 of the ISO’s standards for microchips.
* Name of competition/ race/ trial that greyhound will be competing in.
* Place of kennelling in Britain and name of GBGB trainer licensed to kennels.
* Up to date veterinary certificate of inoculation.
* Special Authority from the Irish Greyhound Board (061-448001)
Owners and Trainers with queries on any matter are requested to contact the GBGB Registry Department on 0044 207 421 3770
Please note that greyhounds participating in sales trials on GBGB tracks are exempt from the regulations and are not required to be micro-chipped or registered in advance.
Any queries from an Irish viewpoint should be directed to Barry Coleman, Welfare and Racing Operations Support Manager at the IGB (Tel: 00353 61 448001). Fax: 00353 61 448202. e-mail: barry.coleman@igb.ie
2009 Figures Released by IGB
“Worst Of Decline May Be Over”
Monday, February 15th
The Irish Greyhound Board report for 2009 confirms what everybody knew, that it was a bad year for the sport. However there is a welcome positive note with Chief Executive Adrian Neilan suggesting that “the worst of the decline may be over”.
In a year when the Irish economy was rocked to its roots and thousands of businesses went to the wall, Greyhound Racing bore up quite well and actually noticeably fought back in the second half of the year.
The annual surplus dropped from €5m to €1m, attendances dropped by 21%, Tote profit dropped 15% but the decline was partially arrested in the final months of 2009.
Restaurant bookings were actually up in August and October and held up very well in the Christmas build-up; while the decline in attendances was much less in the second half of the year than in the first half.
On another positive note, prizemoney grants of €7.9m matched the record figures of the previous year, despite the fact that the Government funding has been cut by 25% in the last three Budgets and is now running below the 2002 levels.
A significant development this year will be the opening of the new Limerick Stadium and this will provide a much-needed boost for the sport in the south-west.
Neilan was heartened by a recent cross-party meeting of members of the houses of the Oireachtas “where there was unanimous support for our industry. We need to ensure that support translates into a level of funding in 2011 that can ensure this industry survives. At current levels of funding the Government is effectively getting this industry for free as well as enjoying the benefit of nearly 11,000 jobs. This level of employment in any other area would draw substantial levels of direct Government support, and we must press home the benefits of a strong industry as well as the threat to rural areas in particular of failing to support what has been created”.
But he concludes by saying that “we have faith that the sport will survive as it has done through a century and more. Ours is an industry that is rooted in the fabric of rural Ireland. We face great challenges but we will meet them with purpose and conviction and deliver a strong future for the people involved at every level.”
To see the full press release please click here.
Proposed Bill A Huge Threat To Greyhound Industry
DOG BILL MUST BE CHANGED
Friday, February 12th
The Dog Breeding Establishment Bill, which is currently going through committee stage, will cause untold hardship for greyhound owners and breeders if it is allowed to go through as it is currently framed.
This bill was originally proposed in order to control the “puppy farms” but somehow it has managed to expand to encompass greyhound owners and breeders and would result in the highly regulated greyhound sector being subjected to even further regulations.
Pat Herbert, Head of Regulation at the IGB, says: “This bill, as it currently stands, would have serious implications for greyhound owners, breeders and trainers at a time when they are struggling to keep pace with the current climate. The addition of unnecessary extra regulations on what is a hugely controlled sector is totally unwarranted. The greyhound industry is the most controlled form of dog breeding in the country and when this Bill was first discussed by the working group a lot of the current proposals were not in the Bill”.
The new bill includes new regulations regarding the number of bitches in any kennel, the number of litters any bitch may have in her breeding career and a ban on any bitch having two litters in any twelve month period. These would be disastrous if introduced into the greyhound industry – and this is not even considering the proposed extra fees and regulations regarding who can or cannot work in a kennel!
For something which took off as a bid to curb the illegal puppy farms, somehow greyhound racing has come under serious threat. Remember, there is considerable support for the greyhound industry in Dail Eireann, the Taoiseach himself has been a regular visitor and his brother is a prominent owner. Among the opposition Richard Bruton is a registered greyhound owner and has been a regular at Shelbourne Park in recent times. A dozen TDs from all parties were involved in a greyhound syndicate, led by Sean Barrett and including some very prominent “names”.
The Irish Greyhound Industry has been silent for far too long and it is well beyond time that we stood up and made our voices and influence tell. Before we know it, Mr Gormley and his colleagues will have greyhound racing backed up against a wall.
WE MUST NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN !
The RISE organisation is currently running a campaign against the Bill and they have a petition online which is linked to the site and can be signed by internet users. The link is: www.risecampaign.ie
JOINT COMMITTEE TRANSCRIPTS
Wednesday, February 10th
The Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs completed its consideration of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2010 last week.
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen addressed the Committee and there was some lively debate, much of which centred on the question of the funding and how the levy on all forms of betting could be introduced.
For the transcripts from the meeting “CLICK HERE”
OPEN PRIZEMONEY WILL BE BOOSTED
Wednesday, January 13th
IGB CEO Adrian Neilan has stressed the importance of maintaining top prizemoney at our leading tracks to attract the leading greyhounds.
In the aftermath of the Budget cuts it was feared that the rewards for open races at the major tracks would be the same as the prizemoney for lesser grade races at the smaller performing tracks. However, when addressing the Dublin Track Bookmakers annual lunch in Dobbins Restaurant yesterday, Neilan was at pains to assure everybody that the Board is well aware of the importance of maintaining the standards at the high performing tracks.
Elaborating on the comments he made in his address, Neilan said: “The basic prizemoney grants amount to roughly €6 million per year but any money over that level will be invested wisely in supporting open racing at Shelbourne Park and other big turnover venues like Harold’s Cross and Cork.
“The money which was previously given out through the Dublin fund, the Tote Retention scheme and the special sponsorship grants will now be directed towards maintaining the level of open race prizemoney at Shelbourne and the other big tracks at something close to the current level. We are well aware of the high performance level at Shelbourne and we don’t want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg”.
Adrian did confirm that the prizemoney for the major classics will be cut across the board and said that the prizemoney for the Derby will be reduced, but not until after discussions have taken place with the new sponsors.
On the Derby front, the CEO confirmed that there has been interest from a few quarters in taking over the Derby sponsorship. “We are talking to a good few people and we are hoping that a deal can be concluded as quickly as possible”.
Neilan also revealed that there has been a very significant response to the tender for naming rights of the new Limerick greyhound stadium. “We have had a very, very good reaction, much of it from people who wouldn’t previously have been involved in greyhound sponsorship. The fact that this is the last major sporting stadium that will open in the mid-west region for a number of years has obviously made the deal much more attractive. Obviously they realise that the new Stadium will be the place to be for the first few years at least and they wish to capitalise on the exposure. It is very encouraging”.
ARCHIVES STILL UP TO DATE
Friday, November 13th
Despite fact that there will be no live online racing on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from now on, the videos of those nights will still be available the following morning on www.igb.ie.
Fears had been expressed that the cessation of the online service on the opening three nights of the week would affect the availability of videos but this will not happen. The IT department has confirmed that archived racing will be available as normal the following morning for each night’s racing.
FULL VIDEO RACE COVERAGE LAUNCHED BY IGB
Wednesday, August 26th
In a major advancement of the current video operation, the Irish Greyhound Board has announced that as of next Saturday the video footage of all races run at sixteen Irish tracks will be available online the morning after the race is run.
For the past few years the video footage of all Dublin races has been available on the IGB website, www.igb.ie, as well as all Saturday night racing at Cork. But the new move means that racing from every track except Dundalk will be available from next Saturday.
Initially at least, the service will be free for all users of the IGB site. Archived footage of all races run throughout 2009 will also be available from this weekend.
Said IGB CEO Adrian Neilan: “This is a huge step forward for everyone involved in the sport. By making the footage of the races more available it will be a major boost for the promotion of greyhound sales in Ireland and to the UK and further afield. It will allow everyone involved in the sport greater access to what has happened on the track. There will be more information available to those who like to bet and the service will link in to our continued expansion of the online tote betting service which operates through the same portal.
“The internet presents great global opportunities for the promotion of Irish greyhound racing. Everything hinges on the performance of the greyhounds and that is what we will now be showing, initially in an archive format but with the opportunity for more live streaming as the demand and the betting interest from around the world gathers momentum. The service will be free in the early stages. We will monitor the cost of providing the service and the benefit of the increased coverage of the sport before making any decision on the pricing model. This may be linked to our betting portal. This initiative backs up the activity which has taken place on Facebook surrounding the Paddypower.com Irish Greyhound Derby and shows that our sport, while traditional in nature, has embraced the opportunities of new media”.
The only Irish track not included in the service is Dundalk but it is hoped that this will be added shortly afterwards.
INTERESTED IN SYNDICATION?
Thursday, July 30th
Recently we have been contacted by a few people with slightly different queries regard syndication. One man from the Limerick area is interested in getting involved with either a new or established syndicate. Is there anybody out there who would like to welcome a new member or syndicate partner on board?
So, if there is anybody who would like to recruit members for a syndicate or to personally join a syndicate, why not contact us at, “Malcolm on 086 8142833.”
IGB LAUNCHES FACEBOOK PAGE
Tuesday, June 30th
The Irish Greyhound Board has increased its online presence, by launching a Fan Page on Facebook. The site, which has experienced a massive rise in popularity in Ireland, allows users to not only interact with friends but also with celebrities, businesses and communities.
The Irish Greyhound Board page will give fans updates on events and happenings around the country, and will also give them the chance to win in exclusive Facebook competitions.
The establishment of the Facebook page follows the successful launch of the e-zine, IGB News & Views, in March. The monthly email newsletter has established a strong following, and rewards readers with excellent competitions each month. The July 2009 issue will give subscribers the chance to win flights with Aer Arann.
All of this follows improvements to the IGB website www.igb.ie, designed to create a more interactive and informative portal for visitors. In the past year the website has seen an expansion in the archived racing and live streaming service and the introduction of Talking Dogs, Special Offers, Photo Galleries and more.
To become a fan of the Irish Greyhound Board on Facebook, simply log in and search Irish Greyhound Board:.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irish-Greyhound-Board/92504867988.
NEW IGB NEWSLETTER
Thursday, March 12th
The Irish Greyhound Board has launched a new monthly Newsletter which will be available to all subscribers to the IGB Website www.igb.ie.
Each issue will give readers the opportunity to win great prizes and this month’s prize is two tickets to the Ireland versus Bulgaria World Cup qualifier at Croke Park on March 28th.
You can sign up for the Newsletter in the Reservations section or the Special Offers on the main IGB Website. If anybody would like to receive this month’s issue to be in with a chance of winning those Croke Park tickets, simply email newsletter@igb.ie by Wednesday next, March 18th