As the legendary Matt Chapman himself puts it, ‘YEEEHAAA’ the 2014 Irish Greyhound Derby has commenced and boy is it exciting! I remember as a little girl (and yes that was some time ago now!) walking into Shelbourne Park with my Mam and Dad on Derby final night and the place was hopping. Trying to get parking was the first problem and listening to my Mam give out because she didn’t want to walk far! Ah, memories…. But as the years have passed I have seen some great Derby winners, one of my earliest memories being Bypass Byway for Ollie Bray and he broke the track record in 29.42. Climate Control for one of the best trainers this Country has ever seen, Seamus Graham, Like A Shot for Owen McKenna, the list goes on…
I was buzzin for the dogs last night. I left work early (sssssshhhhhhh) and headed over the Samuel Beckett bridge on route to the place that will be my second home for the coming weeks, Shelbourne Park. As I walked into the weigh room, I was greeted by the control steward from Carlow, Jim! We talked about my week at the Galway races as we walked across the track and I was delighted to look over at the stand and see such a crowd, on a Thursday I might add. Pat Buckley, Skippy Gilbert, Jim Morrissey, Derek hatch, Gerry Barber, Larry O’Shea, Noel Byrne, all the regular race goers were there in their droves and all in great form as we talked about dogs, sure what else would you be talking about!
Sadly, the topic of conversation last night was the exit of Boylesports Hero for John Boyle and the Matthews. A very horrific way to exit the Derby as the poor dog broke his hock, the anticipation that surrounded the place to see this exceptional dog running was soon brought to an end. The dog has shattered the central tarsal bone in the right hind hock and has been to the vet and they have screwed the piece back in but he will never be able to race again. His stud career will resume as soon as he is fit and ready. So there is a bright future ahead for connections.
I had a great giggle with Dominick Rennicks last night. As he propped himself up on the stool in the corner of the bar we started chatting about Harolds Cross and the boys were winding him up telling Dom that they had seen a ‘For Sale’ sign outside the Cross this morning!! Dom nearly got up off his stool with the anger! His passion for the track is admiral but as he said to me afterwards, Shelbourne will always be his main track.
I then met up with Darragh Morrissey who trains the very fast and useful Indigo Jack. I was only chatting to my Dad the other day about this dog as he is a decent each way bet outright for the Derby with his great early pace, he could be the next Salad Dodger! Indigo Jack is the first dog for Darragh to train in the Irish Derby and he said to me that if he won the Derby the first thing he would do is buy a new car! He also mentioned that the dog he admires the most after his own is Droopys Nidge and he would like to see him in the final. Darragh’s favourite personality at the dogs is Murty Leahy so Murty, if you are reading this give Darragh that €20 you promised him for mentioning your name!!!
A good few dogs stood out last night, Vimmerby, Ravenswood May, Kippers Usain, all with great early and staying power but Vimmerby was really special clocking the fasted time of the night in 29.66 and with a generous price of evens before the off. A few people people I spoke to backed Ravenswood May last night, they loved the way she ran in Harolds Cross and were impressed and they got great value for their money @ 10/1. #VALUE – COME ON THE UNDERDOGS
A great night for bookies as many odds on jollies were beaten last night but it wont always be that easy of course and we yet have Saturday to unfold as the HULK, Sugar Ray and Nidge will be making their Derby debut and I can’t wait! Oh and I must be bias and mention Band Major for Accordello, a Derby runner for Lar Kinsella.
I love the crack and buzz that sucks me in when the Derby is on, it brings everyone together, the betting ring was busy with Ted shouting the odds, there were queues for the tote, the coffee dock was plentiful, the stand was jamming and the peeps were jolly. Make sure you get yourself down to the DAGS this Saturday. Don’t miss out as we are in for a treat!
Oh by the way, ever wonder what an ‘inbred’ dog looks like? Here is a picture:
‘Inbred’ = ‘In Bread’….!!! #badjoke
See you all Saturday.
Thanks,
