Tyrur Shay is unlikely ever to race again.
The 2017 Star Sports Derby runner-up and course record holder failed to impress owner PJ Fahy in a gallop last week and looks big odds to contest another race.
PJ said: “He picked up a gracilis injury last October and they seldom come back as good. I watched him up the gallop and he didn’t look right. I haven’t ruled him out completely, if he came out and did a 28.40 at Galway in a few weeks time I would have a re-think, but I am really not expecting anything.”
The white and blue was a huge crowd pleaser at Towcester last year with a series of astonishing runs from off the pace. His 28.72 run in the third round was never surpassed and he failed by three quarters of a length in the final behind Astute Missile.
PJ said: “He ran a great race in the final and if he had been three lengths behind the leader at the last bend, I think he would have got up. But he was right behind him and then coursed the hare. But, that’s dog racing.
“I took Shay to Galway the following week for a trial. The track record is 28.35 and he went around in 28.26.”
The son of Big Daddy Cool – and joint sixth in the ante post betting for the 2018 Derby – would be sought after by breeders should he stand alongside Tyrur Big Mike, who is among the most popular young sires at stud.
PJ said: “No, I really can’t be bothered with all that. He is a lovely greyhound and I just enjoy having him around the place and walking him. He will join all my other retired greyhounds, I have about 20.
“I have had to take it easy for health reasons. I have had a bypass and two stents fitted so I have no plans to do any more breeding. If my health improves next year, maybe I might have the odd litter but no more.”
Despite health issues, PJ remains passionate about his racing and sent over the highly rated Tyrur Harold to Charlie Lister. The Longford 550 track record holder clocked 29.25 on his only sighting of the English Derby circuit last autumn.
PJ said: “He is a very fast dog and if he takes to the course – that first trial was very pleasing – then I would think he would have a chance. We had a brilliant night time at Towcester last year, I really like the place. Providing my health holds up, I am looking forward to being there again this year.”
