Tote retention reducing to 12.5% at Shelbourne to celebrate the Boylesports Irish Derby

Greyhound Racing Ireland Tote announce new rate will be in place for the latter stages of the competition. 

This is a massive boost for punters, starting on quarter-final night at Shelbourne. It will run for three consecutive Saturday nights with the semi-finals and the final also covered. All win and place bets will be part of the scheme. Given the big crowds on those nights, it will make the Tote very competitive.

The CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland Tim Lucey said to Talking Dogs “The Irish Greyhound Derby is a highlight of the racing calendar, and we are committed to making it as exciting and rewarding as possible for our loyal supporters. By lowering the retention rate, we aim to provide an enhanced return for our bettors, encouraging more participation and adding to the thrilling atmosphere of the event.”

March On Freddie update ahead of Shelbourne tilt

March On Freddie is settled in his base in Co Tipperary and ready for heat 16 of the Boylesports Irish Derby at Shelbourne Park on Saturday.

David Mullins travelled over with his kennel star ahead of a 525yd spin at Shelbourne last week having gone back and forth for a sprint workout the week earlier.
March On Freddie is based at his breeder Rachel Wheeler’s base in Golden where he will remain for the duration of his stay in the famous competition.
“We had to give it a go, he’s such an exciting dog, but it does take some commitment when you’ve got runners in the UK – and we know the schedule is quite intense here.
“Funnily enough, for us, having the Irish Derby later this year is probably a help to UK trainers. It’s still busy and there are competitions going on, but perhaps not as much as the later summer.
“We’re happy enough with his draw. Of course, there’s some very nice dogs against him but he’s got his trap and he’s well and settled here – he’s come back home!”

Racing Club finding value in greyhound ownership

A syndicate better-known for its horse racing achievements is one race away from qualifying for one of greyhound racing’s most prestigious finals worth £20,000 to the winner.

Value Racing Club has entered the winners’ enclosure at Ascot, Newmarket and Sandown Racecourses through its ownership of racehorses since the group was founded in 2013.

The club experienced its biggest night trackside at the greyhounds only last month when star bitch Druids Say Go won the East Anglian Derby at Yarmouth, collecting £15,000 in prize money.

Now, the daughter of champion sire Droopys Sydney is less than 30 seconds away from qualifying for the UK’s most prestigious competition open exclusively to bitches – the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks.

The three-year-old is based with Hockwold-cum-Wilton trainer Patrick Janssens.

She won her heat and quarter final and must now finish in the first three of her respective semi final at Perry Barr Stadium in Birmingham on Saturday to be in with a chance of etching her name in greyhound racing history.

Semi-final on Saturday

James Couldwell, Founder of Value Racing Club and part-owner of Druids Say Go, is hopeful his greyhound can achieve what no dog has done previously by completing the East Anglian Derby-Oaks double in the same year.

“She didn’t put a paw wrong in her quarter-final run,” said James. “Patrick (Janssens) said she’s come out of the race well which is pleasing so we’re confident she’s in a good place ahead of the semi-finals.

“The draw isn’t ideal for her. She loves to hug the rail so because she’s coming from trap five, she’ll need to show the early pace she has done in her last two runs to get to the first bend in front. With a repeat performance, you’d like to think she’ll make the final and potentially win the competition.

“But it’s a big ask for any greyhound – the Oaks is a huge test, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.

“We’ve had to be patient with her, but Patrick has said all year that the East Anglian Derby and Oaks are her two main targets. He’s a great trainer for us – every greyhound we’ve placed in his kennel has won – so fingers crossed we can experience more success this month.”

Romford Friday price update

There are just two days until the Champion Stakes final card.

With the withdrawal of Cunnigar Yousir, the Silver Standard market has been shaken up. Prices for the two big contests are below.

Premier Greyhound Racing Champion Stakes

1/1 New Destiny 3/1 Aayamza Sydney 4/1 Gary The Arb 8/1 Noirs News 16/1 Golden Palace, Nowitsmyturn

Coral Silver Standard

8/13 Brindle Bully 5/1 Avarua Zlatan, Droopys Pharoah 7/1 Pro Parker 12/1 Droopys Bucko

Stats

  • Beloved Bullet – 3.38 Hove – 6/12 in A2 grade.
  • Makeit Epic – 3.49 Towcester – Has an A2 record of 6/12.
  • Runaway May – 4.56 Valley – 5/9 in D3s.
  • Blacklabel Spot – 6.53 Romford – 6/7 when running in an A7.
  • Lemming Pride – 7.58 Harlow – 5/10 competing in an A3.

Open Race winners

22 wins: Different Speed

20 wins: Druids Say Go

18 wins: Acomb Felix 

17 wins: Queen Joni

16 wins:  Dashing Dude

15 wins: Coonough Crow – Romeo To Victory

14 wins: Ballymac Taylor 

13 wins: Bellmore Ozzy – Fabulous Sonique – King Memphis – Queen Georgia 

Opens

Thursday: Newcastle ♦ Swindon

Friday: Romford

Saturday: Central Park ♦ Perry Barr

Sunday: Sheffield