Hopes for another Tote boost with cracking Irish Derby semi final card
Irish and UK punters have another opportunity to plead the case for more competitive bettings odds in tonight’s Boylesports Irish Derby semi final meeting at Shelbourne Park writes Star editor Floyd Amphlett.
Figures from last Saturday, the first night of a reduced 12.5% tote deduction, reveal that the odds were returned higher on six of the 11 races with three on equal terms and the SP retuning higher on two. A €10 bet on each of last week’s 11 winners would have returned €486. Betting on the Toe would have returned €493.
To date GRI have not revealed their full tote returns which are complicated by the fact that bets placed with Tote UK will have been in sterling. Hopefully we will hear next week though I understand that last week’s returns were extremely encouraging.
In addition to the Derby semis, the supporting card sees the return of Ireland’s newest superstar Droopys Kathleen who goes in the final of the Gourmet Island Puppy Oaks (R5).
Tonight’s full card Barry Caul predictions: Derby semi 1 Derby semi 2
Lit up on Linton makes happy 25th
R-left – Kennelhand Julia McGee paraded the winner, trainer Steve Anderson, Steve’s daughter Chloe and grandson Hunter
Bramble Linton finally delivered a well deserved Cat One success for trainer Steve Anderson when landing the PGR Classic Final at Sunderland on Friday.
The black had just held off favourite Brindle Bully in the semi finals, but with the favourite finding traffic issues, Bramble took full advantage to win in a very respectable 26.89.
Steve and winning owner Chloe, his daughter were showered with congratulations following a long overdue success.
Steve said: “At last! Including Category One and Category Two finals, Linton was our 25th finalist but first winner. I was so nervous before the race that I went and sat in the toilet stalls until four minutes before the race.
“I have been so taken back with the response. So many people who I don’t even know have been in touch to congratulate us. It was very humbling and reminds you that there are so many decent people in this game.”
(It seems that the enthusiasm and emotion runs in the family. Daughter Chloe described the win as ‘the best day of my life’, until tactfully reminded that it was probably second, to giving birth to son, Hunter!)
Track boss Joanne said: “What can I say? The Geordie/Wearside crowds come out in force again! A fantastic competition and great to have the support of trainers from all over the country come to Sunderland.
“The whole team from grounds, racing, paddock to hospitality have done themselves proud as always. Congratulations to connections of Bramble Linton and all the other winners on the night and a special mention to the winning return of our Grand Prix champion Farneys Willie.”
Twosome tonic for tenacious Tommy White
Sean White with Tommy’s friends Bill, Max and Josh after Broadway Murty’s success at Oxford last week, landing a popular ‘Broadway’ double for the South London trainer in the process
SEAN WHITE reports his son Tommy doing well with his rehabilitation and recovery and says the dogs are having a hugely positive effect – especially when they win!
South London-based trainer White admitted to be “very emotional” at Oxford last week as both Broadway Steel and Broadway Murty landed a double.
“It was great they won, of course, but I so wanted Tommy to be there – and I know he will be soon,” said Sean about his young son who suffered life-changing injuries after an accident in September.
“Tommy’s mates were there at Oxford – and that meant a lot to me, but more for Tommy I’d say. He was on the phone to them and watched the races from hospital and the greyhounds are his inspiration in many ways – and it helps when they’re doing well.”
Broadway Steel is back at Oxford today (Saturday) with Broadway Murty running at Towcester on Sunday, scene of his Northamptonshire Sprint success earlier this year.
“That was a special day for myself and Tommy and hopefully Murty does what he can do on Sunday, but either way Tommy will be tuning in for both Oxford and Towcester.
“He’s doing remarkably well. He had an induction day at the rehab centre during the week and, all being well, will be there the week commencing November 25 when his rehabilitation really starts.
“It’s going to be hard work, but he’s looking forward to it. We are keeping people up to date via his GoFundMe page – people have been so supportive and generous and we cannot, as a family, thank everyone enough.
“They’ve been amazing and it means a lot to us. He’s in very good hands and it’s one day at a time, but you cannot imagine how much the dogs themselves are helping. It’s fantastic – and he’s so looking forward to being amongst them again.
*READ Tommy’s story and donate please via https://www.gofundme.com/f/tommy-whites-recovery-rehabilitation-fund
NEW DESTINY, Mark Wallis’s Premier Greyhound Racing Champion Stakes heroine, trials over 480m before racing at Monmore tonight. Kennelmate Garfiney Blaze also trials over the Wolverhampton track’s one lap at the same session.
Say Go award
DRUIDS SAY GO is the Time Greyhound Nutrition Greyhound of the Month for October. Patrick Janssens’ brilliant bitch, owned by the Value Racing Club, raced unbeaten through the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Perry Barr, having also won the Yarmouth Derby, and remains a Greyhound of the Year contender.
In winning the award, Druids Say Go edged out fellow nominees Kent Derby winner Droopys Display (Maxine Locke), Champion Stakes heroine New Destiny (Mark Wallis), Scurry Gold Cup winner Rioja Oisin (Kevin Hutton) and Steel City Cup winner Wicky Ned (Jimmy Fenwick).
OPENS
Today: Doncaster ♦ Monmore ♦ Oxford ♦ Perry Barr
Sunday: Crayford ♦ Sheffield ♦ Towcester
