With likely favourite Diego Flight apparently on his way to Liz McNair for a reputed £25,000, and Piercetown Shaw sold for a reputed £12K, the Red Mills/TSC Open Unraced Stake has already lost two of its biggest stars.
However Clonmel racing manager Eddie Anderson expects no less for an event that has produced Irish Derby winners Laughill Blake and Panther in the last three years.
He said: “Apart from them, Mustang Racey was sold before the event and I m told that Front Page News has also changed hands.
“I thought Diego Flight (28.81cal first round) would have a strong chance. Normally new owners keep the dogs in the stake to get them experience but I understand that Diego is in England already.
“It was the first time in many years that the stake didn’t fill. But I don’t think there is a particular shortage of dogs.
“We appear to have lost runners to the big unraced stake coming up at Tralee. The prize money is bigger than hours and since it has been moved in the calendar, it is now only a month after our event got underway, when it was previously two months.
The Tipperary track is at full tilt prior to its bonanza weekend of Friday to Sunday, January 30, 31, and February 1.
There will be seven finals on the Sunday evening prior to Monday’s coursing finals at Powerstown Park.
