Leading Ireland based trainer Graham Holland does not believe that the GBGB plans for overseas entries will affect his plans for contesting the 2020 Star Sports Greyhound Derby.
He said: “Ideally we would have been traveling backwards and forwards but if that isn’t possible, and the regulations don’t change in Ireland, Nicky will be staying over at Dave Firmager’s kennel. For some of the smaller owners, it could be more difficult because you have to self isolate for a fortnight when you return to Ireland.
“If Nicky was to come over and then go racing when she returned, all our dogs would be disqualified from running by the IGB. We are still hoping that the UK is added to the green list in the meantime.
“It will be interesting to see how many small owners decide to send their dogs over to UK trainers, though I think charging them for the retirement scheme is way out of order; if the plan is always for them to come back to Ireland and be retired here. Though that won’t affect us.
“We will be a bit wiser about numbers after this weekend, but I expect to have no more than six or eight entries, including Lenson Bocko. The numbers are back, but that is more to do with the close proximity to the Irish Derby.
“Obviously, anything can change of virtually a daily basis, but as things stand, Nicky will be coming over 10 days before the Derby starts and trialing the dogs. They will then be entered a week before it starts. We are still waiting to hear about crowds being allowed into the stadium on final night though you would assume that it would affect the number of entries if people can’t see their dogs run.
