The current state of the racing scene was brought into sharp focus when only 39 greyhounds went into the draw for the first round of the William Hill St.Leger which gets underway at Wimbledon on Saturday.
There a seven five runners heats and one four dog event (Irish entry Droopys Smasher runs from trap three in heat one but no form was available at the time of the draw) with Wimbledon racing manager Gary Matthews not too surprised at the meager entry for the second biggest race in the Calendar.
He said: “I think it says a great deal about the state of the industry. At one stage we would have settled for 36. We originally had 43 then lost some to illness and injury. It is even more incredible when you consider the winner’s prize (£15,000).
Last year’s winner Fizzypop Bubby makes a re-appearance, as does beaten favourite Diego Flight, returning from a broken hock.
Matthews said: “I really don’t have a strong view on the event. You would think Rubys Rascal would have to be considered and it will be interesting to see whether Cloran Paddy gets the extra distance.”
