Lifford Opening Night (Full Form Guide)

Lifford greyhound stadium closed for racing in August 2019 having for the previous 60 years been a much valued amenity to the local and extremely loyal greyhound racing community. Most feared that the track would be gone for good but tonight racing recommences with a soft launch eight race card consisting of four stakes each with two semi finals from which the first three in each will qualify through to finals which will form part of what will be a ten race gala card of racing from the track on Sunday 2nd April.

HARRY FINDLAY
Pic Steve Nash

Harry Findlay who way a key player in the organising of the syndicate which has resulted in the reopening of Lifford said “We have assembled a team of ‘Lionel Messi’s and are so proud to bring Lifford Stadium back to its former glory. We have three members of the Magee family who have helped enormously in particular octogenarian Cathal who has a wealth of experience. We have acquired the renowned services of Canice Crossan who we’re so pleased to see return as track maintenance manager. Most of all we’d like to thank the team at UK Tote Group for their belief in the development of the low margin betting product giving all punters enormous value. I’d also like to thank the sponsors who have got behind tonight’s opening card with 4 super sweep stakes taking place ahead of next week’s gala showcase night set to be televised on RPGTV”.

(Photo courtesy of @plgbm)

Taylorstown Schooling Track have generously sponsored the ON2 325yard stake with a total prize fund of €1095 each of the twelve participants will be looking to secure a place in next Sunday’s €550 final. The first semi final and the race with the honour of being the first to be run upon the reopening of the track takes place at 600pm with the second semi final 20 minutes later at 620pm.

The Old Docks 550yard A3 stake is next up with semi finals scheduled to take place at 640pm and 700pm respectively whilst the North West Greyhound Supplies S1 stake to be run over the 325yard trip will see semi finals staged at 720pm and 740pm.

(Photo courtesy of @plgbm)

Last but by no means least the greyhounds will be competing for a place in the final of the Len McKinney Transport A1 525yard stake with two semi finals to be run at 800pm and 820pm.

An evening full of promise with four competitive stakes taking place and what can only be described as sensible 20 minute gaps between races to ensure that the team at the track have plenty of time to prepare on the opening evening.