On what was a more chaotic and stressful Greyhound Trader sales day than usual, there was still a glimmer of light at the end after successfully finding new owners for 32 of the 35 (anticipated 47) greyhounds up for auction.
The day began as smooth as ever before, with vendors arriving at 8.30am ahead of an 11am start. The on-site vet Noah Petrovic was also quickly on the scene to check the greyhounds one-by-one and the last greyhounds was kennelled just after 10.00am.
It was at this point however where the problems occurred.
It is likely that the Star’s readership has heard about the new GBGB vaccinations rules regarding greyhounds travelling from Ireland……. but do they all understand it?
Irish trainer Peter Cronin had sent 11 greyhounds to Oxford only to be told that none could trial due to the new GBGB directives despite all having their first set of jabs.
Following the extensive delays, Mystical Mango, who was a late replacement for the withdrawn Magical Blossom, produced a phenomenal first run at Oxford for a September 2021 bitch. Leading every inch of the way, she lowered the clock in 27.25.
Further substance of a 28.58 win just last week in Limerick meant this lady would be high in demand and rightly so she was when eventually selling for £8800 after an intense bidding war. The hammer fell online to Welsh supremo Rob Short who looks to have some exciting nights ahead with this girl.
Fastest trial of the day was in the trial afterwards where the Damian Matthews’ entrant Amys Jet clocked a sizzling 27.21 first look. A March 2021 son of Ardnasool Jet and Alanas Beauty, he didn’t quite meet the expectations of his handler and was brought back home to Ireland to be aimed at Shelbourne Park.
Trial 17 fetched the most money on the day after an amazing buckle between Magical Ceejay and Magical Zane saw the former come out on top by half a length in a good time of 27.34. However in the auction, it was Zane who was more popular selling for £7200 compared to £6200 for Ceejay.
It was no surprise really as it was clear for all to see that Zane was running on stronger past the 450m line and her previous form coming to the sales day included a 28.83 run at Limerick for the young December 2021 whelp. Her breeding is also exceptional, with her dam Grangeview West being a litter sister to Grangeview Ten and Salacres Punch, whilst she is also a half-sister to the Paul Hennessey trained English Derby entry Barefoot Supremo.
Other notable sales on the day included Good Ellie (£5600), Ladbrokes Groove (£3700) and Droopys Bella (£3000).
Overall, there was a sales clearance rate of 91% and total calculations for the sale equalled just over £67,000.
