2022 Matchbook Irish St.Leger Final Race Programme

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME

A Chairde, Cuirim fáilte róimh go Iéir anseo anocht agus ta súil agam to mbeidh sár oiche rásaiocht againn. On behalf of the Board of Rásaíocht Con Éireann I would like to thank our Sponsors, Matchbook Betting Exchange for their continued support for Greyhound Racing in general and the Irish St. Leger in particular.

I would like to acknowledge the input of the Limerick Track Advisory Committee and the local owners trainers and supporters in making this, the last Classic of the season such a memorable event.

The Board on behalf of the industry would like to thank the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, his Department and the Oireachtas for their continued support through the Horse and Greyhound Fund. We appreciate the particular support we receive from the vast majority of the T.D’s and Senators in Limerick and indeed throughout Munster.

We have had a very successful year in all our tracks this year with top class racing and crowds back to pre-pandemic levels and beyond.

We thank all of our staff without whose hard work and dedication such success could not be achieved.

Racing in the Irish St. Leger this year has been of the highest quality, and I am sure that tonight’s Final will be worthy of the event.

I wish all of the greyhounds, their owners, trainers and supporters the very best of good fortune.

Is go mbeirimíd go léir be ag an am seo arís.

Frank Nyhan

Chairman, Rásaíocht Con Éireann

THIS RUNS

First of all decide on the type of bet you want to make (see below options) and then pick the dog number(s) that you are going to bet on.

Pick one dog to win. If your greyhound wins, you win! Ask for Stake –WIN –TRAP NUMBER, e.g €1.00 – WIN – TRAP 3

MINIMUM BET - €1

Pick one dog to finish in either first or second place. You collect on the bet if the dog finishes in either first or second place. Ask for Stake – PLACE – TRAP NUMBER, e.g €1.00 – PLACE – TRAP 6

MINIMUM BET - €1

This is a win bet plus a place bet on one greyhound. Your selected dog must come either first or second to claim any winnings on this bet. If your dog wins you will collect on the win bet plus the place bet. If the dog comes second you will receive the place dividend only.

Ask for Stake – EACH WAY – TRAP NUMBER, e.g €1.00 – EACH WAY – TRAP 2

MINIMUM BET - €2

Pick two dogs to finish first and second and the dogs must finish in the correct order that you choose.

Ask for Stake – STRAIGHT FORECAST – TRAP NUMBERS, e.g €1.00 – STRAIGHT FORECAST –TRAP 2 & TRAP 1

MINIMUM BET - €1

Pick two dogs to finish in either first or second place. Your two dogs must finish in first and second place in any order.

Ask for Stake – REVERSE FORECAST – TRAP NUMBERS, e.g €1.00 – STRAIGHT FORECAST –TRAP 5 & TRAP 6

MINIMUM BET - €2

Pick three dogs and two out of the three dogs must finish in either first or second place in any order to collect on this bet.

Ask for Stake – FORECAST ALL WAYS – TRAP NUMBERS, e.g €1.00 – FORECAST ALL WAYS –TRAPS 1, 2 & 3

MINIMUM BET - €6

Pick three dogs to finish first, second and third and the dogs must finish in the correct order that you choose.

Ask for Stake – STRAIGHT TRIO – TRAP NUMBERS, e.g €1.00 – STRAIGHT TRIO –TRAPS 2, 4 & 5

MINIMUM BET - €1

Pick three dogs and the three must finish in first, second and third place in any order.

Ask for Stake – TRIO ALL WAYS – TRAP NUMBERS, e.g €1.00 – TRIO ALL WAYS –TRAPS 3, 5 & 6

MINIMUM BET - €6

IRISH ST. LEGER

ROLL OF HONOUR

1944 No Relation 31.48

1945 Dark Shadow 31.37

1946 Star Point 31.55

1947 Pouleen Boy 31.48 1948 Beau Lion 31.52

1949 Ballybeg Surprise 31.45

1950 Maddest Daughter 31.55

1951 Ellas Ivy 31.08 1952 Silver Earl 31.25 1953 Gortaleen 31.26

1954 Mount Nagle Surprise 31.10 1955 Doonmore Dreamer 30.98 1956 Prince of Bermuda 30.66

1957 Kilcaskin Kern 31.05 1958 Firgrove Snowman 31.28 1959 Ocean Swell 31.18 1960 Swanlands Best 31.60

1961 Jerrys Clipper 31.10

1962 Apollo Again 31.26 1963 General Courtnowski 31.12 1964 Brook Jockey 31.66

1965 Lovely Chieftan 30.92

1966 Movealong Santa 30.92

1967 Yanka Boy 30.77

1968 Pools Punter 30.88

1969 Own Pride 30.95

1970 Mark Anthony 31.02

1971 Time Up Please 30.56

1972 Time Up Please 31.05

1973 Romping to Work 31.04

1974 Lively Band 31.20

1975 Ballybeg Prim 30.44

1976 Nameless Star 30.62

1977 Red Rasper 31.15

1978 Rhu 31.44

1979 Airmount Champ 31.20

1980 Rahan Ship 30.72

1981 Oran Jack 30.60

1982 Supreme Tiger 30.44

1983 The Stranger 31.04 1984 Morans Beef 30.06 1985 Ballintubber One 30.42 1986 Storm Villa 30.65 1987 Randy 30.23 1988 Local Kate 31.04 1989 Dereen Star 30.24 1990 Alans Judy 30.42 1991 Castleland Dream 30.22 1992 Barefoot Dash 30.40 1993 Barefoot Marty 30.54 1994 Kilvil Skinner 30.84 1995 Batties Spirit 30.42 1996 Airmount Rogue 29.89 1997 Firefly 30.36 1998 Deerfield Sunset 30.03 1999 Frisby Flashing 29.64 2000 Extra Dividend 29.79 2001 Droopys Kewell 30.37 2002 Larking About 29.73 2003 Mountleader Rolf 30.01 2004 Never Give Up 29.88 2005 Redbarn Panther 29.72 2006 Indesacjack 29.66 2007 Lughill Joe 29.37 2008 Boherash Gaoithe 30.01 2009 Bar Blackstone 29.92 2010 Farloe Turbo 29.57

2011 What a Tornado 29.58 2012 Cashen Mafuma 29.57 2013 Locnamon Bridie 29.64 2014 Paradise Silva 29.50 2015 Skywalker Rory 29.47 2016 Priceless Brandy 29.30 2017 Clonbrien Hero 29.60 2018 Blastoff Jet 29.65 2019 Ballymac Anton 29.53 2020 Epic Hero 29.44 2021 Ballymac Merlin 29.68

IRISH ST. LEGER STORY SO FAR

by paul cooney

Our wonderful sponsor celebrates a second year of involvement with the classic as we revel within a 90th running of the St Leger which did in fact visit four venues before first held in Limerick. Castle Eve claimed the inaugural event at Celtic Park in Belfast in 1932 as the classic visited Shelbourne Park, Harolds Cross and Clonmel ahead of the first Limerick staging in 1940 when Cherrygrove Cross prevailed at the Markets Field in 31.82. Finding a permanent home at that famed city venue in 1944 when won by No Relation in 31.48 for the 550 yards, the St Leger has been enshrined into greyhound folklore throughout intervening generations.

2022 brings a thirteenth renewal at the new Limerick Greyhound Stadium on the Dock Road and recent events have crowned outstanding champions of the sport. Claiming the title in a brilliant final performance twelve months ago, Ballymac Merlin delivered a second St Leger in just three years for Ballymcelligott maestro Liam Dowling following the wonderful exploits of the adored Ballymac Wild in 2019.

DREAM START TO LEGER 2022

In search of a third St Leger title, trainer Pat Buckley led the roll of honour on opening night when pillaging a treble from our eleven opening round heats as his Tipperary Cup champion Bobsleigh Dream went fastest of all, while emphatically igniting the classic flame in the very first heat.

Ideally housed on the fence, she tracked the early pace before powering along the backstraight to readily lead at the closing bends and strong at the 550-yard trip, drew clear in dismissive fashion thereafter. Easing to a five-length verdict, Bobsleigh Dream posted a brilliant 29.43 over Storys Cashout.

A second winner for the kennels arrived in Heat 3 when the lightly raced Killahan Sydney held six lengths over Ballymac Joey in 30.21 and Pat Buckley would subsequently wait until Heat 10 for the completion of his first round hattrick. Claiming victory in a warm contest, Ballinabola Ed commenced his campaign in smart fashion when displaying ample resolve in the home straight

for a snug two and a half-length verdict over Romeo Magico in 29.65 following a wonderfully entertaining buckle between those superstars throughout.

With the ladies dominating on that first night of action, trainer Graham Holland registered a double for owner Beverly Lochead as Bockos Crystal sparkled while announcing her fervent designs on the classic in Heat 7. Tackling the opening turns with a length in hand of Gortkelly Nestor she posted a slick 29.48 with two lengths to spare over that game veteran. Sparking the brace for connections in the earlier Heat 5, Bockos Budsit held off the persistent challenge of Magical Mary in 29.89.

Away from racing since withdrawn from the semi-finals of the Irish Derby, Vincenzo made his racing return for the St Leger and presenting in sharp form, sparked a late double in the opening session for trainer Pat Guilfoyle. Appearing as good as ever, he led throughout an eight-length victory over Athlacca Zette in 29.65. The concluding heat of the first round then saw Wi Can Dream lead from the opening bend while completing the Guilfoyle double. Repelling Ballymore Border by two and a half lengths, he posted 29.86 with Gaston Pecas third.

Heat 6 of the St Leger housed a brace of runners from the kennels of Liam Dowling which included recent Laurels runner-up Ballymac Whispa but it was her travelling companion Ballymac Run who claimed victory as both advanced to the second round. The latter youngster led from the opening bend for a four-length defeat of Annagh Bailey in 29.51 as Ballymac Whispa flew from halfway in third.

Fresh from her track record 525-yard run at Tralee a week earlier, Illnotbeback was another of the ladies to lead the boys a merry dance while claiming Heat 2 of the St Leger. Striking the front approaching the third bend, the Paul Hennessy star led home Kilcolgan Zeus in 29.60 with the remaining heats of the round going to Droopys Edison in a 29.66 defeat of Trinity Junior after Mustang Jet had led home Adamant Approach in 29.69 for victory in Heat 4.

THE FINAL opportunity for classic glory in each season, the perennial pilgrimage to the Treaty County for Limerick’s most historic and prestigious greyhound racing event of the year saw a veritable who’s who of the sport arrive to the Dock Road for a month of exhilarating action in the 2022 Matchbook Betting Exchange Irish St Leger.

VINCENZO BEST IN ROUND TWO

Repeating his double achievement from opening night, Pat Guilfoyle cemented his claims for a second St Leger title when again returning a brace of heat wins as Vincenzo advanced to fastest of the night.

Housed in trap 5 for Heat 4, he began poorly but impressed with early dash while remaining within a length to the second bend and challenging on the outside, rounded Deadly Showtime to strike the front at the third bend. Easing clear to the home straight, Vincenzo held two lengths over that rival while posting a brilliant 29.48 with Ballymac Run third. Completing the kennel double, Wi Can Dream also went back-to-back, leading throughout his 29.64 defeat of Bobsleigh Dream who flashed home in a half-length verdict.

Also repeating a double feat at this stage was Graham Holland as Bockos Crystal further enhanced her classic claims in Heat 6 while using her rails pitch to perfect effect when forging a narrow advantage on the inside of Ballinabola Ed while turning. Treating patrons to a thrilling buckle, the Holland charge prevailed by three-parts of a length in 29.54 with Annagh Bailey third. Completing the kennel double, Romeo Magico bounced back to winning ways when skipping clear of bumping at the opening bend before repelling Bockos Budsit by the minimum for a 29.88 Holland forecast in Heat 7.

Another maintaining sparkling form at second-round stage was Paul Hennessy’s Illnotbeback and as one of five repeat heat winners, she impressively repelled Trinity Junior to the first bend before fending off that gallant rival by two and a half lengths in 29.51.

The final winner to double-up in Round Two, Mustang Jet further confirmed his designs on the classic with another early paced display to lead throughout a halflength verdict over the flying finish of Ballymac Whispa in 29.62 to claim Heat 8 after Kilcolgan Zeus secured a thrilling victory in Heat 6, defending a shorthead verdict over Ballymore Border in 29.84 having led throughout.

DREAM SLIDES BACK TO WINNING WAYS IN QUARTERS

Brilliant in opening round victory, Bobsleigh Dream bounced back to winning ways in an eventful quarterfinal session when again fastest at quarterfinal stage. Tracking the early pace in Heat 2, the Pat Buckley powerhouse chased down halfway leader Trinity Junior approaching the closing turns for a stunning four length verdict in 29.44 as Bockos Crystal battled admirably for third following a first bend bump.

In a classic where the bitches had largely dominated to this stage, the brilliant Puppy Oaks champion Ballymac Run returned to winning ways in the concluding quarterfinal when displaying slick early dash to overcome a tricky trap 3 berth. Tackling the corner in advance of Romeo Magico, the Dowling starlet ran out a cosy winner over that same rival with four lengths to spare in a classy 29.49 as Annagh Bailey again displayed his battling qualities in third.

Two St Leger hopefuls would take unbeaten tags to semi-final stage and again displaying smart early dash

from his ideal trap 6 draw in Heat 3, Delores Ruth’s Mustang Jet claimed sole custody of the lead at the opening bend as a St Leger shock saw big fancy Vincenzo tumble in an incident which also saw the hopes of Gaston Pecas on the deck. Completing victory when fending off another stunning finish from Ballymac Whispa, Mustang Jet posted 29.99 as hugely popular local challenger Drombeg Ten kept his long-odds campaign alive in a most game third for young Evan McCauliffe.

There was consolation for Pat Guilfoyle on the night when his Wi Can Dream was the first runner to reach the semis with victory in the opening quarterfinal. Following an interrupted season, the Juvenile Classic winner defended the rails from his ideal draw in trap 1 and easing clear thereafter, held six lengths over Kilcolgan Zeus when posting 29.74 as Rachel Wheeler guided a second runner to semi stage with the strong running third placed Midfield Deano.

BAILEY BEST IN SEMIS

On the back of stellar qualifying efforts in some of the hottest early round heats, Annagh Bailey went fastest at semi-final stage of the St Leger as a swift break from trap 6 in the second heat saw the Rachel Wheeler charge secure deserved reward for previous efforts in a first heat win.

It was Wi Can Dream who began best from trap 3 and held a narrow lead approaching the corner as both Romeo Magico and Annagh Bailey ranged up on the outside. A brief bump between the pair on his inside while tackling the bend would then see the Wheeler winner advance to lead on the run to the backstraight.

Extending to a near three length advantage at halfway, Annagh Bailey saw out the trip stoutly thereafter for a one and a half-length verdict in 29.51 as Romeo Magico secured second position over Wi Can Dream who was checked at the third bend while a further three and a half lengths back.

Completing a stunning passage to the final of the St Leger, Bobsleigh Dream overcame a tricky assignment in the opening semi-final and the powerful galloper again displayed her star credentials in a resounding third heat victory.

Ideally drawn in trap 6, it was Mustang Jet who led on the outside with his slick early pace before sweeping the bend in advance of Trinity Junior as Bobsleigh Dream battled bravely for clear passage when securing third place at the crown of the bends with three lengths to recover.

Into the backstraight, the Buckley winner immediately began to reduce her arrears and challenging on the inside of Trinity Junior, had fully overcome her uncomfortable trap 5 draw when commanding the rails while ranging up on the inside of Mustang Jet approaching the closing bends having displayed much the best pace passing halfway. Joining the leader at the third turn, Bobsleigh Dream eased clear in dismissive fashion thereafter and held four lengths over Mustang Jet at the line, posting 29.54 as Trinity Junior retained third while a further two lengths adrift.

THE VERDICT:

THE APPROACH to greyhound race punditry remains the same whether for graded contests or classic finals and the starting point for tonight’s final in the 2022 Matchbook Betting Exchange Irish St Leger Final is to firstly identify the likely fastest finalist before determining if they can chart a realistic path to victory.

Most obviously filling the criteria for the first part of that question is the final favourite Bobsliegh Dream following an utterly sublime passage to this stage. Fastest on opening night, she has maintained an exalted level of form over the past month and even in her sole defeat to Wi Can Dream in the second round, thoroughly impressed with strength beyond halfway. Again, fastest in the quarterfinals, there was an imperious air of superiority about her semi victory and though likely to be headed in the early stages tonight, her ideal draw on the fence can bring a clear passage on the rails that would make the task of repelling her strong finish a daunting endeavour.

Second in the market all week, Mustang Jet justifies that position following a slick hattrick of heat wins to commence his St Leger tilt and ideally drawn, has an obvious clear path to safe passage. Suffering his first defeat of the event at semi stage when overhauled by Bobsleigh Dream, his resolve over the 550-yard trip will be tested once again. However, he has turned the opening bend in front in each heat and if doing so again, a repeat of his best 29.62 would mean only a bump-free run for the stronger runners could entertain ideas of denying Delores Ruth her third St Leger.

Our highest profile finalist, English Derby champion Romeo Magico is third best in the market and with a legion of followers, quotes of 4/1 will have looked massive in the days preceding the final. With just a sole victory in the heats, this racing superstar had appeared a notch below his brilliant best despite safe passage throughout the opening rounds. However, chasing home Annagh Bailey in the fastest semi last week, the redoubtable competitor made ominous progress on the clock while producing a run more akin to his classic best.

Not breaking sharply, he showed that he still possesses vicious early pace which carries right through to the closing bends and though he certainly has the trickiest draw at first glance, he is likely to chart a true line in the early stages for possible clear passage. Seeking a second St Leger for Graham Holland, his price could look very silly should he find further progress which his semi-final effort strongly hinted at!

Suffering his first St Leger defeat last week, Juvenile Classic champion Wi Can Dream battled gamely in that semi-final and gained deserved reward for a slick competition campaign which comes on the back of a much-interrupted season. Early pace was the feature of his three early round victories, and he

very nearly led around the opening bends last time. Therein lies his final chance now for he must repel fellow early paced runners on his outer for command of the rails. There is every reason for supporters to believe that he can lead Bobsleigh Dream on the inner and a plausible argument can be made that he has the plumb draw. An event best of 29.68 may need to reduce, but his path to a second title for trainer Pat Guilfoyle can be clearly visualised.

Like most of tonight’s final field, Trinity Junior’s best classic days are ahead of him following his brilliant puppy campaign which saw him reach the Juvenile Derby Final before this hugely competitive graduation to elite all-aged company at Limerick. The only finalist without a heat victory, that fact belies the quality of his passage and there are realistic hopes now. He has been headed to or took a bump at the first turn in each of his last three outings, but the manner of his placed efforts suggests that there is a bigger run to come if fully dictating the pace. It will require his best start to turn the first bend independently but if doing so, he is capable of delivering a first St Leger title for Peter Cronin.

It may confound many, having perused the semifinal results, that Annagh Bailey is outsider in the final market at odds of around 8/1 for he was of course fastest of all last week. This fact attests to the competitive nature of the St Leger overall but also to the quite open complexion that the final still retains. Chief contributor to his price, however, is surely his proximity to the early paced Mustang Jet on his outer as that rival will be fancied to prevent Annagh Bailey from leading at the corner. That’s a realistic concern but the Rachel Wheeler charge possesses pace at all points of the circuit and what if he follows Mustang Jet around the bends to be first in line down the back? Yes, the draw complicates his task, but it does not rule out a first St Leger title for his handler.

Taking a wild swing at what will happen, here goes! Mustang Jet breaks best for a narrow lead on the outside passing the stands but as Wi Can Dream and Trinity Junior race shoulder to shoulder ahead of Bobsleigh Dream on the inner, Romeo Magico rushes to the corner with a virtual line of four entering the first bend as one. Defending the rails, Wi Can Dream emerges best on the inner with Romeo Magico reaching the backstraight in company with Mustang Jet having been ushed back a length or more.

Tracking that intense early tussle on the tail of Wi Can Dream, a rails-run around the bends sees Bobsleigh Dream within striking range of Wi Can Dream off the second turn and powering along the approach to the closing bends, she hits the front before extending clear for victory as Romeo Magico gets the better of Wi Can Dream for second late on, with Annagh Bailey a close up fourth. Now you try!

By Paul Cooney

Best wishes to all finalists and their connections!

The Association shall endeavour to ensure the viability of Limerick Greyhound Stadium going forward. To this end the organisation will continue to sponsor sweepstakes over various distances and across a wide range of racing grades. Sponsoring an event is an ideal way of getting your “brand name” into the public domain.

If you are interested in sponsoring a sweepstake why not contact one of the committee members for details.

The Association enjoys a good working relationship with Greyhound Racing Ireland together with Limerick Track Management and Staff. It shall continuously strive to achieve standards of excellence on behalf of its members.

STEVIE WAS A DOGGIE MAN!

Stevie had a long association with the Greyhound Industry spanning most of his life. In 1967 interviewed as Ireland Youngest Greyhound trainer at aged 12 after his first dog St. Helena won her third race in Ballybunion he was asked two questions; 1. What was the secret of his success and 2. Did he have a specific ambition He replied “simply hard work and then more hard work and you must really look after your Dogs”. He said his ambition was to win the Leger. He can be strongly credited as succeeding on the first question but sadly a Leger win wasn’t to be.

Stevie raced his dogs under the famous Bold pre-fix and trained many top dogs like Gentle Warning, Gems Whisper and Ardrine Duke. Stevie was one of the first Irish transporters to sell dogs in tracks throughout the UK and created a large network both sides of the water who relied upon his advice and friendship.

BOBSLEIGH DREAM Fully announcing her star potential with a stunning 28.19 performance in the capital at the backend of last season, Willie Joe Murphy’s Bobsleigh Dream exited puppyhood with a track record performance over 570-yards at Tralee back in March. Remarkably versatile at four-bend distances, the Pat Buckley trained powerhouse claimed Tipperary Cup victory over 525-yards in August and has twice been fastest in the heats of this St Leger campaign. Ideally suited to the Limerick circuit and the 550-yard trip, she has her ideal draw to track the early pacers before delivering her telling challenge beyond halfway. PROBABLE SP 6/4

WI CAN DREAM

Having burst onto the elite racing scene with victory in the 2022 Juvenile Classic at Tralee back in March, Lars & Anita Wicander’s Wi Can Dream endured an interrupted season campaign before returning with classic heat wins in both the Derby and Laurels. However, back enjoying an extended run of good form in the St Leger, the Pat Guilfoyle charge rattled off a hattrick of heat wins before battling bravely for third in his semi-final. Possessing early pace at the 550-yard trip, he has claims to seize a rails-run and if turning the first bend in front, a bold bid is assured. PROBABLE SP 11/2

TRINITY JUNIOR A brilliant novice stake winner to commence his career at Shelbourne Park back in July, Tim Slevin’s Trinity Junior scorched around that capital venue ahead of a luckless passage in the Juvenile Derby Final before turning attentions to Limerick for this classic tilt. The Peter Cronin trained youngster is without a heat win so far but that fact does not reflect his classy passage through the event. With early pace, he has contested the lead in every outing and is sure to do so in the final. Should he reach the corner in front, any improvement on his best 29.68 could fend off the finishers. PROBABLE SP 11/2

ROMEO MAGICO

There could be no conversation debating the leading greyhounds of the 2022 season which did not feature David Firmager’s Romeo Magico in a year that brought an Easter Cup Final appearance before claiming the English Derby title in a stunning campaign at Towcester. His attempt to double-up in the Irish equivalent met with crowding at quarterfinal stage but his prolific competition prowess has been glaringly evident once again in this St Leger campaign. There has been just a sole heat win for the Graham Holland superstar but his semi second was his best of the event, both visually and on the clock. Make no mistake, he has been there, done it, and remains infinitely capable of doing it again! PROBABLE SP 4/1

ANNAGH BAILEY (M)

Dan & Peter Stackpoole’s Annagh Bailey made his debut here at Limerick before also scoring his first Open race success on the St Leger circuit back in June. Thoroughly progressive in the interim, the Rachel Wheeler charge improved with stealthy progress through the Irish Derby before a luckless outing when tumbling at quarterfinal stage. A short break and a return to Limerick for this classic tilt has, however, brought just reward for his highly consistent profile and he ably helped himself to a classy first heat victory at semi-final stage. With pace at all points of the circuit, his most immediate task now is to repel his closest trap 6 rival for the lead on the outside but if doing so, his final chances become highly realistic. PROBABLE SP 8/1

MUSTANG JET (W)

Another 2022 star to commence his career with a sizzling debut in the Juvenile Classic at Tralee, Sean Bourke & Paul Horig’s Mustang Jet posted a host of sizzling runs at Shelbourne Park before a brace of heat wins in the Irish Derby. Over a month off the track before arriving to Limerick for the St Leger, the Delores Ruth speedster rattled off a hattrick in the early rounds here at Limerick, with his dash to the corner a true feature of the event. He suffered his first defeat when reeled-in by tonight’s favourite at semi stage but his path to victory remains the least complicated of all. Lead around the opening bends as he has done in every round so far and hope to repel all in the latter stages; a bold show is assured! PROBABLE SP 3/1

DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS A ON SITE FOR EVERY NIGHT OF RACING

VETERINARY

Their responsibilities include:

Being present at the weighing in of greyhounds to ensure all greyhounds are healthy and fit to race

To examine any greyhounds that are brought to the attention of the vet by the stewards

To provide emergency care to any greyhound injured during racing

To visually assess all greyhounds post racing

€150,000 INCREASE IN PRIZEMONEY FOR DECEMBER 2022

The Board of Greyhound Racing Ireland recognises that the cost-of-living crisis is having a significant impact on owners and trainers nationwide. In response to this, the Board have approved an increase of €150,000 in prizemoney for the month of December 2022.

Owners and trainers who compete in races in December will benefit from this significant one-time support package. The increased funding, which will be distributed based on the number of races held at each venue to date, will assist all venues nationwide.

Each stadium racing manager will be responsible for the allocation of the additional prizemoney, to the best benefit for their local racing community.

MEETING

DATE : 18th December 2022

Greenpark, Dock Road, Limerick

Phone: 061 - 448038 or 085 8797575

Racing Office Opening Hours Tuesday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.

Racing Manager: Jody Thompson

Racing Support Officer: Noreen Cremin

Control Steward : Peter Quinn

Hare Driver: Andrew Barrett / David Benn

Ground Team: Andrew Barrett / David Benn/ Patrick McCarthy

Judge: Therese Keane / Sarah Hennessey / Noreen Cremin

Time Keeper: Jody Thompson

Vet Surgeon: A Hanley MVB MRCVS

Steward: P. Quinn/ J.Thompson/J. Waters/ N. Cremin/ A.Barrett.

OWNERS & TRAINERS ARE REMINDED TO CHECK PAPERS & GRI WEBSITE TO SEE IF THEIR GREYHOUNDS ARE RUNNING.

RACING CANNOT BE GUARANTEED FOR ANY DOG ENTERED AT THIS TRACK.

NOTICE

Declaration of a ‘NO RACE’

The stewards may declare a ‘No Race’ only in the following circumstances:

(1) Where there is mechanical or other defect of the hare equipment or starting box or any outside interference with the race, or (2) If any of the dogs fight, and as a consequence, all fail to pursue the hare, or (3) If for any other reason all dogs fail to pursue the hare.

Note: A greyhound turning back in a race does not constitute outside interference. Unauthorised photography in this stadium is strictly prohibited.

If through any cause the meeting has to be abandoned before the start of the Fourth Race, pass out tickets will be issued, but, under no circumstances, will admission money be refunded.

Greyhounds Turning in Traps:

(a) If a greyhound turns before the hare is put in motion that greyhound will be taken out and and righted. If, however, he turns again no further attention will be given to him.

(b) If a greyhound turns while the hare is in motion the hare should not be stopped and the traps should be released.

(c) If the hare passes the traps and for any reason the traps do not operate then all the dogs should be taken out and be re-examined before they are put into traps again.

Computerised Trap Draw made at Greyhound Racing Ireland.

Kennel area strictly out of bounds to all except owners, trainers, and officials.

IF GREYHOUNDS HAVE TO BE WITHDRAWN, OWNERS ARE REQUESTED TO DO SO BEFORE THEY APPEAR ON THE RACE CARD.