The Executive Committee of the ICC welcome all competitors to the final of the 32nd Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks and as sponsors we are thrilled with the event to date. The Sporting Press newspaper, as part of the Irish Coursing Club, is proud to be associated with this female classic and Shelbourne Park for the last 32 years. This year’s event coincides with the second-year anniversary of the Sporting Press online edition which is available every Tuesday evening at 8pm.
Once again, we have seen the best of the female cohort competing in the event with some exceptional performances from the finest bitches in training from the four provinces. This competition is dedicated to the female sector and is a strong indicator of how well placed our breeding future is with such a line-up of talent in the finale. The two semi-final winning performances were equally competitive with little separating both winners in time. We can expect a thrilling final with four of the six qualifiers handled by trainers and the remaining two handled by their owners, with five of the finalists sired by Droopys Sydney. Thanks to all stud dog owners that play a vital role in serving the industry by maintaining a suitable gene pool.
A major thank you to Declan O’Donoghue, who did a wonderful job in keeping everyone informed and captivated with his weekly reports. We also thank Ian Fortune, Tommy Lyons, Frank Kieran, and Jason Craddock. We thank Orla Strumble, Thomas Ryan, and Dawn Quinn of GRI for their support and professionalism during the event. Another big thank you to Imelda Grauer, our long-standing photographer and recent recipient of the ICC special merit award for her service to coursing over many years.
The ICC supports this event annually because the Executive Committee recognise that the foundation of the breeding industry is dependent on the quality of the brood bitch and this makes it necessary to acknowledge the very important role played by the breeder to ensure an overall vibrant industry.
In conclusion, a sincere thanks to Michael Dempsey and all the team at Shelbourne Park for making this another memorable Sporting Press Online Edition Oaks.
Wishing each finalist, the best of luck in running tonight and let us hope we can witness their off-spring successfully representing them in the future.
D.J. Histon, Chief Executive/Secretary
D.
Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book
We would like to thank all our readers and advertisers. Without your support this sponsorship would not be possible
SHELBOURNE PARK GREYHOUND STADIUM
SATURDAY 17TH JUNE
GUARANTEED TO A MINIMUM GROSS AMOUNT OF
€200
PICK 4 JACKPOT RACES 4-7
GUARANTEED TO A MINIMUM GROSS AMOUNT OF
ALL RACES MUST HAVE 6 RUNNERS www.barkingbuzz.ie
Locnamon Bridie was all-conquering in 2013
Choruses of the anthem ‘Limerick, You’re A Lady’ rang around Shelbourne Park in June 2013 after Locnamon Bridie won the Sporting Press Irish Oaks for trainer Paul Hennessy and owners Bill Chawke and his famous publican father, Charlie. She was a two-lengths winner from Badminton Girl, beating what was reckoned to be one of the best Oaks final line-ups for years. Melodys Impact was in trap one, Borna Gem in two, Locnamon Bridie in three, Airforce Diva in four, Royal Diva in five and Badminton Girl in six.
Bill Chawke told the Sporting Press he still had the shakes after the race, while Charlie said he’d been hopeful, considering she won her semi-final in 28.32, the faster of the two heats. Also delighted was Ger Langton, who bred her out of his Locnamon Nell, by Royal Impact. This was her third Oaks title, as she had already won the Christmas Oaks and Limerick Oaks – and of course later that year she went on to win the St Leger, and was crowned Supreme Greyhound of the Year in the 2013 track awards. There were some superb performances on the way to the final, with Borna Gem running in the bitch classic for the second year after winning the Puppy Oaks in 2012 and being unlucky to be eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Oaks that same year. She had done the fastest time by a bitch around Shelbourne Park in December 2012, and was favourite for much of the stake.
Ollie Bray’s name went into the record books in September 2002 as the trainer of Irish Derby winner Bypass Byway, and the Navan handler was there again the following summer when Axle Grease, who he trained for Larry Dunne, won the 2003 Sporting Press Irish Oaks.
By Top Honcho out of Fees Chance, she was one of three bitches who were prominent throughout that year’s Oaks, along with Stephen Bourke’s Mustang Mega and English challenger One Yard, trained by Andy Johnson.
Axle Grease had already reached the final in 2002 and so had the 2002 Bitch of the Year, Longvalley Tina, trained by Paul Hennessy. She was in her fifth year and had come back racing after having a litter of pups.
Another with plenty experience of big nights was the Paddy McCormack-trained Odette, just beaten in the Puppy Derby final by Fortune Mike and also narrowly defeated in the Ladbrokes 600.
Axle Grease flashed out in the final and held on all the way to cross the line a neck ahead of Mustang Mega in 28.64, with three lengths back to One Yard in third.
CRAFTY SHIVOO:
Crafty Shivoo is given a narrow vote to land the final of the Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks. Owned by the Divilly family from Galway, the October pup is one of six railers and has a cracking draw on the fence. The Droopys Sydney bitch looks a progressive sort and ran a cracker last week when second to Bobsleigh Dream.
1 Crafty Shivoo 9/2
QUIVERS MAGIC:
Limerick Oaks third Quivers Magic runs from Trap 2. Trained by Adam Dunford for P.J. and Charles Sugrue, this bitch won in the opening two rounds and boasts 28.25sec in the competition. She is capable of getting of a bullet break, and will need one to make an impact here.
2 Quivers Magic 11/4
BOBSLEIGH DREAM:
Bobsleigh Dream has already landed a St Leger and Cesarewitch and is definitely more at home over longer. That said, she is unbeaten in the last three rounds and if the gaps appear, she will not be slow to find them. Trained by Pat Buckley for Willie Joe Murphy.
3 Bobsleigh Dream 11/10
DROOPYS TIMING:
Droopys Timing, for owner/trainer Paul Cronin is a bitch hitting form at the right time and has won for the past two weeks and set the standard last week with 28.43sec. However, those wins were from trap one and she is now drawn in four and has little margin for error.
4 Droopys Timing 8/1
GLENGAR MARTHA:
A second finalist for trainer Pat Buckley. This Droopys Sydney bitch owned by William Wood clocked 28.31sec in round two and has caught the eye running on from halfway in subsequent efforts. There may be more to come.
5 Glengar Matha 14/1
SCOOBY DUCHESS:
It is hard to believe that the Steve Noble owned Scooby Duchess was three lengths clear in last year’s final and beaten by Raha Mofo when you see her style of running this year. Jennifer O’Donnell’s bitch takes off from the second turn and is staying stronger than ever. However, her draw in trap six is fraught with danger.
6 Scooby Duchess 8/1
TRAP 1
Pictured with Peter Divilly
Owner: Peter Divilly/Brian Divilly
Trainer: Peter Divilly/Brian Divilly
Breeder: Donal Beatty & Sean Beatty
TRAP 2 TRAP 5
TRAP 3 TRAP 6
TRAP 4
Pictured with Adam Dunford
Owner: PJ Sugrue/Charles Sugrue
Trainer: Adam Dunford
Breeder: Ann Watson
Pictured with Sarah Buckley
Owner: Willie Joe Murphy
Trainer: Pat Buckley
Breeder: Willie Joe Murphy
Pictured with Paul Cronin
Owner: Paul Cronin
Trainer: Paul Cronin
Breeder: Sean Dunphy
Pictured with Pat Healy
Owner: William Wood
Trainer: Pat Buckley
Breeder: Pauline Buckley
Pictured with Jennifer O’Donnell
Owner: Steve Noble
Trainer: Jennifer O’Donnell
Breeder: E. J. Whiting
Pics: Imelda Grauer
The welfare and care of a greyhound is the number 1 priority
Covers everyone (those who keep, breed, rear, train, race, trade or transport greyhounds)
The whole of a greyhound’s life must be planned for, including retirement
Housing must be safe and comfortable
Each kennel must have a designated Veterinary Practitioner
An exercise programme based on the age, anatomy & behaviour must be in place including exercise in fresh air at least once per day
Keepers/Owners must be competent and knowledgeable in the care of greyhounds
A health programme agreed with a Vet must be in place including how to deal with all parasites
Socialisation must be provided at all stages of life
View the full Code of Practice on grireland.ie/codeofpractice
Correct procedures to be followed on the notification of transfer, sale or death
Thursday 29th June
ON2 525 For 6 @ €15 Winner €400
S4 350 For 6 @ €15 Winner €300
A7 525 For 6 @ €15 Winner €255
A5 575 For 6 @ €15 Winner €290
A4 (Non Winners) 525 Must have @ Least 3 races For 6 @ €15 Winner €305
A4 550 For 6 @ €15 Winner €305
Friday 23rd June
Saturday 24th June
A3 (No Backgraders) 525 For 6 @ €20 Winner €400
A3 575 For 6 @ €20 Winner €400
A3 525 For 6 @ €20 Winner €400
S1/S2 350 For 6 @ €20 Winner €400
A2 Bitch 525 For 6 @ €20 Winner €425
A2 (Owner Trained) 525 For 6 @ €20 Winner €500
A2 600 For 6 @ €20 Winner €425
The 2023 Corn Cuchulainn Open 750 For 36 @ €50. Winner €10,500
AA0 525 For 6 @ €40 Winner €750
A0 525 For 6 @ €30 Winner €600
A1 575 For 12 @ €20 Winner €2000
Saturday 1st July
The 2023 BoyleSports
Champion Stakes 550 For 18 @ €300. Winner €20,000
All Entries for Friday & Saturday Cards must be in before 9pm on Monday. Via Text/WhattsApp System Only 0858004891
Entries for Thursday Card must be in before 12 noon on Friday.
ANY ENTRIES RECEIVED FOR SWEEPSTAKES WHICH DO NOT FILL AN ALTERNATIVE PLACE IN A GRADED RACE WILL BE FOUND FOR ENTRIES UNLESS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED NOT TO.
Entries: Michael : 085 1484848 or Conor 086 2716412 Text Entries To : 085 8004891
Prize Money For All Stakes Is Subject To Them Filling.
OFFICIAL TRIAL SESSIONS Each Race Night Weigh In @ 5.30pm to 6.00pm (Must Be Pre-Booked and weighed in before 5.30pm) Owners/Trainers please note that all trials both public & private are now available to be booked Online
PRIVATE TRIALS Monday 9.30am – 2.30pm
PUBLIC TRIALS
Each night prior to racing 5.30pm Trials to be booked on www.grireland.ie
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 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 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 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
Ask your nearest Tote Operator for more details/options
Simply ask your Tote Operator For €1 TRIO. Select three traps to finish first, second and third in the correct order or increase your chances by selecting an ALWAYS TRIO €6. This bet covers three selections to finish first, second and third in any order.
Simply ask your Tote Operator For €1 Trio, Select three traps to finish first , second and third in the correct order or increase your chances by selecting an Always Trio €6 this bet covers three selections to finish first, second and third in any order.
DID
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
Meeting Date: Saturday 17th June 2023 Meeting No: 63
The Stewards may declare a ‘NO RACE’ only in the following circumstances:
• Where there is mechanical or other defect of the hare equipment or starting box or any outside interference with the race.
• If any of the dogs fight, and as a consequence, all fail to pursue the hare
• 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 race 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.
(A) If a greyhound turns before the hare is put in motion, that greyhound will be taken out 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 re-examined before they are put into traps again.
Computerised Trap Draw made at Rásaíocht Con Éireann
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.
RACING CANNOT BE GUARANTEED FOR ANY DOG ENTERED AT THIS TRACK.
Greyhound Racing Ireland has a legitimate interest in filming and photography at this venue during events for promotional, regulatory and archival purposes. Footage, imagery and voice may be broadcast via television, radio, social media platforms and the GRI website at www.grireland.ie. CCTV operates at this venue for safety, security and regulatory purposes. For further information please contact PR@grireland.ie
Racing Manager: Michael Dempsey
Racing Support Officer: Conor Matthews
Control Steward: Conor Byrne
Vet Surgeon: T.Collins, C.Meaney, S.Nagle
Hare Controllers : Dave McDermott, David Turner
Starters: D Garvey, D Turner
Judge & Timekeeper: Tony Power
Hospitality & Facilities Manager: Dara Geraghty
Tote Operations Manager: Linda Conroy
Stewards of the Meeting: M.Dempsey. C Matthews, C Byrne, M.Maguire, J.Black
Licensed by and under Rules of Racing of Rásíocht Con Éireann