Big prize may lure College Causeway
Ladbrokes are the new sponsors of the Irish Greyhound Derby and have announced that this year’s Derby will boast a winner’s prize of €120,000. The total prize funds will be between €225,000 and €305,000 making it by far the richest greyhound race in Europe.
Pat Buckley’s College Causeway took the Derby in outstanding fashion last year, starting in last at the first bend and then managing to recover with immense pace to find the right gaps to clinch a victory over Oran Classic by two lengths.
Causeway, known as the people's champion at Shelbourne Park, was also awarded the 2009 Greyhound of the Year in the annual Irish Greyhound Board awards. It was only then when owner Vince McKenna took the decision to retire possibly one of the greatest dogs of all time.
“College Causeway earned his place in the history books last year, he’s legendary. We’d just love to see him back,” said Joe Lewins, the sponsors managing director.
The sponsors are in the process of reeling Causeway out of retirement, a further €80,000 is said to be applied if he returns and can successfully defend his title, an offer I’m sure McKenna won’t have to think twice about.
There have been some fantastic performances already at Shelbourne Park in recent weeks as many of the potential stars of this year's Derby start to limber up for this year's event.
The only worrying aspect of the Derby is the opening night being on August 4th, which is the same night Manchester United take on an Irish 11.
Apart from the obvious traffic congestion to be expected in the area, there is also the possibility that the Football Association of Ireland will celebrate with the use of fireworks, not something which goes down well with the dogs, and certainly reason for the IGB to consider re-scheduling.
The dates for the Irish Derby are:
First Round: Wednesday 4th August, Thursday 5th August & Saturday 7th August.
Second Round: Thursday 12th August & Saturday 14th August
Third Round: Saturday 21st August
Quarter-Finals: Saturday 28th August
Semi-Finals: Saturday 4th September
Ladbrokes Irish Greyhound Derby Final: Saturday 11th September
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