Greyhounds News / Editor / 15 April 2009 / Leave a Comment

Could Wimbledon witness an Anglo/Irish Classic double this spring?

Shelbourne Aston is Wimbledon-bound.

The Irish Derby champion is to trial at Plough Lane within a week ahead of a crack at the £100,000 Classic, as he bids to do a Toms The Best.

Toms The Best is the only greyhound to have won the English and Irish Derbys, but he won them in different years, annexing the Shelbourne Park version.

That is what Pat Curtin's dog did last September and he aims now to complete the Anglo/Irish Classic double. The countdown to Wimbledon gathers pace with regular trials sessions ahead of the split-across-three-nights first round which, granted the requisite number of entries, begins on Thursday, April 30.

Charlie Lister sent out a number of his leading lights to Wimbledon this week, among them Fear Zafonic and Bandicoot Tipoki and it was the former who set the standard time-wise.

Wise Thought also impressed, while Barnfield On Air is back with a third Derby countdown on the horizon.

He has sparkled in trials and has been supported at major prices to make it third time lucky.

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The Irish challenge for the English Derby, bolstered by the news that Shelbourne Aston is travelling, will be strong. Saturday's Scottish Derby winner Cabra Cool trialled at Wimbledon back in January but will be sent over with others from Pat Buckley's kennels to contest the Classic, with one trial apiece before the event.
Cabra Cool is now the only greyhound able to go for the £1m bonus for the Triple Crown of Scottish, English and Irish Derbys.

Other trainers based in Ireland who have expressed an interest in entering at Wimbledon include Paul Hennessy, who sent out Tyrur Kieran to finish second last year, Owen McKenna and John McGee.

Entries for the Derby close on April 22.

* * *

Shawfield's only disappointment on a terrific night's racing on Scottish Derby final night was the marathon not filling.

It had been hoped that Flying Winner would make her reappearance from a short lay-off but that has now been tentatively made for the next Sky meeting at Hall Green on Tuesday, April 21.

The TV Trophy remains the target for Chris Lund's star.

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Champion trainer Mark Wallis' barnstorming run through the open-race schedule in 2009 continues.

Wallis has three runners through to Tuesday's Blue Riband final, led by fastest semi-finalist Jogadusc Ace. Formerly known as Mountjoy Gold, he is joined in the final by litter sister Mountjoy Ruby and kennelmate Goldcrest King.

The field at Hall Green is complete by old favourite Lenson Express, and Tony Dean's pair of Blonde Fern and Toosey Blue, the latter still the track record holder for the 480m at the Birmingham track.

* * *

Friday's Golden Sprint semi-finals will ensure another bumper weekend crowd at Romford.

Crowds for Romford and sister track Hove held up well over the holiday period, and open-race fans have been treated well at both.

Favourite for outright honours is Barrie Draper's Glenroe Ginger, who was quickest in the heats.

* * *

Grand National winner Hotdog Jack is to be aimed at the Champion Hurdle at Wimbledon.

Already winner of last year's Springbok, Seamus Cahill's dog will be aimed for what would be an historic jumps treble.

The Champion Hurdle is one of the showpiece events supporting the Derby final on Saturday, May 31.

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Ex-Matt Dartnall runner Ballymac Under is among the favourites for Saturday's Easter Cup final at Shelbourne Park.

Winner of his semi-final, the dog owned by Patsy Byrne is being trained in Ireland by Pa Fitzgerald.

He is expected to return to England for a crack at the English Derby.

* * *

Talks are planned later this month between an American-based gaming company and the Save Our Stow campaigners with regard to the possibility of reopening the closed track.

A source said: "It's slow going, and frustrating because we know the possibilities. But in the current economic situation, it's just important to keep contact and keep talking. That's what is being done here."

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