The withdrawal of Smoke Pixie from the quarter-finals of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks is a major blow to her connections following her stunning 28.31 run in dreadful conditions at Shelbourne Park last Saturday.

THE Ladbrokes.com Irish Derby got off to a tremendous start at Shelbourne Park last night with some fabulous performances.

GREYHOUND followers received a shock yesterday with the news that Newbridge greyhound stadium will close to racing on Saturday week. However, it is hoped that the track could reopen in the near future if a backer can be found.

THE well-fancied Tyrur Bucko will not run in Saturday’s second semi-final of the Pat Hennerty Sales Irish Laurels at Curraheen Park due to a serious injury.

THE first heats in the 2010 Ladbrokes.com Irish Derby will be run at Shelbourne Park tonight and a sensational start looks on the cards with many of the leading fancies in action.

THE draw for the Ladbrokes.com Irish Derby was made a Shelbourne Park yesterday morning and it worked out pretty fair for virtually all the leading fancies.

I’M something of an optimist by nature but I can’t help but detect a number of very positive signs on the Irish greyhound front that provides renewed hope for the future of the industry.