The start of the SIS Gold Cup is only a week away and many potential challengers will flex their muscles in preparation for the event at Shelbourne Park this evening.

You could call this weekend the calm before the storm but it will still be a busy few days with top action at a number of venues.

Rarely have we approached a season with greater expectations than this year.

It has been quite a week for the greyhound industry this far with the three splendid days of sport at Clonmel and then the highly encouraging figures released by the Irish Greyhound Board.

THE Pat Hennerty Sales Irish Laurels is the centrepiece of a magnificent card at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.