Barefoot Apollo became the standard setter during an eventful second stage of the Irish Laurels on Saturday night at Curraheen Park.

It really has been the most amazing start to the greyhound year. First we had the freeze-up and no racing at Shelbourne Park and other venues for a full month. Now we have the situation that because of many of our leading dogs lack full fitness, a prestigious event such as the Joe Dunne Memorial Puppy Stake has had to be put back a week in order to attract sufficient entries.

The Irish Greyhound Board has confirmed Anthony Spencer will be stepping down as General Manager of Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium at the end of this month.

The bitches may have dominated the scene last week but it will be the turn of the stayers tomorrow night when the final of the Accelerated Drain Cleaning Corn Cuchulainn will be the main event on a gala Harold’s Cross card that will be featured live in an hour long programme on Setanta Ireland.