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.

ONLY twenty four greyhounds remain in the Sporting Press Irish Oaks, but the competition remains wide open following an intriguing second round on Saturday.

LESS than a month after going off favourite for the final of the English Derby, Toomaline Jack will be back at Wimbledon contesting the first round of the Williamhill.com English National.

BANDICOOT TIPOKI produced a wonderful effort to break Irish hearts at Wimbledon on Saturday night, coming from well off the pace to capture the williamhill.com English Derby, a fifth for his veteran handler Charlie Lister.

PAT THE BAKER, the fastest of the heat winners, can go in again in the second semi-final of the Knowsley Jake A6 Stakes at Youghal tonight.