Weather continues to paralyse greyhound racing scene

THE weather continues to paralyse the Irish racing scene with Cork and Clonmel the only southern tracks able to race last night and already as many as six of tonight’s meetings cancelled.

Shelbourne Park was called off before midday when it became obvious that the majority of owners, trainers and racegoers would be unable to make it to the track.

Philip Peake, GM at Harold’s Cross, is hopeful racing might be possible tonight when there will be three UK challengers for the heats of the Ted Hegarty Marathon.

Peake said: “The track is covered with snow but that is not a problem as it is perfectly okay under the snow. But the people just can’t make it to the track. There are contrasting weather forecasts but the one I trust most is suggesting rain overnight and in that case we should be able to race. We will make a decision as early as possible as we are starting on the track very early in the morning”.

Curraheen gave the go-ahead yesterday morning for last night’s meeting.

Thurles have called off their entire weekend programme and will transfer it to the following weekend. This means that the final of the Champion Bitch Stake will now be run tomorrow week. The meetings already called off tonight are Lifford, Dundalk, Thurles, Newbridge, Longford and Waterford.