Corden the man to lift Newbridge
It will require all elements to pull together if the planned takeover is to go ahead.
Newbridge has been a prominent racing facility for many years but an extra push in promotion and expertise should see a loss-making situation being translated into a thriving business. The man behind the proposed takeover is Terry Corden, who has enjoyed considerable success as a promoter across the water and currently is the Nottingham boss.
The continuing situation whereby the industry has no IGB chairman and with a number of board members due for replacement of reappointment is a worrying one and is doing nothing for the confidence within the industry.
From sources very close to the new Leinster House authorities I understand that the new chairman will be appointed in the very near future.
However, when we gather for the National Greyhound Awards Presentation in Limerick’s Radisson Blu Hotel on Sunday there will be no chairman’s address The government will be represented by Shane McEntee, the new Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food. Perhaps he might have news.
Enough of the politics, let us concentrate on what is an extremely busy and important time on the tracks. Once again we start with Shelbourne where the final of the Tote Gold Cup is a very open affair. You can bet “threes the field” and it truly represents the line-up.
It would be no surprise if Slippery Bob went off favourite, not simply because he is owned by legendary punter Larry Dunne, but also on the strength of a remarkable performance in qualifying last week.
This fellow can fly out but will have a job in heading Moes Tavern and Judicial Academy on the inside to the bend. Quick Lee and Joey Jojo Junior will also make a strong bid for the early lead while Hats My Boy will be flying at the business end. It can go any way but I have this strong feeling about Slippery Bob.
A reminder that entries for the College Causeway/Killahan Phanter Easter Cup will close on Tuesday and the heats will be run on Saturday week.
Elsewhere the big weekend commences with Tralee tomorrow where the semi-finals of the Gallivan Murphy Hooper Dolan Juvenile Classic take pride of place.
Three highly informative and exciting contests are in store and the clash of Droopys Hutton and Meadow Bank Owl in the first could be a real highlight.
Looking at the bare form of the two dogs you might be inclined to think I am insane in thinking it could be close between them but Meadow Bank has shown huge pace in both outings. Droopys has to be the fancy but watch for the other.
Razldazl Rioga will appreciate his inside draw in the second semi but he has some very formidable opposition from Rockchase Bullet and Happy Hermit. The latter is a real speedster but has a most unfavourable draw.
In the third heat the vote must go to John Linehan’s Droopys Twirl.
The sprinters will turn on the style at Curraheen on Saturday with the semi-finals of the Kudos Supersprint down for decision. The big two in the opening heat are Sheepwalk Mac and Busters Choice and they should produce a thriller.
In the second heat we have to excuse Calling Spice her missed start last weekend and nominate her to lead all the way in beating Yes Boss and Mumhan Aris.
Early arrivals for the awards can take in Limerick Stadium on Saturday where the semi-finals of the Roches Feeds Oaks will be the feature.
Two splendid races are in prospect and in the first the three to qualify can be Tyrur Tinkerbell, Fatboyz Dizzy and big finishing Express Trend. The second heat will feature the big finishing trio of Borna Del, Inshaarla and Air Force Ellie and the draw looks more in favour of Borna.
