Shelbourne hope to resume on Thursday

THE Irish Greyhound Board announced yesterday evening that it is hoped that Shelbourne Park will open for racing again on Thursday next.

The track has been closed due to damage caused by flooding as a result of a burst pipe. Substantial damage was done to the Grandstand on all three floors. As a result there was no racing this week. However a statement issued yesterday evening stated:

“We have witnessed unprecedented weather conditions during the month of December. Bord na gCon has, similar to many businesses and households, suffered the effects of this severe weather on its operations. This caused a significant problem, namely a burst pipe, to occur in one of our nationwide facilities, Shelbourne Park. This problem was detected by a security patrol, engaged to monitor the facility over the Christmas period.

“The Irish Greyhound Board management team met with representatives of their Insurance Partners in Dublin on January 7th. During this meeting all current information relating to the water damage to Shelbourne Park was reviewed.

“Subject to the successful testing of the Tote equipment and a review of Health and Safety guidelines, Shelbourne Park will re-open on Thursday January 13th for racing.” With Shelbourne Park not racing this evening due to flooding, Curraheen Park will be the main track on the inter-track service throughout the country. Of course Shelbourne Park isn’t the only track to suffer. Longford, Newbridge, Galway and Dundalk were all forced to postpone their meetings last night due to frost, while Mullingar was forced to postpone and the card will be run on Thursday next.