Guilfoyle hopes Shoemakers impressive form can continue

There should be a fine welcome for recently-crowned Sprinter of the Year Shoemakers Lad when he turns up at Curraheen Park for the semi-finals of the Kudos Supersprint on Saturday.

Trainer Pat Guilfoyle was delighted with the dog’s performance last weekend in what looked a rough race. He appears to have an easier draw in the second heat, where John Linehan’s Broadstrand Lad will be a big rival.

Linehan, who also has Tooclosetocall in this heat, was thrilled when his Droopys Twirl was named Bitch of the Year on Sunday in Athlone and reported they still hope to get her back to defend the Oaks title.