Maunsell optimistic for Sunday evening racing

LAST Sunday evening at Tralee Track saw the first running of the SIS meeting that was switched from Saturday afternoon and it was a successful enough affair, with quite good tote pools in particular.

Brendan Maunsell, chairman of the Kerry Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association, takes an optimistic view about the change to Sunday evening. “People felt that a Saturday meeting in the middle of the day was neither here nor there,” he said. “”I would hope that the Sunday evening meetings into the future will generate bigger attendances and I will be surprised if they don’t.”

Consolation prizemoney for unplaced greyhounds has been increased from €20 to €30. “We were trying for more than that, but didn’t succeed,” said Maunsell. “Prizemoney for the first three in every race will remain the same.

“We are happy enough with the new arrangement and that everything is sorted.”

The first winner at the new Sunday evening meeting, which holds big potential if properly sold, especially in this tourist season, was Labana Gooch, owned by Batt O’Shea, of The Spa, Tralee, who holds the distinction of winning an All-Ireland senior football medal with Kerry in 1975. Labana Gooch gained his first win from ten starts when beating Inislosky Ebony by a neck in 29.81 (.10 slow).

Other winners: Pumpkin Brandy, 28.97; Ballylane Vic, 28.98; Baltovin Serena, 29.22; Giovan Astral, 29.08; Spirit Invincibl, 28.89; Cork Rocky, 28.97; Gracias Wonder, 29.10.

TUESDAY SIS MEETING: Highlights were the 17.68 recorded by Samba Active for the 325yds trip (S5 class) and the 28.74 recorded by Decorated for the 525yds trip (A3 class). There was also a fine double for Tarbert’s Dan Wren with Steeple Rd Taylr (29.71) and Magnum P1 (29.10).

Other winners: Cork Rocky, 29.30; Leaha Sky, 29.52; Clorane Daddy, 29.24; Headleys Bud, 29.31; Hadtobe Rory, 29.18; Send It Seasons, 28.90.

SATURDAY EVENING: Loher Storm clocked 28.82 on Saturday evening for local owner, Noel O’Leary, and there was a double for joint owners, John Culloty and Michael Marshall, of Ardfert, with litter brother and sister, Kilcurra Deacon (29.79) and Kilcurra Penny (29.36). Other winners: Clounamon Angel, 18.20; Carmac Hollie, 30.01; Joyful Daisy, 18.31; Nocturnal Naoimi, 17.92; Stayaway Rose, 29.33; Piper Chair, 29.55.

• Slow ratings of .10secs and .05secs applied.