Greyhound world in mourning

THERE WAS no greyhound racing anywhere in Ireland last weekend due to the snow. Hopefully most tracks will get back racing this week.

There was some sad news over the weekend, as the death occurred on Saturday of well-known greyhound owner and supporter Tony Butler from Piercestown, a member of a leading Wexford sporting family.

A former hurler, Tony has been involved with greyhounds for many years with his son, Anton, and their Telex prefix has been many times to the fore. Tony’s brother, Liam, is also a successful owner and trainer and was a former inter-county hurler.

The sympathy of the greyhound community is extended to the extended Butler family on their sad loss. May Tony rest in peace.

There was a nine-race card on offer on Thursday week at Enniscorthy Greyhound Track, and local trainer John Kavanagh had a night to remember, recording a fine treble.

The first of his winners came in race two when even money favourite Black Jet Hawk got out well from his trap two box and led to score a snug win in a time of 29.62.

Race six secured his second winner when Falcon Blitz also got out well and ran out a clear six lengths to the good at the line in a time of 29.40.

Race eight saw the treble completed as Cow Lane Lad was quick away and ran out a very easy five and a half lengths winner in a useful time of 29.18.

There are some nice stakes coming up in the coming weeks, with two unraced stakes and a 600 yards novice stake.

There will also be a big night’s racing to note for Easter Sunday as there will be an Easter bonnet competition, with free entry to all ladies wearing a bonnet?

A good night’s racing will be on offer, with semi-finals and finals of several very good stakes.

February 22 results - race one, The Welcome To Enniscorthy 525 Stakes (A7/8): 1, Slaneyside Wilma (owner, Derek Kehoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary), 29.35; 2, Notoutyet, 29.91.

Race two, The Racing at The Show Grounds 525 Stakes (A6): 1, Black Jet Hawk (owners, Michael Kervick and Charlie Kavanagh, Enniscorthy; trainer, John Kavanagh, Enniscorthy), 29.62; 2, Jills Jaguar, 29.86.

Race three, The Market Square 525 Stakes (A5): 1, Rains Tom Boy (owners, Noel Freeman and Margaret Freeman, Enniscorthy), 29.97; 2, Fox Cub, 29.98.

Race four, The Ross Road 550 Stakes (A5): 1, Glenbrien Glint (owner, Kathleen Stamp, Glenbrien), 30.91; 2, Rathbally Titan, 31.01.

Race five, The Trackside Diner 575 Stakes (A4/5): 1, Mikey Blue (owner, Michael Whelan, Enniscorthy), 32.13; 2, Time Charter, 32.34.

Race six, The Enniscorthy Track Bar Stakes (A4): 1, Falcon Blitz (owners, Murt’s Minions syndicate, Tinahely; trainer, John Kavanagh, Enniscorthy), 29.40; 2, Tomahurra Ruby, 29.82.

Race seven, The Racing for Mondays starting March 5: 1, Ballinaboola Net (owner, George Roche, Barntown), 29.29; 2, Tagalong Hylandr, 29.36.

Race eight, The Loch Garman A3 525 Stakes: 1, Cow Lane Lad (owners, Show committee syndicate, Enniscorthy; trainer, John Kavanagh, Enniscorthy), 29.18; 2, Metric Brae, 29.56.

Race nine, The Model County Get Out Stakes: 1, Tomahurra Chase (owner, Eimear Kehoe, Enniscorthy), 29.18; 2, Kingsmill Dior, 29.53.