Who stole Ireland’s €1million greyhound?
Clares Rocket stolen from its kennels in shergar-style raid
GARDAI are investigating a possible dissident republican link to the theft of one of the country’s top greyhounds.
Clares Rocket, tipped as one of the favourites for the 2017 English Derby, was stolen in an incident likened to the infamous IRA kidnapping of champion racehorse Shergar.
The dog was abducted from the yard of leading trainer Graham Holland in Co Tipperary.
A Garda insider revealed officers were following “several lines of inquiry” including one theory that dissident republican criminals may have been involved.
The source said: “It can’t be ruled out. The people involved are out and out criminals.”
It is not known if any ransom demand has been made.
The source added: “It’s the Shergar of greyhound racing, that’s what it is. They just went in and took him.
“Luckily enough they didn’t meet anyone in the kennels. They must have known where he was in the kennels... you’d have to know what you’re looking for.”
Gardai said Clares Rocket was stolen from Riverside Kennels in Athassel Abbey, Golden, between 6pm on Sunday and 10am the next day.
The dog, which is said to have a potential stud value of €1million, has won prize money of €53,000.
One source said the canine, like all competition dogs, would have been tagged and microchipped which may help in finding it. Another insider added: “That dog was second favourite to win the English Derby.
“He has broken track records in Ireland. He’s definitely in the top three dogs in the country.”
The theft was likened to the IRA kidnapping of Epsom Derby winner Shergar from Ballymany Stud in Kildare in 1983. He was never found.
A Limerick syndicate, which owns Clares Rocket, could not be contacted.