Talking Dogs on Thursday

This week, Barry Drake talks to two leading trainers who are both biding for English Derby success.

First Barry chats to Liam Dowling who is currently based in Ruddington, busy getting his team of five dogs settled ahead of the 2022 English Derby. Liam talks about the build-up and excitement ahead of the opening round of the Derby tonight in Towcester. Liam chats about his pacy performers including Ballymac Ben and Hoodoo Brown. Liam is looking forward to the challenge ahead. He also chats about Ballymac Ariel who is running in Heat 1 of the Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks in Shelbourne Park on Saturday evening.

Barry chats next to another top trainer, Karol Ramsbottom. Karol has a team of three dogs competing in this year’s English Derby; Conamara, Deadly Showtime and Deadly Destroyer. Karol also chats about owner Garry Hannon who is a fantastic supporter of greyhound racing.

Have a listen to their chat now!

This week Barry Drake chats with the treasurer of Clonmel Greyhound Stadium, Tommy Caffrey.

Greyhounds are in the blood for Tommy who spent growing up at the greyhound track in Navan.

Tommy is extremely passionate about the progression of Clonmel Greyhound Stadium. One of his main aims is to get the crowd and buzz back to the stadium along with improving the track and its facilities.

They also chat about the upcoming Larry O’Rourke National Produce Stake. The competition begins this Sunday at Clonmel with eight top class heats of high-quality greyhounds including the 2022 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial winner, Swords Rex. Tommy is hoping to welcome a huge crowd to the stadium to this event over the next few weeks.

Have a listen to their chat now!

As the dust settles on Friday’s spectacular 2022 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Final, Barry Drake speaks with Graham Holland of Riverside Kennels.

For the few that are unfamiliar Graham is the proud trainer of the 2022 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial champion, Swords Rex. Better known to them as ‘Gilly’, Swords Rex came to victory on Friday night with his 28.27 clear win. Graham reflects on the magical night, amazing scenes and buzzing atmosphere at Limerick Greyhound Stadium.

Although the Hollands have reached the final on numerous occasion this was the first Con & Annie Kirby win for them. Graham thanks his family who put so much effort and dedication into the kennels and the care of every dog. Graham talks about the luck on the night that often secures the win as well as enjoying each occasion as they come rather than looking too far forward.

Graham also gives his thoughts on Part Blake, who came second on Friday nights Star Sports/TRC English Derby Trial Stake.

Have a listen to their chat now!

In this week's episode, Barry Drake speaks to four different people about the terrific success of Tom Pa O'Connor's recent fundraiser for cancer charities in Munster. Over €125,000 was raised for charities in Kerry, Cork & Limerick.

Barry speaks to Damian Matthews, Tom Pa O'Connor, Míchael McMahon and Padraig Bunyon.

Have a listen to the great chat and the stories behind the fundraiser and of course some more stories from great greyhound men.

This week Barry Drake talks to three well-known and respected people within the Greyhound industry.

First up is trainer Declan McDonagh. Declan trained the 2022 Shelbourne Open 600 winner, Fast Fit Paddy. Declan was thrilled to be involved with this fast tracker and was delighted with his victory in the speedy time of 31:96. Declan has a small set up in Clare where himself and his brother Terry train greyhounds, they currently have seven with them.

Next up Barry chats with the joint owner of Fast Fit Paddy, John Quinn. John recalls last Saturday night’s win as one of the best nights to date. John also speaks about his long-term love for greyhounds as he was just 13 years old when he got his very one! John goes on to talk about the plans of an English Derby.

Finally, Barry chats with Dolores Ruth. Dolores enjoyed a double win last Saturday night at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium. First with Mustang Joey and secondly with Maries Wedding. Two very successful and proud wins for Dolores. Dolores looks forward to another weekend of great racing at Shelbourne Park and undoubtedly, she’s hoping it will be yet another triumphant night for her!

Have a listen to the podcast now!

Barry brings us a bonus episode this week as he chats to Liam Murphy of Greyhound & PetWorld.

Greyhound & PetWorld are sponsoring the SuperSprint which is on now in Curraheen Park, just weeks after their sponsorship of the Juvenile Classic in Kingdom Greyhound Stadium.

Join them for a chat.

This week’s podcast takes us to Enniscorthy as Barry Drake talks to a young man currently making waves in the greyhound industry, Robbie O’Neill.

Robbie talks about his long-time love for greyhounds as he said the interest was always there, but he had to prove he was willing to put in the time and effort into this journey!

He received his first greyhound from his uncle Pat and from there the passion grew.

Robbie is currently working on building his own kennels and although this is a work in progress, he aims to cover all areas from breeding to training greyhounds with his aim to specialize in breeding and producing open class dogs.

They talk about the Michael Fortune Memorial Unraced Stake currently taking place at Enniscorthy Greyhound Track. Robbie’s own runner Roanna Scooby is thriving in the competition, and they are gearing up to tonight’s quarter final!

Robbie talks fondly of his local track in Enniscorthy and encourages people to come out support the track especially as the summer months and longer evenings approach.

Have a listen to their chat now!

Susie Sapphire added another classic title to her achievements when winning the BresBet Easter Cup in Shelbourne Park last weekend. So who else would Barry speak to this week but her trainer Owen McKenna and owner Peter Comerford.

Susie is really setting the greyhound world alight and she is a shining star in our sport and the pride of the McKenna and Comerford families. Have a listen to what they have to say about the star.

Barry Drake has a bumper podcast episode for us this week.

Firstly he speaks to trainer Pat Buckley. They chat about Pat's brilliant night in the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium last Friday with two track records and 5 winners! They also chat about plans for the future including Con & Annie Kirby and English Derby hopes.

The Barry heads to Waterford as he chats to Ian Magnier in Kilcohan Park as they look forward to the opening night of the Select Stakes this Saturday.

Have a listen!

This week Barry Drake previews the final of the 2022 Greyhound & Pet World Juvenile Classic. With €11,000 at stake for the winner, this is bound to be a competitive competition. Barry chats to the connections of the 6 promising superstars!

First up is Robert Gleeson, the trainer of Droopys Edison. After clocking a speedy time of 20:18 in the Semi-Final, this dog is going to set standards for all!

Next is Emma Buckley. The Buckley family are doubly represented in the final by both Glengar Scholar and Lenson On Ice.

In trap 3 is Ballymac Kurtis who is trained by Liam Dowling. Liam has high hopes for his fast-paced star.

Barry then chats to Patrick Guilfoyle, the trainer of Wi Can Dream. Pat says Wi Can Dream has the perfect combination of pace and temperament.

Finally, we hear from Mark O’Donovan who is the owner of Coolavanny Hoffa. Although trap 6 might be tough they are delighted to be in the final!

Have a listen to his preview now!