The 2024 Irish greyhound racing calendar will have a very different look to it following the news that there is to be a major shake up in the timings of some of the major classics, most notably the Derby. Instead of the normal August/ September slot, the 2024 Boylesports Derby will conclude in late November.
This is said to be a one-time thing due to works taking place at Shelbourne Park in the New Year. Said works have yet to be confirmed officially but it is the worst kept secret in the history of the sport. It means that when the 2024 Derby does get underway, it will be a bright and shiny looking Shelbourne Park, which can only be a good thing for the sport.
So too was the fact that thousands of students filed into the famous Ringsend venue on Thursday evening for a organised event featuring a live DJ, special catering arrangements and an incredible atmosphere.
Given the success of the two students night held at Shelbourne in the past year, it seems certain there will be more offered in the future. Sadly, it could be late in 2024, due to the aforementioned refurbishment works, when they get the opportunity to come back for a similar event.
Meanwhile, the racing year continues. Those in Shelbourne Park are readying themselves for the upcoming Winter Racing Festival which is scheduled for December 1st and 2nd, but before then the willwego.com Irish St Leger has been providing some truly spectacular fare around Limerick in recent weeks.
The final classic of the year has reached the semi-final stages and twelve will become six on Saturday night. Both heats are absolutely stacked with quality but the opening semi is particularly hot with kennel companions and classic winners Swords Rex and Clonbrien Treaty taking on the defending Leger champion Bobsleigh Dream.
Add in the hugely talented trio of Gaytime Hugo, Ballinabola Una and Another Holiday and it really is a special contest. Clonbrien Treaty has returned to his brilliant best in recent weeks, perhaps proving that he is at his best around Limerick.
The Kirby memorial champion is drawn in the stripes and will have plenty of support but his draw isn’t as kind as that of Swords Rex, who lines up on the fence. Swords Rex has relative slow starters on his immediate inside, while Clonbrien Treaty has to clear the very speedy Another Holiday.
That could potentially swing things in favour of Swords Rex. Certainly, if he were to get loose at the head of affairs, it would need something special to reel him in. Bobsleigh Dream is potentially the only one left in the competition that could do so.
It’s impossible for this scribe to go against Swords Rex and he is selected to claim his place in the decider with a front running success. Bobsleigh Dream is also likely to progress, while the battle for third could come down to whether Clonbrien Treaty can better Another Holiday into the turn.
The second heat is also hugely competitive. Mr Chelm, Sober Glory and Trinity Junior are likely to head the betting but it might be the right time to side with Music Glieaway. A Derby finalist in September, he gave signs of a return to his very best last week. If he were to trap on terms, it would be no surprise if he led his five rivals into the back straight.
In such a scenario, he would likely come home in front, as he did in the semi-finals of the Derby in late August. On the strength of the draw, Mr Chelm is seen as the main threat, while the battle for third could go right to the wire.
The final of the willwego.com Irish Leger is scheduled for next Saturday, November 25th and it is set to be televised live on RPGTV, channel 427 on the sky platform.
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