FUTURE CHAMPION APPROACHING FAST
Ian Fortune
There will be extra eyes on the action in the Future Champion & Michael Fortune Memorial Unraced Stake at Enniscorthy this year with last year’s renewal producing the subsequent English Derby champion Thorn Falcon.
In truth, the stake always sees the emergence of some massive names and this year’s event will be no different with the €16,075 prize-pool certain to attract runners from a number of the bigger kennels. It doesn’t mean the trophy is going to one of the big kennels, however.
It was Joe Devlin that took home the prize last year with Sons Of Sons, who just so happens to be a litter brother to the aforementioned Thorn Falcon. While Joe sold the latter out of the opening round, Sons Of Sons ensured that Devlin had one of the most memorable months of his time in greyhound racing. One wonders, will Joe be back for another crack this year?
The competition is due to start on St Patrick’s Day, March 17th, with the final scheduled for Thursday, April 7th. The stake is open to 48 greyhounds with a €50 entry. So now is the time to get your dog’s ready and let’s hope we see another future classic winner emerge from the aptly named Future Champion.