Droopys Kathleen's possible tilt at the Oaks gets Seal of approval from Dunstall Park racing manager

Droopys Kathleen's possible tilt at the Oaks gets Seal of approval from Dunstall Park racing manager 

Irish sensation Droopys Kathleen could be heading to Dunstall Park in the coming weeks for a trial and then tilt at the main event as the Wolverhampton venue hosts the Category One Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks heats during October with the final scheduled for Friday, October 24. 

It's nearly ten months since Droopys Kathleen burst onto the scene with flying runs around Shelbourne Park back in October 24. Droopys Kathleen won all five of her races around Shelbourne Park, including a track record 27.58 clock over the 480-metre trip at the Dublin venue in the semi-finals of the Gourmet Island Puppy Oaks. 

Droopys Kathleen in winning action at Shelbourne Park. Image - Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium X

Sadly, injuries have kept Droopys Kathleen off the track in recent months and the May 2023 daughter of Droopys Sydney also broke into season earlier this year. Following on from those setbacks, trainer Robert Gleeson has recently reported that all is well, and they have their sights firmly set on a tilt at the PGR Oaks at Dunstall Park, which is music to the ears of the track's racing manager Martin Seal.

Speaking to Martin today, he had this to say about the prospect of Droopys Kathleen traveling over for the Oaks: “Great news to hear that Robert Gleeson is considering bringing Droopys Kathleen over for a tilt at the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks next month. Kathleen's extraordinary Irish Puppy Oaks efforts and accompanying track record from last autumn are still fresh in the memory, and her entry would certainly add extra lustre to the bitches' classic.

“Robert launched a similar raid back in 2023 with Droopys Ailsa and the brilliant Droopys Mandolin, guiding the former to finish a close up third behind No Rush and Jet Stream Angel in the PGR Oaks Final, further enhancing his skills with a greyhound and making many friends along the way.’’

Speaking about upcoming trials, Martin Seal added: “We hope to be in a position to offer pre-Oaks trials from next week, all being well, and interested parties should contact the Racing Office - [email protected] - with details of their requirements, and we will endeavour to accommodate them as soon as is practicable.’’

Talking about how things are going with preparations and trials at Dunstall Park, Seal said: “We're into the second week of qualifying trials at Dunstall Park, with 90 dogs now qualified from the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions. The track is in good shape, handling yesterday's deluge with no fuss at all, and with the new up-and-over style starting traps in place and the bends as sweet as you could ask for, times have been very encouraging. Fastest so far has been Paul Meek's once-raced October puppy Hows That with a 28.14 (-10) clock, giving the impression that the 28.00 second barrier will be breached sooner rather than later.’’

Dunstall Park Greyhound Track, Wolverhampton. Image - Dunstall Dogs X

Looking ahead, Dunstall Park Racing Manager Martin added: “Our first meeting (behind closed doors) is scheduled for Monday, September 8, with the grand opening on the evening of Friday, September 19.’’

Tickets can be purchased via the official Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium website.

Trials taking place at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium. Image - Dunstall Dogs X

You can also check out the Dunstall Park Racing Club Membership Card information — HERE