Mike Burton discussed the possible Welsh ban and the Eclipse semi-finals
We spoke with recent Category One winning trainer Mike Burton about the semis of the Eclipse as well as on the potential ban in Wales.
The Welsh ban and the Eclipse semis
Mike Burton is hoping his recent success at Oxford in the KAB Puppy Collar with Outa The Clouds and at Nottingham in the ongoing Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse continues to put Valley on the map.
“They’re great people there and I’m proud to represent them on the road,” said Burton, who is preparing his Eclipse heat winners Droopys Suprstar and Droopys Aladdin for Monday’s semi-finals at Colwick Park.
A fierce opponent of the proposed Welsh ban of the sport, which would put an end to racing at Valley, Burton is still hopeful the bill will be thrown out.
“It’s a nonsense, we all know that, and seeing the politicians who’ve come out in opposition of any ban has been great to see,” he added.
“The GBGB have done a good job in highlighting how this has nothing to do with racing or welfare, it’s purely and simply some sort of emotional tool from one person to make a deal.
“How one or two misguided politicians have even had such an impact over the overwhelming majority is crazy.
“I’m pretty sure it’s going to be thrown out or discarded because of lack of time - especially given Labour look likely to be kicked out there anyway next year!
“Either way, there are far more serious and urgent things that need attention in that part of the world.
“The people of the Valley are hard-working and greyhound-loving who’ve done a great job there and please God they - and we - can continue racing.”
On Monday’s performances at Nottingham, especially of Droopys Suprstar and Droopys Aladdin, Burton added: “I was delighted with them both. They’ve had a break and are running fresh and well - fingers crossed for the semis. That first semi-final is something else though!”
Referring to Droopys Aladdin’s clash with other heat winners Proper Heiress, Gary The Arb and Zenith Tanju (ex Sole Mio), Burton also had news of Carrick Scholsey, the newest intake at his Gloucester kennels, who missed out on a place in the Eclipse semis in Monday's heats.
The Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate third at Shelbourne Park for Robert Gleeson on Irish Derby final night in September, Burton said of the September 23 son of Droopys Scolari: “He’s taken a while to settle in and I always feared the Eclipse might come too soon, but we’ll get him back to Nottingham for a one-off maybe.”
