Milldean Panther set for early return to action in Gold Cup

The most sensational greyhound to appear on Irish tracks in years, Milldean Panther, will return to action earlier than expected.

The winner of all ten of his ten races to date, Milldean Panther spent the winter in stud, and he was expected to take some time off after his ‘exertions’ but trainer John O’Flynn is getting him back to his day job of winning races.

“It is racing that comes first for him now,” O’Flynn is quoted as saying on the IGB website in conversation with Michael Fortune. “He is very well in himself but we never really let him off. He was getting the odd gallop the whole time and we just brought him down and back to Sean Bourke to have straws taken.

“He has developed over the winter and is stronger around the backside. We hadn’t been considering the Gold Cup because we didn’t think the weather would be as good as it has been and he would be as forward as he is."

So it seems we could see him back in action on February 18, the first round of Gold Cup action. With prize money of €30,000 for the winner, we can see why the race appeals.

The 550 yard distance will also probably be even better for the now stronger Milldean, the record holder over 525 at Shelbourne Park. The only thing that can delay his return now is the weather.

“The weather will totally decide his campaign and if it turns bad in the next week we could change our minds again. But the fact that he is so well in himself and that the SIS Live Gold Cup is over 550 yards and is worth €30,000 has made us think again. We have no doubt he will be better over 550”.

Flynn also added that Milldean “appears to be flying. When we gave him a handslip in Clonmel last week the locals said he did an unbelievable clock. We will bring him back to Clonmel again on Saturday and then probably up to Shelbourne on Saturday week”.

The return of the Frankel of greyhound racing is great news for everyone so get to Shelbourne Park on February 18 and see a living legend at work.