DROOPYS CLUE: Seamus Cahill's all-time great rewrote the history books when making a successful defence of his PGR Greyhound St Leger title in 2024.
2023 coincided with the emergence of two outstanding prospects for the Seamus Cahill kennel – Droopys Clue and Maree Champion – and the subsequent deeds of the former elevated him to superstar status.
The Alan Hambi-owned Droopys Clue, undoubtedly one of the most talented dual purpose greyhounds since the mighty Ballyregan Bob in the halcyon days of the mid-1980s, was retired in July, 2025, after leaving an indelible mark on the sport and he will forever be revered as a true champion.
The August ’21 black and white dog by Out of Range and out of Droopys Natalia, who created an instant impression when winning his first four open races over Hove’s 500 metres, was crowned Greyhound of the Year in 2023 and his versatility at the very top level is almost something of a rarity.
In July, 2023, he got up close home to prevail by the minimum margin from Wrighty in the decider of the £10,000 Juvenile Classic (500 metres) and the other finalists comprised Coppice Warrior (third), New Destiny (fourth), Coppice Rocket (fifth) and Bombay Zero (sixth).
The following month, Droopys Clue, who appeared an unlucky loser after not enjoying the clearest of runs, divided Fromposttopillar and Cochise in the decider of the £10,000 Ladbrokes Summer Stayers (630 metres) at Monmore.
There was an outstanding entry for the £20,000 PGR St Leger (710 metres) at Perry Barr in 2023 – such luminaries as Ballymac Taylor (5-1), Space Jet (5-1), Droopys Clue (13-2), Ballymac Katie (7-1), Garfiney Blaze (12-1), Jacktavern Bella (14-1), Havana Lover (16-1), Lively Lauren (20-1) and Low Pressure (20-1) were at the forefront of the ante-post betting.
However, Droopys Clue was simply majestic to complete a glorious unbeaten run through the competition and, in the final of the PGR St Leger, he romped home by six-and-a-half lengths from the smart Jacktavern Bella in 42.33sec (Track Record).
Five weeks later, after twice breaking the track record in the preliminaries, Droopys Clue endured a rough passage when fourth to Churchfield Syd in the final of the £20,000 PGR Kent Derby (491m) at Central Park.
At the end of his first season Droopys Clue cemented his ranking as the outstanding stayer in training when coasting home more than four lengths clear of TV Trophy runner-up Ower Smasher in the final of the £10,000 Ballyregan Bob Memorial over 740 metres, clocking 44.45sec.
There were certainly valid excuses for Droopys Clue, who finished very fast after meeting several bouts of interference, when he occupied third spot behind Newinn Benni in the final of the 2024 Coral Sussex Cup over 515 metres at Hove.
In August, 2024, Droopys Clue accounted for a thoroughly representative field – Queen Georgia (second), Baywatch Bullet (third), Cooladerry Dust (fourth), Coonough Crow (fifth) and Savana Jackpot (sixth) – in the final of the £10,000 Ladbrokes Summer Stayers (630 metres) at Monmore.
Five weeks later Droopys Clue, owned by Alan Hambi, rewrote the history books when successfully defending his PGR Racing St Leger title over 710 metres at Perry Barr, though he encountered a stop-start end to his career prior to the announcement of his retirement in July, 2025.
Droopys Clue, a greyhound for all seasons, won no fewer than 30 of his 46 career starts and his track exploits will ensure that his place among a pantheon of all-time greats at Hove is assured.
THE CATEGORY ONE WINS OF DROOPYS CLUE
July 2023 £10,000 Juvenile Classic 500m Towcester 29.19
September 2023 £20,000 St Leger 710m Perry Barr 42.33TR
December 2023 £10,000 George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial 740m Hove 44.45
August 2024 £10,000 Ladbrokes Summer Stayers 630m Monmore 37.54
September 2024 £20,000 St Leger 710m Perry Barr 42.97
THE TRACK RECORDS SET BY DROOPYS CLUE
September 23 2023 710m Perry Barr 42.33sec
October 15 2023 491m Central Park 28.91sec
October 22 2023 491m Central Park 28.83sec
April 14 2024 500m Towcester 28.58sec
