Dog ransom demand revealed -
- (December 7th 2016)
Kidnappers who took star Irish greyhound Clares Rocket from his kennel demanded a ransom, trainer Graham Holland has revealed.
The two-year-old greyhound was reported to be safe and well following the ordeal and enjoyed a treat of sirloin steak after he was returned to Holland's yard in Co Tipperary.
Holland said it was fantastic to have been reunited with his charge at a garda station on Tuesday evening.
"We have had a great year this year. We were lucky enough to win the (Irish) Derby (with kennelmate Rural Hawaii) and it was the same elation over again, it was like winning the Derby," Mr Holland said.
Gardai launched an investigation after Clares Rocket, who has won over 50,000 euros in prize money and is among the leading fancies for the 2017 English Derby, went missing from the premises in Athassel Abbey between Sunday evening and Monday morning.
Holland was in Belfast with his wife Nicky visiting one of his sons when the kidnappers struck.
Gardai said four men were arrested in the Tipperary area on Tuesday evening when the dog was recovered. He was said to be in good condition but a little distressed.
Holland revealed a ransom had been demanded but declined to say how much the gang wanted.
"People thought they could hold him to ransom," he told RTE Radio.
"It's a bit like Shergar. If they haven't got their identity book they can't do a lot with him. He's only worth money to the people who own him and what he can win for them or stand at stud.
"Obviously it's not the same thing, you do think of Shergar and they never recovered him. You just fear the worst - that whoever stole him would dispose of him and run for the hills. Luckily enough, as I say, the gardai did great work and we are absolutely delighted."
Holland said that on his day Clares Rocket is probably the fastest dog in Ireland, but in reality his value at stud is below the one million euros reported in the wake of his kidnap.
"It's not the same as horses. The stud fees aren't as high," he said.
Clares Rocket, winner of the Champion Stakes and the Produce Stakes, was microchipped. He is owned by the Full House Syndicate in the Limerick area.
Two of those arrested were held at Tipperary Town Garda Station and two at Clonmel station under the provisions of section four of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
"The dog was found safe and well," a Garda spokesman said.
