The opening round of the Connolly’s RED MILLS Champion Unraced Stake got underway on Friday night in Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium.

It carries a first prize of €10,000.

Down through the years it has produced some fantastic greyhounds and several graduates from the competition have went on to win the Derby.

Much of the Wexford interest has centred on CUSHIE JET, the September ’16 whelp is by Droopys Jet out of Except Change, and is owned in partnership by Diane Brodie and John Codd.

The dark brindle dog did’nt give connections a moments concern as he scorched around the track in the fastest time of the night, 28.95, on a track rated .40 slow.

The greyhound has already been the subject of some massive offers, but connections are unlikely to be tempted as John feels the dog is the best he has ever had.

The dam, Except Change, was a ten times winner for Francis Kent, 6 of those victories came at Enniscorthy and the other four at Kilkenny, its her first litter, and all three runners to have raced to date have all won.

The second round takes place next Friday night.