Gardaí are investigating the theft of leading greyhound Clares Rocket from the kennels of trainer Graham Holland in County Tipperary.

The two-year-old greyhound, who has won more than €50,000 in prize money, went missing from Holland’s premises at Athassel Abbey at some point between Sunday evening and Monday morning.

A Garda spokesman said: “Gardaí at Golden are investigating the theft of an animal from a premises in Athassel Abbey, Golden, County Tipperary.

“The theft occurred sometime between 6pm on December 4 and 10am on December 5 and Gardaí are appealing for information.”

Clares Rocket was among the leading fancies for next year’s English Greyhound Derby.