Greyhound Express Issue 6, August 2013

GREYHOUND

EXPRESS

ISSUE SIX

AUGUST 2013

IT’S TANGO TIME!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CHARLIE LISTER OBE ON HIS STAYING STAR AS HE GETS SET FOR THE ST LEGER

B R I G H TO N & H OV E G R E Y H O U N D STA D I U M

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WELCOME TO GREYHOUND EXPRESS Editor Mick Livesey

Action keeps coming

Get in touch: greyhounds2008@live.co.uk or Twitter @micklivesey

W

hat a month – us greyhound racing fans are being truly spoilt at the moment, I don’t think I have come down since the brilliant William Hill Derby, the action just keeps on coming.

How good was the William Hill Festival at Sunderland? What an amazing night and hope you enjoy the coverage in the magazine. Also the fantastic Produce Stakes from Swindon and the Bunny Bookmakers Gold cup at Henlow.

Surely it’s time for a rest; you must be kidding the action is coming quick and fast – In August we have Coral Champion Stakes, Ladbrokes Gold Cup, Caffrey’s Puppy Classic, Paddy Power TV Trophy and Betfred Steel City Cup all starting soon and that is just the pick of the action, we have covered these meetings with previews.

Well we made it to six months – I re-

member reading we would not last a couple of months, it’s not been easy and seriously I must thank all the columnists who have been sensational.

Let’s hope we can kick on and increase our readership even further but if anyone would have told me we could attract over 40,000 readers I would have smiled and secretly thought you were possibly about to be recaptured.

Keep spreading the word and use the magazine to advertise in.

I am so pleased to have joined the Sky Greyhound Team, Lee Irvine the producer has been fantastic and I plan on repaying the faith shown in me over the coming weeks and months.

You can join me and interact on every live show via twitter feed @Skygreyhounds from 7pm – 10pm on race nights.

I am extremely proud to be a member of the GWA (Greyhound Writers Associa-

tion) and we recently met in London to discuss the Betfred Select Stakes that was just run at Nottingham on the 30th.

I honestly think owners, trainers and the racing public should get a lot out of the fact there was some serious debate into the runners, strong opinions and was far from an easy decision.

Everyone was professional though and nothing was taken personal, we all had different opinions on some of the prospective runners.

I will say this I will always stick by the group decision and respect it and feel the role the GWA has to play in this sport is vital in us moving forward.

Join me on twitter @MickLivesey or email me greyhounds2008@live.co.uk if you have any questions or comments, you will be more than welcome.

MICK LIVESEY

CORAL CHAMPION STAKES

Tom can be the best for Gaskin 1st rnd Friday Aug 2 RPGTV Semis Friday Aug 9 RPGTV Final Tues Aug 13 Sky Sports

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or 36 greyhounds and carrying a first-prize of £10,000 The Coral Champion Stakes is one of the most prestigious events in the country; especially over this unique trip. It attracts the best six-bend and the powerful four-bend greyhounds, it promises to be very exciting and one of the highlights of the year.

Roll Of Honour Smiler Jack 2012, Droopys Hestor 2011, Raving Black 2010, Go Big Hitter 2009, Lenson Joker 2008, Eye On the Veto 2007, Son Of Phoebe 2006, Denmarknick 2005.

There has been some sensational greyhound’s lift the famous Champion Stakes like 2000 greyhound of the year Palace Issue who went on and won the English St Leger and a host of other competitions.

Sail Over took this competition by storm in 1990 and 1991 being the only dual winner.

Westmead Merlin won it in 1995 and two weeks later he took on and beat the Irish in their own backyard in the Dundalk International. I could go on and on about this com- liant competition. Head Iton Tom is a greypetition it is steeped in history and whoever hound that the public have fallen in love lifts the famous trophy is guaranteed im- with, mainly because he is a win machine. mortality in the greyhound history books.

At the time of writing he has just won his last five races over the Champion Stakes course and distance, not just his red hot form that impresses it is the manErnie Gaskin is having a fantastic year ner in which he does it, blasting out from and I firmly believe things are about to get the traps, surging into the corner, showing even better, he looks to be holding a strong blistering middle-pace and throwing down hand running up to the start of this bril- the gauntlet to his opponents ‘Catch Me If

Gaskin To Make Home Advantage Pay With Tom

You Can’ of late they simply have not been able to.

Only man to catch up with and that was Ernie Gaskin, I asked him if Head Iton Tom can win the Champion Stakes? “Yes he can, I would not have thought so sixmonths ago but he has improved beyond all recognition, he loves Romford and we are so pleased with the form he has been showing. He is a very difficult greyhound to pass when he hits the front and if any

ROMFORD

greyhound passes him then they will be a worthy winner. He is consistent at the boxes and he can make home advantage pay, he knows and runs the track so well.”

What other runners will you be likely to have Ernie? “A pretty strong team this year, Cavan Dancer is a bitch we have always thought a lot of, she made the semi-finals of the Oaks last year, it would be fair to say she lost her form a bit but recently she is showing signs of bouncing right back to

form at just the right time. Droopys Move is a youngster I suspect will need further in time but she posted a brilliant time of 35.06 which is the second fastest time of the year over the 575m, she is a really nice staying prospect and will be running on that is for sure.

Oakfield Lucy is another youngster that looks to have a nice future, she will go for this, Lucy has won A1 and since stepping up to open-race company has won two of

them including the heat of a competition.”

It was absolutely fantastic to catch up with Ernie Gaskin and very refreshing to speak to a trainer who is very positive, he has every right to be positive he looks to have a fantastic team spearheaded by the brilliant Head Iton Tom and Cavan Dancer the supporting cast don’t look bad either.

If anyone is going to win the Champion Stakes Ernie Gaskin is the man they all have to beat.

LADBROKES GOLD CUP, MONMORE

Rave Review can strike Gold HEATS: MON, AUGUST 12 SEMIS: MON, AUGUST 19 FINAL: FRIDAY, AUG 23

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arrying a first prize of £10,000 the Ladbrokes Gold Cup always attracts a high class entry, this year will be no different has 36 greyhounds will set out in a bid to be crowned the Ladbrokes Gold Cup winner and bag that £10,000 first-prize.

Monmore is a fantastic track with outstanding facilities get yourself there during the heats and final you will have an amazing time.

Roll Of Honour 2012; Mags Gamble, 2011; Taylors Sky, 2010; Bucks Yahoo, 2009; Barbies Man, 2008; Boherna Best, 2007; Boherna On air, 2006 Westmead Joe

Review To Strike Gold

Strategic Review is a greyhound that has made some impression on me during his puppy career, he is a greyhound that

absolutely loves Monmore and even with some of the huge names expected Chris Allsopp’s greyhound could represent exceptional each-way value.

Sidaz Jack is a very likely runner – the Derby champions career so far strikes amazing similarities to that of the great champion Taylors Sky and this is the route the master Charlie Lister OBE took him down.

The scary thing for me is we don’t know how good Sidaz jack will be yet, except he is an exceptional greyhound with the greyhound world at his feet. He more than likely will not be the only Charlie Lister OBE star in attendance with Lemon Pluto who has already shown his liking for the Wolverhampton circuit recently, he will surely be a force.

If Sidaz jack turns up he will be a very warm order and let’s be honest he will be very difficult to beat but if he is included he should make the market for some nice each-way bets.

Bold Three for Paul Sallis is back on the

recovery trail and he will also be dangerous if back to his sparkling best, he would be interesting at a price. Throw into the mix a host of big names it will surely be a very strong betting market, check out Rab McNair’s column his stars are running here.

For me though with this in mind we may be looking at 20/1 + for Strategic Review this will have me rushing around trying to get an each-way bet on. I caught up with his trainer Chris Allsopp and this is what he had to say; “He is a proper greyhound, he loves it at Monmore he has great early pace, it will take a very good dog to knock him off the lead. He is currently on the side-lines but we are hopeful he will be in the line-up. We are very hopeful of him going a long way in this competition, it would great for us to do well at our home track and would like to thank Ladbrokes for their sponsorship. It will be a fantastic competition like always and I really believe Strategic Review is in there with a decent chance, we really do rate him and think he has a great future.”

CAFFREY’S PUPPY CLASSIC, NOTTM

Odell can bag Classic glory HEATS: MON 12TH AUG SEMIS: MON 19TH AUG FINAL: MON 26TH AUG

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Roll Of Honour 2012; Ballymac Eske, 2011; Farloe Iceman, 2010; Droopys Oscar, 2009; Eye Onthe Storm, 2008; Farloe Merlin, 2007; Sibsey Showtime, 2006; Fear Robben, 2005; Ronnies Champion When you look even further back greyhounds like the brilliant Droopys Shearer, Top Savings, Jaspers Boy, Kit Kat Kid and could never forget Sarah Dee who went on to win the English Oaks are just some of the previous winners.

It most definitely is a list of who’s who in the greyhound world.

affrey’s is a flavoursome, creamy beer with a luxurious silky texture and that sums up nicely what we can expect from this brilliant competition.

The very best puppies will target Nottingham’s big puppy race which carries a firstprize of £7,500 run over 500m.

The current sponsor started in 2008 but previously had been Carling, William Hill Droopys Odell is a greyhound I am a and Coldseal in living memory, it has always been one of the best puppy competi- massive fan of and under the expert guidtions and the finalists are definitely one for ance of Seamus Cahill he will surely be your notebooks. a big player. The 500m trip will not be a

Odell can boss the classic

problem for Odell he is comfortable at Hove over another 15m and his blend of early-pace and ability to see out 500m plus makes him formidable.

It will however be very competitive and greyhounds like Ballymac Murph, Bower Stone and Russanda Duke must come into the reckoning.

Russanda Duke is interesting but will he go for this competition or have a tilt at the Steel City Cup. Team Parker are astute and perhaps he will try his hand at Nottingham and if he goes out switch to Sheffield.

Both Ballymac Murph and Bower Stone have shown huge promise and look sure to line up here.

I can’t help but think that something could come out of nowhere but Droopys Odell just for me but if Russanda Duke lines up he will be very dangerous.

Intelect Mobile Ultrasound

Joints

Cortaflex HA Powder 227 gms Lubrichon (120 tablets) Canine Inflamex (473 ml)

£ 34.99 £ 30.00 £ 12.45

Trainers Choice(1 lb /454 gm)) (7 lb/3.2kg) Radiol M-R Muscle (500ml) Radiol B-R Bone (500ml) Curaco Rub (2 litres) New Curacao Rub (500 ml) Sharps Green Rub (2 litres) (5 litres) Iodised Oil Virginia Massage Oil (2 litres) Odzon Curaco 2.5 litre

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Rubs

COAT

£ 15.00 Mirra-Coa t (1lb/454 gm) £ 15.00 Silver Satin (16 oz/454 gm)) (Omega 3 & 6 - helps make coat shiny) £ 18.00 Killitch (500ml) (contains benzyl benzoate to soothe itches) Cornucrescine Hoof Ointment 250 ml - (helps hair growth) £ 11.99

WOUNDS/INJURIES

£ 10.00 (4 oz/118 ml) Vanish £ 16.00 Kwik Stop (42 gm) £ 20.00 Cut Heal (spray - 473 ml) £ 20.00 (dabber - 473 ml) £ 10.00 (dabber - 237 ml) Cut Heal (wound powder) (4oz) £ 10.00 £ 5.00 Poultice Dressing Black antibacterial powder 125gm £ 10.00 £ 5.50 Wound Cream (100gm) £ 1.80 Co-flex bandages £ 1.50 Soft cotton bandages £ 1.50 Jelonet dressing £180.00 Portable ultrasound machine

Cleaning Products

Kennelmate (disinfectant) (5 litres) £ 40.00 Animal Safe disinfectant (5 litres) £ 18.00 £ 12.00 Floor Squeegee (20”)

BLOOD BUILDERS Blood Builder

KIDNEYS K-Ease

(1 pint/473 ml) £ 20.00 (1 gallon/3.8 lt) £100.00

(500 tablets) (100 tablets)

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OTHER PRODUCTS

Buck Plus (1 pint/473 ml) (gallon/3.8 lt) (clears the dog inside) (100 tablets) Stop (stops dog eating faeces) 2ml Syringes (with needle) (pack 10) (box 100) Ultrasound gel (litre) (5 litres) Red Raspberry Leaves (350 gm)

Training Aids

£ 1074

NUTRITION

Di-Calcium Phosphate (4 kg) Bone Meal (4 kilo) Dyne ( pint/473 ml) That Bit Xtra (2.5 kg)

CALMING PRODUCTS Stress-Dex EZ Calm

MUZZLES

(20 oz/567 gm) (1 lb/454 gm)

£ £ £ £

22.00 15.00 15.00 16.00

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Racing Muzzles Steel muzzles Plastic muzzles Anti Bark

£ 9.00 £12.00 £ 5.50 £ 6.00

Leather lead and collar (English) Pink or Blue collar & Lead Bridle leather collar & Lead Slip leads Plastic collars (rainbow colours)

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J cloth Bedding Bedding - yellow glossy

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Toothpaste Toothscraper (double edged) Vet Aquadent (250 ml) (helps fight bad breath)

£ 3.50 £ 8.00 £ 5.50

Stainless Steel (25cm) Stainless Steel (28cm)

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Buttoned

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Fleecy walking out coats Waterproof coats Waterproof coat (32”) Raincoats Kennel coats - double thickness

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COLLARS & LEADS

BEDDING

DENTAL CARE

FEEDING BOWLS

RACING JACKETS Coats

Bad Kennellers or Travellers?

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FEED

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Racing jackets Plastic muzzles Bridle collar and lead Kennel coats Walking out coats Collars (bridle) Collars (black)

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Gain 28% Gain 20% Gain Sapling & Puppy Gain Record Breaker Australian Formula Australian Puppy Red Mills

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Johnson’s Medicated (400 ml)

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Shampoo

MUSCLE BUILDERS

Creatine (lb/454 gm) Carbo Load(16 oz/454 gm) (kilo) Muscle Grow(16 oz/454 gm) (kilo)

eye & EAR CARE Ear Ease (2 oz/56.7 ml) Eye Ease (2 oz/56.7 ml)

ENERGY-E

High quality oil supplement containing vitamin E

ACE

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Drontal Puppy Suspension Panacur

Panacur liquid 10% (1 ml per kg)

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Plerion 10 tablets

Chewable flavoured broad spectrum wormer. (for roundworms, tapeworms , hookworms, whipworms)

1 tablet per 10 kg bodyweight.

Pack of 160 tablets Pack of 104 tablets Pack of 24 tablets Pack of 8 tablets

Prazitel Plus

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A broad spectrum wormer that kills tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms.

1 tablet per 10 kg bodyweight.

Pack of 104 tablets Pack of 24 tablets Pack of 8 tablets

Cestem

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A flavoured broad spectrum wormer that kills tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms.

1 tablet per 10 kg bodyweighr.

Pack of 104 tablets Pack of 24 tablets Pack of 8 tablets Cestem XL flavoured tablets 1 tablet per 35 kg bodyweight Pack 48 tablets Pack 10 tablets Pack 2 tablets

£ 35.00 £ 16.99 £ 18.00 £ 20.00

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Flea and tick treatments: Frontline Spot On

Presented in plastic pipettes for topical administration to the skin.

To treat dogs 20 - 40 kg bodyweight:-

Pack of 3 pipettes (£6.65 per pipette)

Tuf-Foot (8 oz/237 ml) Pad Heal (8 oz/237 ml) Musher’s Secret (60gm) (200 gm)

£ £ £ £

Replace - liquid electrolyte (ltr) (5 litre ) SOD 4000 (500 tablets) Sports Champ Recovery (454gm) Recharge (1 litre) (0.5 litre) Tripart Paste (250 ml) (30 gm) G-Sport Drink (500 ml)

£ 5.00 £ 20.00 £ 40.00 £ 20.00 £ 20.00 £ 14.00 £110.00 £ 35.00 £ 2.50

Energiser (454 gm)

£ 20.00

POST RACE/ELECTROLYTES

EXTRA ENERGY

£19.95

Premarket Performer - 473 ml £ 20.00 New! Active Formula (454gm) £ 40.00 (1 kilo) £ 70.00 Natural White E (1 lb/454 gm) £ 25.00 (1 teaspoon per 80lb weight) Super E 5000 (1 lb/454 gm) £ 22.00 Vitamin E with Selenium (454gm) £ 22.00 Vitamin C tablets (250gm) (400 tablets) £ 15.00 B-Plex Forte (16 oz/473 ml) £ 20.00 (1 gall/3.8 lt) £120.00 Premarket Greyhound Formula (454 gm) £ 20.00 (1 kilo) £ 30.00 Dog Active (450 gm) £ 45.00 (900 gm) £ 80.00 Super B12 5000 (16 oz)/454 gm) £ 20.00 Garlic granules (1 kilo) £ 8.00 (3 kilo) £ 18.00 Nettle powder (1 kg) £ 15.00 Cider Vinegar (5 litres) £ 14.00 (1 litre) £ 4.00 Cod Liver Oil (5 litres) £ 18.00 (1 litre) £ 5.50 Linseed Oil (5 litres) £ 25.00 (1 litre) £ 6.50 Omega Oil (1 litre) £ 20.00 Seaweed (500 gm) £ 6.75 (4 kg) £ 20.00 Brewers Yeast powder (454 gm) £ 5.00 (3 kg) £ 25.00 Garlic, glucose & honey ( 3 ltr) £ 20.00 ( 6 ltr) £ 30.00 Collovet (250 ml) £ 10.95 ( 1 litre) £ 27.95 Gain Garmivit (1 kg) £ 20.00 (5kg) £ 85.00

Anti-cramp

Potassium Plus (500 tablets) (100 tablets) DMG 2000 (454 gm) (kilo) Tye-Gard (473 ml) (946 ml)

£ £ £ £ £ £

Neutradex Feramo

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vETSEARCH PRODUCTS

Ironcyclen Recharge Beta-Cel

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£31.80 20.00 Pack of 6 pipettes White E 18.00 (£5.30 per pipette) 30.00 To treat dogs 10 - 20 kg £28.95 Calci D 18.00 Pack of 6 pipettes (Please enquire for other sizes).

30.00 Effipro Spot On for large dogs (20 - 40 kg) Grooming kit Pack of 4 pipettes £19.50 Nail Cutter (American - large) £ 10.00 (£4.88 per pipette) Brush £ 8.00 Advantage 400 (for dogs over 25kg) Pack 4 pipettes £18.00

£ £ £ £ £

16.00 15.00 16.00 30.00

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

The purchase of these wormers must only be for animals in your care. They are NOT for resale and must be used in accordance with the products marketing authorisation.

Books

The Care of the Racing & Retired Greyhound (softback) Training & Racing the Greyhound Greyhound Anatomy chart Talking Greyhounds

£200.00 £ 45.00 £100.00 £ 25.00

Trace mineral and vitamin supplement

100 ml

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£ 22.00 £ 8.00

Bunnies (squeakers) Replacement String Scotch Game Call Electronic Vet Scale Porta Mag Box Electronic drag hare

Whippets

Dual frequency electronic ultrasound machine 1 and 3 MHz frequency.

PADS

nature Vet

AMP-5 Paste

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22.00 8.00 20.00 35.00 16.50 25.00

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STEEL CITY CUP, SHEFFIELD

Parker’s team is looking strong

Elaine Parker

HEATS; TUES 27TH AUGUST SEMIS: TUESDAY 3RD SEP FINAL: LIVE SKY SPORTS WEDNESDAY 11TH SEP

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his is truly one of the amazing competitions of the year, it carries a £7,500 first-prize but it is easily on a par if not superior to some competitions that carry a much larger purse.

Dates back to 1970 and over the years we have seen some amazing races in the Steel City Cup and is one of the competitions that seems to have grown in status and prestige.

Roll Of Honour 2012; Skywalker Louie, 2011; Mill Bling Bling, 2010; Mill Pinpoint, 2009; Bandicoot Tipoki, 2008; Blonde Dino, 2007; Boherna On Air, 2006; Womble, 2005; Bell Legend

Duke To Become King Of Sheffield

I don’t think I will ever forget those amazing scenes last year when Skywalker Louie won the race, the owner going crazy and the emotions from the kennel of Elaine Parker showed the greyhound world just what it meant to them to win the Steel City Cup and that night the kennel won a lot of fans and admirers.

Elaine Parker will head into the 2013 Steel City Cup full of hope of retaining the cup, they are having an amazing year and have a very strong team. Pay Freeze, Candlelight King, Droopys Pride and Russanda Duke to name just four.

All four are running superbly and this team look super strong and will take some-

thing very special to wrestle the cup away from Elaine.

I caught up with Sean Parker: “All being well the four you mentioned will go for the competition, Sheffield is a brilliant track with great facilities it really does deserve to hold some of the bigger competitions for more money, we are all excited and looking forward to the Betfred Steel City Cup.” What a team you have, who is your best chance?

“Would have to say Pay Freeze, he is so versatile and has brilliant pace, he does not really have any weaknesses, he probably has the best all-round package.

“However there is not a lot in it Candlelight King is a very good dog he has come back well from a break and should be nice and fresh. Droopys Pride is a brilliant dog he is so consistent and has a brilliant card, whereever you take him or whatever you ask him Pride always gives a good account of himself and did so well at Sunderland to come 2nd in the Classic, 500m would be more his trip so we are full of hope.

“Russanda Duke is improving all the time, he is a maybe we have not definitely decided to run him in it yet but he has some brilliant form at our home track.

“There will be some brilliant dogs entered and it will be tough to win, we will be

trying our best and we are very happy with our team.”

Sean Parker loves his greyhounds and you can see he is very honest and it is great to talk to him. Pay Freeze is fast becoming a superstar and winning fans on a daily basis.

Candlelight King and Droopys Pride have been there and done it and can give any greyhound in the country a race.

The one for me though is Russanda Duke he could be a cracking price and is definitely worth an each-way punt if he lines up. The youngster has a will and a desire to win, he will not be put off by a bump or crowding, this lad just loves to win and I think stepping him up a further 20m will not really be a problem. He can dominate against the 500m runners early doors and I don’t see the wheels falling off close to home.

Kelly Macari has won this race in 2011 and 2010, Pinpoint Maxi the Classic winner could well turn up and would be a very interesting runner.

Barrie Draper has a kennel full of stars will we see Ballymac Eske or Farloe Warhawk, even if we don’t Barrie is sure to have a big runner.

It promises to be a sensational competition with a high class entry; I’m sticking with the puppy Russanda Duke each-way.

PADDY POWER TV TROPHY, YARMOUTH The Musical Gaga team

I’m Gaga about Musical HEATS: MON 26TH AUGUST FINAL: ON SKY SPORTS WEDNESDAY 4TH SEPT

Gaga Could Have Punters Singing

Musical Gaga is a real talent and she showed her liking for a marathon trip when storming to success in the Dorando ongratulations to Paddy Power Marathon on Derby final night. With the for sponsoring the TV Trophy likelihood Farloe Tango and Fear Emoski the UK’s number-one marathon will not have this on their agenda just who competition worth £8,000 to the

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winner.

This time around 18 greyhounds will set out over the energy sapping 843m course in a bid to win this prestigious competition.

History; First run in 1958 it was unique in the fact it travelled the country and very much become the race of the people.

There is something about this competition that really grabs the attention and interest of people.

Most tracks have hosted this brilliant competition and 2013 is now the turn of Yarmouth.

could stop Musical Gaga from winning this great race?

Ballymac Swift for John Mullins was burning up the tracks before injury struck but she has not seen competitive action since 26th May. Aero Rebel – disaster struck for that talented performer so you are looking at greyhounds like Black Lamora who would definitely have each-way claims but it is very hard to oppose Musical Gaga.

I caught up with Dean Childs: “This is her number-one target but she must come through her preparation unscathed. We have no problem stepping her up but will look to step her back down again afterwards, we don’t want to blunt her speed.

“She has shown she is a talent over sixbends and was magnificent in the Dorando over eight-bends, we think she has a great chance and will head to Yarmouth full of hope.

“You must never count your chickens though and we have to go there and do the business.”

WHAT’S ON AT COVENTRY GREYHOUND STADIUM

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT THE WEBSITE

WILLIAM HILL SUNDERLAND FESTIVAL

Hill’s sponsorship Bookmakers support helps put on a superb I

f I hear bookmakers are bad for our sport one more time I literally could suffer from spontaneous combustion.

Just look at the bookmaker owned tracks, the levels of prize-money they payout and their sponsorship portfolios.

Greyhound racing’s biggest friend is the bookmakers and none are bigger than William Hill.

No sooner had the dust settled on a truly magnificent William Hill Derby and the firm delivered a sensational festival at Sunderland and dished out thousands of pounds in prize-money.

WILLIAM HILL CLASSIC FINAL 1ST £25,000, 2ND £4,000, 3RD £2,000, 4TH £1,000, 5TH & 6TH £500

Maxi Is On Target For Macari

Pinpoint Maxi took the Classic by storm for Kelly Macari, he was superb in the heats and semi-finals and was duly sent off a warm 4/5 favourite.

Anyone who had taken those odds never really had an anxious moment, he was brave at the corner when he and Shaneboy Alley arrived there at the same time, he would not give an inch, he made it around in front and although Shaneboy Alley ran with huge credit but his challenge evaporated at the third-bend after Maxi slammed the door shut door on him once more.

It was left to Elaine Parker trained Droopys Pride to be the closest challenger, he ran very well but at the winning line there was 2.25L between them in a fastest time of the night of 27.02.

It was a magnificent performance and it gave Kelly Macari the classic win she has so badly wanted, this is Kelly’s home track and two previous finalists and not managed to get the job done but Maxi looks to be a bit special.

Four runs now for Kelly have resulted in four wins but time will tell if he will win anything in the future that will mean has much to the connections, Kelly’s smile lit up Sunderland and Sky Greyhound viewers wit-

BY MICK LIVESEY

delivers the goods show of greyhound racing at Sunderland

Dead heat in the Grand Prix final

WILLIAM HILL SUNDERLAND FESTIVAL

Calzaghe Lily and Hometown Honey

Pinpoint Maxi

nessed a magical moment. It is a long time away from the 2014 £200,000 William Hill Derby but I am sure connections will already be dreaming of pulling off a sensational double.

Pinpoint Maxi will rightly get the plaudits but you must give a lot of credit to the runner-up Droopys Pride he suffered bumping at the opening corner but the way he stuck to the task must have given the connections a lot of pride.

He will be winning shortly and is a very good greyhound. Liz and Rab McNair’s greyhounds Shaneboy Alley and Spencer performed admirably in the Classic and their story is set to run and run, big race success surely will be tasted again.

Young Golden proved some of the doubters wrong, the Gymcrack champion made an all aged final and looks to have a very exciting career. A truly brilliant night for the Champagne Club with three winners and although Bubbly Rocket finished 6th in this final he will have better nights for them and Paul Young. The William Hill Classic will surely throw up many future winners – take note.

WILLIAM HILL GRAND-PRIX 1ST £15,000, 2ND £3,000, 3RD £1,000, 4TH £600, 5TH £400, 6TH £200

BY MICK LIVESEY Bubbly Charlie’s celebrations

Lilly and Honey Serve Up A Cracker

This must go down has one of the most exciting races you are ever likely to see.

Lids opened and Bangcrashwallop took a flier out in front he enjoyed a clear run, Calzaghe Lilly 1/1 favourite suffered bad bumping at the corner and her chance looked to have gone, Hometown Honey 5/1 was on the premises and surged passed the long-time leader at the sixth-bend, it looked a very likely winner. Calzaghe Lilly out the back started to hit top speed and put in a finish that would leave everyone in awe, she flashed over the line with Hometown Honey and everyone was wondering had Ted Soppitt’s bitch managed to pull off the impossible and get up close home.

It took a while for the result to come through and in the end after 640m the judge

could not split them, it was a dead-heat in a time of 39.95.

Racing like this does not get any better, Bangcrashwallop will be interesting over a shorter trip, Dural Bound had no luck in the final but he looks to have a brilliant future ahead of him and the dual winners can get on the podium many more times in the remainder of the year.

WILLIAM HILL FESTIVAL FLYER 1ST £3,000

Drumcove Shows There Is Life In The Old Dog Yet

Chris Allsopp and all the team take a bow – this must go down has one of the greatest training performances in recent years.

The 2011 Champion Sprinter’s career looked all but over, connections had differ-

ent ideas and to come back and win here at the festival is nothing short of marvellous.

Sent off the 5/4 favourite he powered his way into the corner and came out in front, it was over from that point in terms of a contest, he ran out a comfortable 2L winner in 15.77.

WILLIAM HILL PUPPY PLATE 1ST £3,000

Champagne Charlie Is One To Follow

Bubbly Charlie for the Champagne Club and Paul Young looks very much a youngster that must be followed.

It was not just winning the Puppy Plate but it was the manner in which he did it, riding a bump at the second-bend he came home like an express train to deny the talented Droopys Quincy by 0.5L in 27.40 at odds of 7/4.

PRODUCE STAKES, SWINDON

Delboy puts in Pukka performance

S

on Of Delboy produced a magnificent display throughout the Produce Stakes, he used his fantastic early-pace to be crowned the champion and win the £15,000 first-prize.

This was a brilliant competition and the Swindon management should be very proud of how they have run this huge race for British Breeders.

Johnnys Boy was sent of odds on 8/11 favourite after his spectacular strong running performances including setting a new track-record in the heats of 28.18 + 20.

There is no doubt he has a massive future but he was no match in the earlypace stakes with Son Of Delboy, Stuart

Buckland’s greyhound gave everyone lessons in that department and in the final it was no different.

Sent off an easy to back 7/2 chance Son Of Delboy raced into the corner and was slightly behind highly regarded Klockwork Kaipo but Delboy just got the better of him and came out of the first-bend in front.

He opened up showing blistering pace. It took a while for the hot favourite to get going but once he did he was making eye catching ground but the winning line would come just in time for Son Of Delboy has he held on by a short-head in 28.73.

It would be amazing if the champion

can go on and have a brilliant career, there are some really talented breeders in this country and they are more than a match for anyone.

It is basically a numbers game and this is the UK’s biggest handicap.

Make no mistake this was a high class final and the winner and runner-up are definitely worth following.

A greyhound I like very much is Klockwork Kaipo – he will bounce back and have better days he is too good of a dog not to do that.

His brother Klockwork Korker also in the final was some achievement for the breeder Rich Vicary and trainer Paul Sallis.

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WILLIE CARSON EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! MARK COTON THROWS OUT THE FORM BOOK

MARK COTON FENMAN IS BACK! POINT TO POINT

NATIONAL HORSE-BY-HORSE GUIDE PLUS TRENDS AND TIPS FOR THE AINTREE FESTIVAL!

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BUNNY BOOKMAKERS GOLD CUP, HENLOW

Captain lands Cup in style

W

hat a year Kevin Hutton is having and his marvellous run continued with his Airport Captain not only winning the Gold Cup but breaking the 550m track record in the process and walking away with the ÂŁ2,500 first-prize.

Right from his first trial around Henlow, Airport Captain looked every inch the champion, I was so surprised so see him available at 3/1 before the final and was duly returned 5/2.

I really enjoy the relationship I have

with Kevin he is a really nice guy and features regularly in my columns in The Sport Newspaper.

He was the Ante-post selection and readers were told to go in and take that 3/1 before the final.

Kevin Hutton is fast becoming a man you can trust to get the job done, his handling of this greyhound is nothing short of fantastic.

He blasted from trap-three in the final and made every yard of the running.

Westmead Bertie 7/4 favourite ran well in defeat but the 2L winning

margin does not tell the true story of just how dominant a victory this was but all become apparent when the winning time of 32.94 + 15 a new track-record was announced.

It will be interesting to see where he goes next? This is a proper greyhound and is definitely one to follow with great interest.

Henlow themselves should be immensely proud, they were given a TV slot and have seized this opportunity with both hands and are putting on a real good show on a Sunday evening for RPGTV – well done Henlow.

YOU CAN’T EAT VALUE

By Mick Livesey In this new book, Greyhound Express editor Mick Livesey reveals how he picks winners.

It’s packed with pricless info gained from his lifetime in greyhound racing.

ALL FOR THE AMAZING PRICE OF £10!

TO ORDER VISIT WWW.RACINGAHEAD.NET OR CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ORDERING PAGE

STAT ATTACK

Keeping stock of the stats to help you win

A

t the Greyhound Trainers Association they have a man who is a genius at working with stats and numbers, you really should check out the website they make for interesting reading.

Every month I will be looking at some of these stats and highlighting some that catch my eye, hopefully you will enjoy them!

Every effort has been made to ensure these are correct but we can’t be held responsible for any mistakes.

This month I thought it would be worth having a look at graded stats. Everyone loves the stars of the game and the big races but we must never forget the grassroots and graded racing is the bread and butter for most involved in the sport. Currently the country’s top grade is Newcastle so thought we would start at the Toon.

P Rutherford Newcastle 770 2013 Graded Racing statistics - includes J Walton Newcastle 308 races up to and including 14/07/13 T G Edgar Newcastle 764

Newcastle

Trainer Track G Carmichael Newcastle H F Williams Newcastle J Wright Newcastle D Calvert Newcastle A C Dawson Newcastle M Walsh Newcastle J J Fenwick Newcastle A Mccarroll Newcastle H Burton Newcastle R Kirk Newcastle G Gibbinson Newcastle S Ray Newcastle D Spraggon Newcastle

Runs 272 231 1024 796 910 396 1155 550 387 507 622 897 720

Wins % 61 22.42 49 21.21 204 19.92 146 18.34 160 17.58 68 17.17 196 16.96 93 16.90 65 16.79 85 16.76 104 16.72 139 15.49 107 14.86

111 14.41 43 13.96 105 13.74

Fastest Graded Times ‘Actual Times’ Newcastle 480m 28.44 Hadrians Wall A1 29/06/2013 Newcastle 640m 38.97 Easy As Life HP 01/06/2013 Traps Strike Rate: T1 = 16.16%, T2 = 16.51%, T3 = 18.68%, T4 = 18.36%, T5 = 15.89%, T6 = 15.42%

Newcastle Round-up

A fantastic track that is really up there with the best in the country, the stats show you that regarding trainers there is not a lot

in it less than 10% between top trainer and bottom trainer. When you look at trap statistics it’s a level playing field, no trap bias here and these are all massive pluses for me when looking at a track.

The people in the North-East are fanatical about their greyhound racing and let’s give them credit they have some brilliant greyhounds going around the circuit at the minute.

I am so excited when cards from Newcastle come through ‘what is in the A1’s’ because you never know it could be jammed with stars and I am not kidding.

It is great to see variety and Newcastle put on regular handicaps and handicap competitions, sometimes even over sixbends these go down a real treat, I love

WITH WWW.THEGTA.CO.UK

them and find them so exciting. It would be even better if the management added some sprint races and hurdles then they really would have something for everyone.

Stars At The Toon Remix: 290m/480m Paradise Martini: 480m Killacolla Ka Ka: 480m Milan Castle: 480m Shearers Diamond: 290m/480m Denwill Star: 480m Kielduff College: 640m Lil Collision: 640m 2013 GTA Trainers Championship sponsored by Ladbrokes – to 14/7 Pos Trainer Points Wins £Win 1 C R Lister OBE 413 81 £187175 2 M A Wallis 378 129 £32852.5

3 4 5 6

C Allsopp P W Young B Draper K R Hutton

331 292 284 198

76 90 51 64

£41925 £24710 £39985 £13945

Lister Knocks Wallis Off The Top

Wow its getting exciting in the Ladbrokes trainer’s championship, from day one Mark Wallis and the might of Imperial Kennels led the way but just over the half-way mark and Charlie Lister OBE has hit the front.

Charlie had a magnificent Derby campaign and he has some sensational greyhounds in his care, he may not have the numbers of his closest challengers but in terms of quality he is very powerful.

This is going all the way to the wire, let’s

not underestimate the performance so far from Charlie Lister OBE. At the time of writing Mark Wallis has sent out 628 runners on the open-race scene, Paul Young a whopping 699 compare that to the 271 sent out by Charlie and it starts to set the scene of how fantastic a year the leader is having.

Kevin Hutton and Barrie Draper are holding on to qualifying spots but with Cahill, McNair, Childs waiting in the wings they need their big performers to keep racking up the points because the race for a qualifying spot is ultra-competitive.

I can’t help but feel the bookmakers are missing a trick by not offering prices on who will qualify. This really could be a vibrant betting market and I am sure would catch the imagination of greyhound fans!!!

INTERVIEW: FARLOE TANGO

Tango time – but not for TV

E

very so often a greyhound comes along and captures your heart and imagination; for me one such greyhound is Farloe Tango.

Without question my favourite greyhound currently in training – I just simply love him.

I was like a child on Christmas Eve before Yarmouth when he made his sensational debut over six-bends he was simply breath-taking, he was already a very good greyhound but that night he was catapulted into a six-bend superstar in my opinion.

At the time of writing he has tasted defeat only once over six-bends.

That defeat if anything did more to enhance his reputation than his victory, he suffered trouble but was eating up the ground like only a true champion can do.

The way he powered on to the trip that night made everyone in the greyhound world sit up and take notice and he was on the tip of everyone’s tongue.

How far does he stay? Will he now go for

the Paddy Power TV trophy?

Social media was in a frenzy and many tipped him to become the TV trophy champion.

I caught up with Charlie Lister OBE and asked him will he go for the TV trophy? “No, probably not, unless something changes which I doubt his target is the St Leger at Wimbledon.

“He would more than likely stay the trip but what do we do with him after it, it is very difficult stepping a dog up in trip and then back down.

“He won’t be seen in four-bend races again and if we stepped him up I think we would have to keep him to marathons.

“There just is not the competitions over eight-bends to build a campaign a round. People keep talking about Fear Emoski also stepping up to eightbends likewise that is very doubtful of happening.”

Charlie you have just changed the seeding of Tango to wide, is this another master stroke?

What is your thinking behind it?

“Let’s hope so, we can always change him back, just trying something, it may help him and watching him of late he seems to be coming around the outside so let’s help him out by starting him off there and see what he does.

“It may also help him break better but we won’t know until tomorrow at Sheffield.

“It is important to always be thinking about what is best for the dog, just trying something out.”

It is always a pleasure speaking to Charlie Lister OBE, get on Tango for the St Leger he will take the world of beating and I doubt he will be asked many serious questions before that competition.

Team Lister have their sights on another major prize in the capital I can’t see anything other than a Farloe Tango victory and his main challenger will be kennel mate Fear Emoski.

Most important of all don’t back him for TV Trophy!!!

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OWNERS BONUS SERIES FROM 21st June – 20th July

W

hen you look at defining moments of the sport the fantastic Owner’s Bonus Series must come into the reckoning has one of the greatest initiatives that was ever

introduced.

For years owners in the UK could not see their beloved charges taking part in stake races for all grades but now thanks to the GBGB that is no longer a dream, it is happening all over the country and the sport is in a much better place for it.

Competitions normally involve 18 greyhounds with a heat and final worth £500 to the winner, £100 for each finalist (total £1,100 prize-money for finals) we really should be celebrating these; here are this month’s best winners, congratulations from everyone at Greyhound Express to connections of all winners.

We must also thank the governing body for allowing us to use results directly off www.thedogs.co.uk thankyou GBGB.

TOP PERFORMER

1st – Tullna Hawk, Trainer Derek Knight, A2 Owner’s Bouns Series Winner Hove

Hawk Swoops To Conquer A2 Final

Tullna Hawk put in a magnificent performance in both the heats and final, sent off the 7/4f he never let his supporters down. Glasheen Eden who Hawk beat in the heats trapped out best of all but when the favourite started to hit top gear down the back you could have called him the winner from that point.

He swooped past at the fourth-bend and had 1.75L in hand in a magical time of 29.82. Knight Magic ran on for second and the long-time leader Glasheen Eden had to settle for third-place.

The third is definitely a greyhound that would appreciate a drop in race distance and you would have to fancy him in a maiden race on the open scene over 480m. Tullna Hawk will be four years old in December and is more than capable of taking an open-race.

SCHEDULED SKY EVENTS 2013 Coral Sussex Cup - Hove Wednesday, 7 August

Champion Stakes - Romford Tuesday, 13 Auguspt

Steel City Cup - Sheffield Wednesday, 11 September

William Hill All England Festival - Newcastle Tuesday, 8 October

Kent Derby + Grand National -Sittingbourne Thursday, 17 October

William Hill St Leger - Wimbledon Tuesday, 12 November

Betfred Eclipse - Nottingham Wednesday, 20 November

Coral Essex Vase - Romford Thursday, 5 December

William Hill Oaks - Wimbledon Thursday, 19 December

All the information you ever needed including advanced form, schedule is all on the fantastic website www.bagsracing.com/index.html

Join Mick Livesey on Race Nights live on Twitter between 7pm -10pm @SkyGreyhounds

BREEDING GROUND

The breeding game

W

ell, just like buses, when one bitch comes in season, they all do! After collecting one brood from the transporter on Wednesday...we were putting another one on the following Monday.

This time it was Hesley Hawaii, a very fast bitch who we turned down a few large 5 figure bids for but unfortunately she broke her stopper bone and her career was over whilst still a pup.

She has been sent to be ‘implanted’ with Trade Official. She has a litter to Droopys Scolari (Sept 2012) who look very good at this stage but we will have to wait a little longer to find out ‘how good’.

As I have said previously, the whelping stage and shortly afterwards regularly gives us something to laugh about, especially after the stressful part has finished. I can remember the first time we whelped a bitch, the bitch wasn’t happy as she could hear the other dogs barking etc when she was in her whelping area.

We decided to walk her up a ramp into the back of a van which had a carpet in the back. As soon as she was in a more peaceful environment she started to push and had her three pups in just over an hour, we could then move mum and pups back to their original whelping area. For this reason we now whelp the bitches in the house as it is much more private and peaceful for them to have pups.

Some breeding experiences

We did have one bitch not so long ago (Blonde Pearl) who thought that having 10 pups was not enough.... we would regularly come back into the house to find her in the whelping box with her 10 puppies...and a teddy bear that belongs to our 14 year old pet labrador.

I have also been bitten more than once during whelping. As is often the case with greyhound whelpings, bitches need a bit of assistance. I always seem to get the end that bites (why is that ?)as we try to encourage the bitch to give a further push and get the pup out. It usually works but twice now I have been bitten as the bitch struggles with a big pup. I never seem to have a muzzle at hand as it is an ‘in the moment’ type procedure.

Hesley Hawaii, the bitch that we have just sent to Ireland is also an unusual whelper. She manages very well, has plenty of milk and is a fabulous mother..but.. she does seem to like having her pups standing up..

We have to keep an eye on the back end and ‘catch’ the pup as it is being born before mum takes over.

Finally, one last whelping experience... I have saved the best until last.

Hesley Nikita was in the process of trying to give birth to her first pup in the Daves Mentor litter, when, as can happen, the bag burst.

Usually we try to get the pup out within the next 10 minutes with whatever encouragement we can... but it wasn’t happening...it was a very big pup and it was stuck...still alive but stuck. So... we put her in the van and drove the short drive to the vets expecting a C-section. Now we didn’t tell the vet as he tried to get the pup out without having to operate.... but when we had tried to get the pup out.... because the bag had burst... the pup would suck our fingers ! The same thing happened to the vet ! (the pup was still alive because the cord was still attached).....

Anyway... ‘Judy’ had decided that she wasn’t having an operation, and pushed again and the pup came out.... all the other pups were born without any further trouble but the first born had been a very big pup. It was a truly unique experience.... even the vet hadn’t experienced this!

WITH JOHN MARRIOTT British Bred Produce Stakes – Swindon 480m Hallucinate Blackstone Gene Blackstone Lace Son of Delboy Premier Fantasy Little Reaction East Point

Brett Lee Elusive Rebel Spiral Nikita Catunda Lace Premier County Nifty Niamh Top Honcho You Said So

Son of Delboy won the 67th Swindon Produce stakes when holding on by a short head for trainer/breeder Stuart Buckland. This brought his race record to 14 wins from 33 races, 7 graded and 7 opens (3 in produce itself). His early pace trademark winning him the race. Some of his best efforts include 28.61 Swindon 480m, 27.09 Coventry 450m, and 15.95 Sheffield 280m.

Sire Blackstone Gene reached 2 Group 1 finals at Shelbourne Park, finished 3rd in the Ladbrokes 600, and 6th in the Easter cup. He recorded 28.46 Clonmel, 28.47 Limerick, and 28.53 Shelbourne Park (all 525yds), plus 29.94(550) Clonmel, 29.88(550) Sh.Pk. And 32.59(600) again at Sh.Pk. Dam Little Reaction won 12 from 48 including 5 opens. Her best times were 28.39(calc) Hall Green 480m, 29.57 Coventry 480m, and 39.92(calc) Hall Green 645m. As a dam she produced 2011 Notts produce finalist Supreme Chalkie, and 2011 Trafalgar cup finalist Poirot.

Hallucinate is an Australian sire who hails from a very successful litter which includes Crash and Wheres Pedro. Blackstone Lace won in 29.45 Kilkenny and 32.00(575) Shelbourne Park. Premier Fantasy won 11 of his 16 races and was voted 2004 Irish greyhound of the year. He won the 2003 National puppy stake at Shelbourne Park as well as the 2004 Easter cup also at Shelbourne Park which he won in a track record time of 28.08. He was unbeaten in the English greyhound Derby before breaking his hock in the semi-final, which ended his career when he was only just 2 years old. East Point is a litter sister of 2005 Irish Derby winner He Said So and early paced stud dog Black Shaw.

William Hill Classic Sunderland 450m Premier County Premier Fantasy Nifty Niamh

Pinpoint Maxi aka (Conna Kingsmill)

Top Honcho Kingsmill Abu Its Awesome

Vintage Prince Wise Plan Murlens Slippy Pauls Turn Head Honcho Rainbow High Roanokee Battstreet Linda

Pinpoint Maxi showed tremendous early pace as he won the William Hill Classic unbeaten, taking his UK record to 4 from 4. His overall record is 7 wins from 11 races with very fast times of 28.52 Clonmel and 28.59 Tralee on his card. Sire Premier Fantasy won 11 of his 16 races and was voted 2004 Irish greyhound of the year. He won the 2003 National puppy stake at Shelbourne Park as well as the 2004 Easter cup also at Shelbourne Park which he won in a track record time of 28.08. He was unbeaten in the English greyhound Derby before breaking his hock in the semifinal, which ended his career when he was only just 2 years old. Dam Kingsmill Abu won 5 from 21 races, her best times include 29.61 Enniscorthy, 28.93 Waterford, plus 3 sprint wins also at Waterford. Pinpoint Maxi is her best offspring to race so far.

Premier County won 15 of his 30 races winning the 2001 Irish Derby consolation.

He finished 4th in the Irish Laurels (Cork), and 4th in the Waterford Masters, both in 2001. Nifty Niamh was seen at her best over staying distances winning the 1998 Irish Grand Prix, 1999 Corn Cuchullainn, and 1999 Bord na gCon 750. She was also a finalist in the 1997 Irish St Leger. Top Honcho is an Australian sire who was a huge success at stud, becoming champion sire on numerous occasions. Its Awesome won 14 from 53 races. An early paced type she won sprints at Waterford, Enniscorthy and Shelbourne Park, as well as recording 28.95 Harolds Cross, 29.54 Waterford and 29.58 Enniscorthy.

BREEDING GROUND William Hill Grand Prix – Sunderland 640m Stans Boy Flyer Hometown Boy Touche Baby

Hometown Honey aka (Swift Tigress)

Hondo Black Swift Blitz Iceni Beauty

Gable Dodge Choice Wheel Rodney Ramm Kelsey Rene EJ's Douglas Hondo Sassafrass Iceni regent Clodeen Magic

The Grand Prix saw a dead-heat in the final. It brought Hometown Honey's race record to 14 wins from 48 races, 3 graded and 11 opens. A versatile performer, her open wins range from 575m at Romford up to 843m at Yarmouth. Her best times include 35.15 at Romford(575m), 41.74 Brighton(695m) and 41.95 Coventry(672m).

Sire Hometown Boy was the winner of the 2007 Derby Lane sprint classic although hasn't really hit the heights fully as a sire. Dam Swift Blitz is unraced herself but is a litter sister of Swift Ninja,the winner of the Group 2 Coventry St Leger. She is also a proven dam having thrown 2010 St Leger finalist Blonde Blitz and 2011 Coronation cup finalist Swift Planet in previous litters. Iceni Beauty was also unraced but was litter sister to 2001 St Leger 3rd Form of Magic. They came from a repeat mating which produced Solid Magic first time around, the winner of the 2000 Regency, 2001 Cesarewitch, and 2001 Olympic.

Droopys Kewell Droopys Scolari Little Diamond Calzaghe Lilly Flying Penske Flying Winner Wise Winner

Larkhill Jo Perrys Pusher Spiral Nikita Camelot Katie Oshkosh racey Shes a Natural Roanokee Wise Plan

Calzaghe Lilly was the other dead-heat participant. It brought her career record to 6 wins from 18 starts. Stamina seems to be her thing with Sunderland being the shortest distance she has won over (640m). Her other wins have come over 670m at Shawfield and 2 wins over the 859m course at Coventry. Sire Droopys Scolari won 4 from 8 races before going lame in the Irish produce stakes semi-final when favourite.

He had recorded best times of 28.71 at Waterford, 28.79 at Shelbourne Park, and 28.80 at Clonmel before his career was over at just 2 years old exactly. A brother of Scottish Derby winner Droopys Marco, and twice Irish Derby runner up Droopys Maldini, he has been an influential stud dog as a sire for early pace. Dam Flying Winner was a sensation over staying trips. She won the 2008 TV Trophy as well as the Ted Hegarty marathon, breaking track records in the process. She broke or equalled track records over 835m Monmore, 905m Nottingham, 868m Doncaster, and 924m at Harolds Cross. Besides the track records she won numerous races over various tracks and distances winning at Brighton,Wimbledon, Perry Barr, Newcastle, Sheffield, Dundalk, Walthamstow, Belle Vue, Nottingham, Clonmel, Cork, Harolds Cross and Shelbourne Park.

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COLUMNISTS

Rab McNair – the columnist the greyhound world wanted When it comes to greyhound characters they simply do not get any bigger than Rab McNair when we did a poll this is the man you all wanted, so here he is exclusive to Greyhound Express – the one and only Rab McNair!

Rab with his wife Liz

D live.co.uk

o you have a question for Rab or would like to have a greyhound trained by him and Liz You can e-mail greyhounds2008@

What a festival

Want to start this month’s column off by congratulating Kelly Macari and the lads connected to Pinpoint Maxi, he was brilliant on the night and a well-deserved winner.

I am sure our paths will cross again but what a greyhound he looks with a very bright future – well done on your classic victory.

Must also thank William Hill for a brilliant festival we really enjoyed it and look forward to going back next year.

NEW RECRUITS

The boss has purchased a couple of new recruits and we are looking at maybe one or two more.

Sizzling Bolt (September 2011) he looks a nice dog we purchased him before the final of an unraced stake and he has a calculated time of sub 29.00 at the tough Kilkenny track.

Four races with three victories and I am looking forward to him joining the kennel.

Rayvin Lad (September 2011) has had four

races and won two of them with a very decent calculated 29.23 around Kilkenny, Bolt looks the best of the two but you never know they are both very young and open to any amount of improvement.

LADBROKES GOLD CUP

We are giving Shaneboy Alley, Shaneboy Spencer and Skate On trials around Monmore with a view to having a crack at the Gold Cup; we pencilled this competition in

RAB McNAIR months ago and will give them every chance to get used to the circuit. All seem well after Sunderland and by the time this competitions starts I am sure they will be in there with a chance of outright glory.

PLANS

We are big into planning and we have everything laid out ready for the remainder of the year.

Monmore Gold Cup, Yarmouth Derby, Laurels and Oaks at Belle Vue are all on the agenda god willing the dogs stay sound and are well. I think it is very important to have something in mind, so you can work around the competitions you want to go into.

TRAINERS CHAMPIONSHIP

I never look at the trainer’s championship; I don’t even know how it works.

Livesey is a nutter and I’m sure he has backed us to get in top six, he keeps giving me a running update ‘apparently we are in 9th now’ but he needs us to get in top-six.

I love it ‘Rab up the tempo’ you need points man’.

Truthfully we never chase it and if it happens then wonderful but I did have a £20 bet with a certain trainer that we would finish above them, Mick tells me to collect because they are not in the top 50.

I will spend the £20 wisely and buy me and Liz fish and chips.

MADE ME LAUGH

The banter during the Derby was brilliant British V Irish it can only be good for racing.

It tickled me that Mick got some stick for his headline “Jack To Slay Irish Giants” and then was called a racist on a betting site.

He showed me some of the comments and e-mails he received, I am not sticking up for him ‘give him hell’ because it made my day.

He is not a racist though; he is off to Africa for a month over Christmas where he will probably get eaten by a runaway lion.

I love it – give him plenty of stick and abuse it cracks me up when he tells me about it!!!

GOOD LUCK

To Allison Kelly-Pilgrim who has purchased some of the pups off us, King Rab is one of them and seems to be going the right way.

I wish Allison all the best with the youngsters especially in the final at Sittingbourne.

It’s Usain Bolt!

TOP TELLY PERFORMERS

Best bets from the box Dave Clark from the Racing Post selects the best TV performances of the month!!! Do you agree?

Interact with Dave on Twitter @DaveClarkRP 1 Droopys London

Having managed only fourth when sent off a red hot 1-3 favourite for the Ladbrokes.com 480 Maiden final at Monmore, it would have been incredibly easy to have simply overlooked the shift Dean Childs’ DROOPYS LONDON put in to book his place in that final as one of the performances of the month.

However, his effort on debut left a big impression as one of the most promising starts to racing career I’ve ever seen.

Off the back of just two flashy trials at Romford and decent sighters at Hove then Monmore, it was quite remarkable the manner in which this young Irish recruit took apart the opposition in his first ever competitive start.

He’d been given a three-and-a-half length beating in a three dog trial by the classy Droopys Ed Moses, but this was the first time he was to share the sand with five other rivals - although given what unfolded on 11th July, he could have shared the track with almost anything and still romped to success.

Sat watching in the RPGTV studio that night, I knew I’d just witnessed a greyhound of real potential bursting onto the scene in style - echoed wholly by the clockings.

As his breeding would suggest, the son of Droopys Scolari sprung from the traps and roared to the bend - putting up a smart 4.30sec sectional.

Showing no signs of stopping, he stayed on strongly over the 480m trip and was never in any danger, scoring by almost four lengths.

Figures of 28.21sec rank as the 24th quickest time recorded at Monmore so far in 2013, bettered only by the calibre of runner such as Lemon Pluto, Strategic Review and Bold Three.

As a guest on the show the following Sunday, Dean Childs had a glint in his eye when

discussing the future for this young speedster, and rightly so, it’s easy to see why all involved should be excited by the times ahead with this promising youngster.

2. Express Master

Another exciting and memorable per-

formance over the last month or so, and coincidentally recorded on the same very night, belonged to a similar mould to that of Droopys London in being another exciting new face to the track destined for the top - Chris Allsopp’s EXPRESS MASTER. Any greyhound to clock a sub-4.20sec

BY DAVE CLARK sectional is extremely likely to be leading up at the first bend over the 515m trip at Hove, but on just his second start for Westview Farm Kennels, he incredibly produced a split of just 4.04sec.

It’s extremely difficult to find many slicker sectionals, and nearly impossible to find one recorded by anything as young and lightly raced.

It’s one of the most demanding four bend trips in racing at the south coast circuit, and it was truly astonishing how powerfully Allsopp’s two-year-old came home off the last bend having scorched the sand so early on.

Top class performers Bridge Ruth, Tibetan Skies and Airlie Impact are three of just six greyhounds to have covered the 515m trip quicker so far this year, in clocking just 29.70sec, plenty sat up and taken note.

Being prepared for the Sussex Cup at the time of writing this column, expect to see this powerhouse contesting plenty of major four bend competitions over the coming months.

Having certainly announced his arrival in stunning style, it’s only matter of time before he reproduces again when it matters and lands a big prize for connections.

3. Lemon Pluto

Charlie Lister’s LEMON PLUTO was touted by many as a real contender for Derby glory earlier this year, but things didn’t quite go to plan at Wimbledon when suffering shock elimination at just the second round stage.

An unsuccessful tilt at the Ladbrokes Summer Cup at Monmore followed, where an extremely bumpy ride having been horrendously drawn out in trap five, resulted in a first round exit a warm order in the outright market and 11-10 favourite on the night.

An emphatic return to Wimbledon suggested what might have been had things panned out differently at Plough Lane, before an anxious return to the track in Wolverhampton.

The formline on his aforementioned previous start read EP,Rls,Crd1&2&3&4 - which highlights just how rough a race the striking white and black endured.

Memories certainly would have been fresh from that run and a below-par performance would have been understandable returning so soon after - although anyone doubting this greyhound and

questioning his confidence was immediately and majestically silenced.

At 36 kilos, the son of Scolari Me Daddy amazingly possesses the ability to bomb out the boxes and that is exactly what he did - well clear of his talented rivals when hitting the first bend.

Driving the bends tremendously well and motoring through the gears down the back straight, a competitive-looking race on paper which consisted of Barrie Draper’s speedy duo Many Are Called and Ballymac Arkle, was made to look very much the complete opposite by the halfway stage.

Eventually romping clear to score by five lengths, it wasn’t simply the bare performance that caught the eye that night, but also the ability to return to a track so soon after such a bumpy ride and strut his stuff clearly feeling no illeffects.

Dog to follow: Tims Star

Nicola Carr’s charge stepped from graded fare at Yarmouth to all-aged open class racing at Romford on 19th July, coming very close to opening her account at the first time of asking at London Road.

Clearly capable of matching most for early toe - highlighted by her decent Yarmouth splits - she pinged and paced up at the Essex track clocking a very smart 3.67sec sectional on her very first look around the uniquely tight track.

She didn’t look out of place in that company but struggle for stamina when coming home, finding only one rival too strong.

As Mark Wallis has proven countless times, Yarmouth form stands up well at Romford and representatives from the Norfolk stadium always tend to give a good account of themselves.

But Carr’s lightly-raced daughter of Shaneboy Lee will undoubtedly strengthen up with age and experience, and while retaining her terrific early boot, looks a young bitch with a very bright future.

She is clearly up to open class already, and would certainly warrant hefty investment should see drop in class and take on rivals of her own sex and age.

Whether appearing back in graded company or trying her luck again in an open, she has seemingly gone under the radar of most - but remains one to keep on side.

IAN BLAND: OUR INSIDE MAN AT CRAYFORD

Magpie a flyer over 380 H aving been impressed at the end of June with the debut run from Aoifes Magpie it did not surprise me that she won well the following week here over 380 metres.

Trained by Patsy Cusack the dog put in a creditable first race effort when finishing third having completely missed her break away from the traps and was subsequently crowded around the first three bends however despite these negatives she gave me the impression that she has decent track craft and this proved to be the case when winning at the second time of asking. On this occasion she trapped out well and had to overcome crowding at the first bend before taking charge of affairs to lead around the final turn to lead into the home straight.

She won by just under three lengths and looked to me as though she won with plenty in hand so expect her to land further wins and to climb up the grading ladder over the coming weeks.

Leamaneigh Mick has only just lost his puppy status having reached two years of age in June and he is now fulfilling his early promise having won his first ever race over 540 metres in top grade S1. The dog started his career here in February in grade A7 over 380 metres and steadily rose up the grading ladder to reach the elite level of A1 and his best effort in this grade was a third place finish in mid June. The Steve Gammon trained dog won seven of his nineteen races along the way which is a tremendous strike rate but the switch to six bends over the extra 160 metres may prove to be where his future lies on the evidence of his debut win over the extended trip.

In a good quality race he looked very much the part as he came from third place around the last two bends to power his way up the home straight to win by a length.

Those win odds of 6-1 would suggest that the local bookmakers did not expect him to win but now they will be obliged to have a re-think after he passed Burgess Lad, Five Card Draw and Springwood Ali, all of whom are very decent dogs, with almost contempt to announce his arrival in the big time. He won on merit and is not likely to start again at such big odds in this grade

but you could do a lot worse than give him your support as he has determination and enthusiasm for the game in abundance.

On the debutant front I am always on the lookout for likely “early” winners as that is where the price value is to be found, before they get too established. Freetong Flyer had his first ever career race here in early July and should have won having finished second after all sorts of problems during the race. This was an A5 grade race and he went to traps as the 5-2 joint favourite so clearly he was expected to go close however he missed his break coming out of the boxes in last place, was bumped at the first bend albeit he got to that point in fourth position, but put in a pleasing performance to run on strongly to be beaten by just a length and a quarter at the line. Had the dog had any sort of run he would undoubtedly have won and he will have learnt a lot from his first ever race. His current grade

looks well within his scope so get on as he looks the type to improve with each race.

Last month in my others to follow I mentioned Lucky Top. He is becoming one of those dogs that come under the “hard to work out” category but I am still keen on staying with him for now as I am convinced that there is still something in reserve that he has not shown yet. A treble of wins in June in grades S5, S4 and S3 over 540 metres secured him the tracks “Dog Of The Month” award and at the time of writing his first attempt in an S2 race saw him finish fourth at 7-1. I remain convinced that he can win at this level, his times support this view, so if you fancy some very good odds he is your greyhound.

All information about the track can be found on our website www.crayford.com You can also follow us on www.twitter.com/crayforddogs

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Was Jack really allowed to start 6/1?

T

he dust has now settled on this year’s William Hill Greyhound Derby Final with Sidaz Jack running out a convincing and well deserved winner of this year’s event.

The final itself was only the seventh career race of a dog who still has his best years ahead of him. Was this Charlie Lister trained finalist really allowed to be sent off in the final at 6/1?

There is talk that Sidaz Jack might head to Shelbourne for a crack at the Irish equivalent but I’d be very surprised if that were the case. Charlie has had much more suitable candidates for the Irish derby over the past few years and has declined the chance to take part, I can’t see this changing this year with Sidaz Jack.

I’m sure even at this early stage the primary objective for him will be to try and retain his English derby crown in 2014. If the competition is at Wimbledon then he will have every chance of doing so.

Will next year’s derby be at Wimbledon though? Let’s be straight about this the track itself is great and the track staff there do a wonderful job, but the stadium itself is nothing short of a disgrace.

I had friends from Ireland visit the stadium for the first time on final night and they tell me it’s the first time ever that they’ve had to clean their shoes on the way out of a track.

Let’s hope that Wimbledon doesn’t become a new Walthamstow, London without a greyhound track just doesn’t bear thinking about and I really hope that Paschal Taggart and his business partners can get their plans off the ground.

Kennel News

We’ve had a pretty quiet month on the winners front at Salacres kennels, a fair few of the dogs have been in grades a little above their class, but things look like they’re starting to pick up again and I can foresee us having a few winners over the coming month.

Even though it was a relatively slow month for us I hope you took note of Peters dog to follow, Salacres Oak won on his first appearance since the magazine went to press at 2/1 whilst Salacres Brent from the previous issue continues to improve and has now won in A2 class.

JK had made mention of an excellent £20,000 independent racing competition coming up at Wheatley Hill stadium.

All very good but then JK made mention of the fact that he didn’t condone that side of the sport.

Flapping has been a part of the sport of greyhound racing for as long as most of us can remember, without it the sport wouldn’t exist, it’s that simple.

There are many, many trainers within the GBGB side of the sport who started out life on the flaps, rather than not condoning that side of the sport, maybe young people who want to become GBGB trainers should be encouraged to get experience on the flaps, after all there aren’t all that many avenues offered by the GBGB for young people to get a start in the sport.

Maybe the GBGB could set up some kind of training centre for young people who want to get involved in the sport and learn the ropes before being sent on placements with trainers around the country?

Maybe a grant scheme to then help these Salacres Borzoi potential trainers get a start?

Maybe I’m just dreaming but they’re the types of things that the sport should be doing to help ensure that the sport is still thriving I did note Alien Planet as an early fancy for this year’s derby and though he was a in not just 10 , but 20 and 30 years down the first round casualty he had really started fir- line. ing lately.

He had won 4 from his previous 5 races, Peter Harnden’s dog to follow from our including wins at Monmore, Sheffield and kennel this month is Salacres Borzoi. He is Nottingham when he lined up for his race an unraced May 2012 pup by Zero Ten x Inon 15th July at Colwick Park. credible Lulu.

What followed next was a disaster as he Bred by Fintan Comerford over in Ireland went badly lame at the first bend when the and reared by Vincent Lund in Scotland this race was at his mercy. exciting prospect now finds himself setting Sadly Alien Planet’s injury was to severe for him to be saved and he’ll be a sad loss to out on his racing career here in England.

Whatever level he starts at there will be imthe open racing scene , on his day undoubtprovement to come, keep him on side edly one of the fastest greyhounds around.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget anybody interested in placing a dog with us to run at Nottingham or indeed to target open I recently had a little bit of a twitter (@ races with can ring me anytime on 07877 393 mark2013_efc) disagreement with JK of the 829 to discuss your needs or visit our website at www.salacresracingteam.com Racing Post.

So Sorry for Alien Planet

Dog To Follow

Get Experience On The Flaps

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COLUMNISTS

Blogging life on the road as a kennelhand

BY Kaan Hughes (Kennelhand for Alma Keppie) very year there’s something different, World Cup, Euros, Olympics, but this year we lack a real sport to get the blood rushing although the ashes has started not that it’s a spectacle to jump up and down about!

However this year, we may just have to settle for a heat wave and the Sunderland festival…not too bad!

Tuesday 2nd July, it’s race day, the start of the golden crest, alongside we have Gavin in a supporting open. He’s back on the winning podium and ran like the dog we know, such a superstar in our eyes. Tonight I scooped the jackpot along with fellow owner Mr Phil ‘chips’ not because he’s a grade a poker player but he has a grade ’A’ chip shop!

Wednesday 3rd July I find myself at Hove in the afternoon and 10 minutes is probably exaggerating but I was turning round to go home after picking up a new dog, lovely little bitch, very sweet.

Thursday 4th, and I am off to Hove again with Cashen Matteo, the dog I believe is a star in the making…a race which sees a top class animal in four (Express Master) & five (Mr VanPersie). Patrick Kelly summed the race up well on parade saying that this is one of those special maidens that occasionally turn up at Hove producing some real stars! 25/1 we are and I was insulted at the price advising many how good I thought this dog was so we bet him each way. We finished second and to run the four to three lengths when we haven’t really had a run for a month, it was some performance. Such a pleasing night’s work.

E

Friday 5th…well well well, I had a text, you are playing golf, and you have no option see you there. ‘You cannot be serious’ as a great man once said! Seriously? Ok, buggy it is at least I haven’t got to walk, kirsty is on standby in case I need a lift after 9 holes after walking off! I’ve done a bullseye so far and I haven’t even hit a ball! First tee shot I absolutely tank a driver down the middle and get penalized as some inconvenient person put a ditch across the middle of the fairway. Hay fever (why is it called this, its grass that causes the problem) has literally done me in after 18 holes. I’m heading home now to watch the dogs and eat tea. To top the day off I nearly copped the jackpot at Swindon but being tight I took the three dog out the last leg, you know what happened next, I got there and had the odds on shot running for me but the three turned me over.

Saturday 6th, and Gavin is running again, although getting beat I know and deep down many others do too that this wasn’t the real Gav, he was overcooked having to trial last Saturday, run Tuesday and then run tonight, with the weather how hot it is seriously probably wasn’t the greatest move, he doesn’t get picked up over 714m let alone on the line over 640m, he will have a week’s rest now and be fresh to show everyone who he is next week.

Sunday 7th first game for the new football team and we were 3-0 down at half time but getting the hair dryer treatment at half time and the manager making a few changes we fought back to win 5-4.

Tuesday 9th, a night to forget, I don’t want to go in to detail. Tuesdays are currently becoming an unfavourable day of the week.

OUT AND ABOUT WITH KAAN

Wednesday 10th, what you are about to read will make some laugh for me it put me on cloud nine only to be pushed firmly off and probably enter the record books…..today I shall win the jackpot at Swindon, oh how right I was, what I didn’t expect was to be mugged off by Stadia Uk and paid £12??? What happened to the £500 guaranteed? Surely I now hold the record for the lowest ever won jackpot! So punters putting the first £1 in the pool are playing for 70p after retention if they win? How does this bet become value for the first people wanting to have a go at the jackpot unless there is a certain guaranteed figure, are you for real? Email coming your way lads. I went bowling tonight as well, what a sport that is, didn’t even have the rails up, I felt professional.

Thursday 11th, Hove, we face Droopys Odell, one of the best puppies in training,

is there any point in turning up…looks like we are going for 2nd spot. To be fair we got smashed at the bend and were desperate for 2nd and ended up 3rd, onwards and upwards.

Friday 12th, I’m off to monkey world with kirst and the kids, it’s a great place but seriously hot today and I’ve certainly walked enough miles. These monkeys have great character though some of the things they can do are unbelievable. And don’t start all the jokes, ‘hope you were out before closing in case they kept you’ as I’ve already had them!

Saturday 13th, at the kennels early and after cleaning the dogs out we are booking a trip to Ireland! Boom! Look out we are on our way. Today has been very hot and the dogs don’t know what to do but we have six runners tonight including Gavin in the 640m open and I know last week wasn’t a true run, personally I don’t think he’s ever been better. This week he’s fresh, let’s have it. Bought everyone at the kennels a rocket lolly before we went racing, had one left over considered attaching it to a few of our dogs rear ends…30 degrees it is and my lolly has melted whilst loading up and it’s all over my nice cream shorts!

Gavin won the open running probably the best race he’s ever run, coming from last to first with trouble everywhere and doing a scorching 39.03. The golden crest final will be revealed in the Poole section.

Sunday 14th, football 10.30 am, 30 degrees…roasting, no subs today, ninety minutes! Still have a bad ankle but finished the game hammering them 7-1, we only conceded through an own goal. Very positive morning although the crippled shoulder and sore ligament in my ankle is making me walk around very cautiously.

Tuesday 16th, race day…not a lot to mention other than it’s still very hot!

Wednesday 17th, afternoon and I have decided to lay on the lounger in the garden whilst peacefully feeling like I’m led in a holiday hotel in Spain as I keep going to the bar, I mean kitchen refilling with drinks and crisps, I can’t help but hear someone play the recorder though! One thing we all want to know was the song they were playing…Silent night…Is this the only tune ever played on the damn thing, at least hit the right notes if you’re going to do so. Just going for a dip in the pool so I shall leave this for now…my pool is a £1.50 inflatable one from Tesco’s which is too small to keep a goldfish in.

Thursday 18th heats scorching again

and so I’ve bathed a few dogs, sometimes they hate it but today I think they were quite happy to be in there. Off to Hove we go, banging headache and no nurofen only some other pills which always give me a sore throat…great. Cashen Matteo I thought was bomb proof tonight and so it seemed, 5/6 early and going off at 4/7 he’s smashed up by six and a half lengths I did tell you how highly I thought of him.

Gavin got the trap two treatment! All in all a good night apart from the headache.

Saturday 20th and once again we are racing at Poole, five runners this evening but only one winner, Pennys Susie, a bitch who has certainly taken her time to get used to the boxes at Poole but tonight literally took the bars out running in a blistering 4.25 sectional which saw her get off the mark for us.

Tuesday 23rd and first thing I’m heading up the A34 going to Swindon to pick up a new bitch who is coming to the kennels, one that I’m very excited about and will hopefully provide some fun. Anyway I have a lot to do now so I need to finish this off, then head to track for racing and also pack the suitcase as tomorrow I’m off to Ireland! Literally cannot wait, lock up the ladies Ireland I’m coming to get them, ok that’s a lie I’m going racing really. Next month will certainly include some international posts of my tour around the emerald isle and I’m sure they will be worth reading, so for now au revoir!

Kennel News:

Cashen Matteo is still very young but learning his trade the right way and will now head back to Hove to take part in the puppy cup. Eden Rumble will be entered for sky night at Hove and will hopefully run in the 740m which has a longer run to the bend, (anything but the blue jacket please). A new staying bitch we have just received called Dr Muller will certainly be worth a follow over proper staying trips and I’m looking forward to taking her on our travels. Cashen Mischief is still improving week on week and is very pleasing. Linwood Husky a little recruit from Hove maybe one that could be a low grader to follow as she is very inexperience at the moment. We also have some new dogs just trialling on but they won’t be near running yet. In next month’s blog I hope to have some new recruits from Ireland, so keep a look out!

As always we are continuously getting new dogs sent too us from people I have

OUT AND ABOUT WITH KAAN ultimate trust in and they are available for ownership solely or syndication to stay in the kennel. Anyone who may be of interest should contact me via email on kaan1392@hotmail. co.uk with their name and number or on twitter @KaanHughes and I will get back to them. We are always willing to help.

Kaan on Poole:

What a month July proved for Poole featuring the Dave Lawrance Golden Crest with one of the strongest entries Poole has seen in many a year.

Tuesday 2nd July saw the start of the competition, LODE HENRY set a new track record of 26.25sec in the heats of the Dave Lawrance Golden Crest at Poole on Tuesday on a night when training honours were split between his trainer Kelly Findlay and Chris Allsopp.

Allsopp and Findlay had two winners apiece in the four 450m heats, but it was the latter’s Lode Henry who took star billing as he made all in 26.25sec from Farkland Tyson, five spots inside Fifis Rocket’s previous best.

Favourite Lode Esteem finished third here after being badly hampered badly at traps-rise.

Bush Standard initiated the double for Coventry-based Findlay in the opening heat as he stretched his unblemished record around the Wimbourne Road circuit to four.

The ante-post favourite led early to win by four lengths from the faststarting Lemon Ella and staying-on Droopys Bass.

Daddy Knowsbest hit the lids running to claim heat two for the Allsopp camp and was never headed in winning in 26.50sec, while Ballycowen Dave completed a good night for the Monmore handler in the fourth and final heat when making it a one-two for the Monmore handler here.

Kent Derby winner Ballycowen Dave paced up on the shoulders of the inside runners and drove the bend well to lead off the second corner.

His kennel companion Tonetta Bound caught the eye down the backstraight and kept on well to finish just a half a length down, although will be

better off for the run and more suited to the red jacket in the semis.

Saturday 6th July, The Dave Lawrance Golden Crest took centre stage at Poole and next Saturdays final where the winner will receive £2000 of the Category two event, trainer Kelly Findlay will have half of the field.

The first semi-final saw an early paced dual between Daddy Knowsbest and Farkland Tyson, but it was the former who managed to lead around the corner from where he dominated the race to win by two and half lengths.

Although missing the kick no one can keep Bush Standard from getting his name in the frame, and showing massive pace from the second corner he passed Farkland Tyson to finish a gallant second with Tyson tracking clever to finish third holding off charges from all angles.

Semi-final two sealed off another terrific night for Kelly Findlay which was settled at the boxes when Lode Esteem led early and when given clear sights in front strode clear to win by two length in a fastest of the night 26.54 from kennel companion and track record holder Lode Henry. Running on to grab third was local dog Droopys Bass.

Saturday 13th July the Final of the Dave Lawrance Golden Crest and it was Daddy Knowsbest who took the spoils for the Monmore handler Chris Allsopp who has relished success at Poole Stadium in recent years. As traps rose Daddy Knowsbest hit the ground running and was half a length in front of Bush Standard at the corner who was always struggling from there on as he needed to be in front early but he raced to a gallant second.

Daddy Knowsbest who landed the event going unbeaten throughout also shaded 5 sports off the new track record where he has now set the benchmark at 26.20 Poole has enjoyed some good nights throughout July and has shown they can cater any racing. Sundays of late have been absolute heaving and the track continues to do well, maybe one day they will be given their chance on the main stage of Sky.

Now on Facebook and Twitter!

My latest photos are now being posted straight onto my Facebook page.

Visit Facebook.com/SteveNashPhotography or follow me on Twitter @SteveNashPhotos.

As Britain’s premier greyhound photographer I get a lot of interest in my work from owners, enthusiasts and the media.

Log on to www.steve-nash.co.uk – this site is designed to provide information on my services, as well as a little glimpse into my involvement in greyhound racing and examples of past photography work.

If you want to find out more about specific projects, or if you’d like a quote on a job, please contact me at photos@steve-nash.co.uk

ANDY TOMLINSON: THE FLAPPING MAN

Leo roars to Derby victory

Every month Andy ‘Flapping’ Tomlinson brings you the news from the Flapping Scene EASINGTON

T

he 2013 Easington Dual Distance Derby has been won by an Oct 11 pup (Ardkill Tunoco x Madam Razz) named “Leo”.

Undefeated in the competition, he ran a blinder to win the final looking like he had been round the four bend trip hundreds of times when in fact he has never been round four bends anywhere in his life.

He was bred and reared by owner and trainer Stuart Tighe of Sunder-

land and schooled at Easington. With only 6 races under his belt he has won 5 of them and at only 21month old has a very bright future ahead.

The final was a hot contest with all 6 runners hoping to draw the red box. Reserve “Miss Mac” owned and trained by Mr and Mrs Bowes of Cramlington was the outsider and never seemed to get into the race.

“Ringtail Soul” trained by Joe Cummings and owned by Davey (Railway) Neal had the advantage as she had been round the trip many a time but drew the 6 box, as had “Dalton” owned and trained by Mr and Mrs Black of Seaham but even though “Dalton” drew the red he didn’t come out as he has been recently and hit trouble at the first bend which took him out of the reckoning

altogether.

The other two finalists were “Grumpy Old Billy”, owned and trained by Chris Leech of Brandon and “Butch” owned and trained by Mr and Mrs Laite of Saltburn.

“Butch” missed his break but ran on to finish 3rd leaving “Grumpy Old Billy” as the only challenger to the eventual winner just hanging on to finish 2nd but the win for “Leo” was more than deserved.

DOG OF THE MONTH

With the exception of “Leo” only one other dog sticks out this month, “Cocktail” owned and trained by Mr and Mrs Bowes has also won 3 from 3 in July so it’s going to go to the final meeting to see who takes the Gatehouse Enterprises sponsored dog of the month trophy.

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JOHNNY MOYLES’ VIEW FROM THE

Tote pulls plug on Pick Six

F

rom a personal point of view it was disappointing to see the IGB shelve the Pick 6 at the weekend. I was at HQ and when I went to the Tote booth to do my Pick 6 I was told it was finished. Kaput.

Brown bread.

To be honest the writing had been on the wall for some time for the Pick 6 and the decision to include Limerick racing backfired big time, so much so that punters have been turned off the product.

The problem with including the Limerick racing was they took away the skill factor. We don’t need another lotto.

We have several forms of that particular game of chance from the GAA and local soccer clubs right up to the big National Lottery and Euromillions.

What looked to be, initially, a deliberate ploy of including wide open graded racing from Shannonside to produce rollovers simply stopped people from playing.

Believe it or not, many of us liked to throw a score on the Pick 6 because most greyhound people thought they could almost crack it if we studied the races.

By including A5 finals and novice events from the Dock Road they basi-

cally added in three rolls of a dice. And the punters said no.

But let’s face facts; the whole ‘intertrack’ strategy of the Pick 6 was flawed from the start – it was weeks before online punters could get a bet on. Someone needs to go into a room and interview themselves.

With the Derby starting in a fortnight surely the Tote should just make all six races from Dublin again. It’s a simple and winning formula.

Sky’s The Limit For Priceless International Winner

Priceless Sky won the €20,000 Boylesports International at Dundalk to continue Paul Hennessy’s good run of form.

I backed the Gowran handler’s dog so many times over the last year 18 months that I am almost sure I had him running in an accumulator that included Best In Show at Crufts.

Make mo mistake, this is a fabulously talented dog and while he did not show anything at Wimbledon that would impress British punters, this son of Royal Impact and Priceless Pearl is a big player in the upcoming ETS

Irish Derby. Rule out at your peril.

2013 ETS Irish Derby Tipping Competition

There are now just a handful of sleeps until the start of the 2013 ETS Irish Greyhound Derby.

I am once again running a tipping competition on my blog with some smashing prizes.

Those of you that have participated in my Derby tipping competitions over the last few years will be fairly familiar with the way they work but below is an outline of the rules.

Basically you pick a dog in each heat.

If it wins or is placed you get points.

You also get 1 Nap and 1 Bismarck per round.

If the Nap wins or comes second, you get double the score applicable. Your Bismarck is a dog you think that will go off as a favourite but you think it will lose.

You get points if the dog is beaten and returned as favourite. You also have to pick an overall winner.

The winner of each round will win 2 tickets to Shelbourne Park for the next round.

The winner will be the person to score

LAND OF SAINTS AND SCHOLARS

most points in a round. A tie breaker question will decide who wins in the case of a tie.

There will also be extra races included on the night of the semis and the quarters with bonus prizes.

Many thanks to Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium.

The overall winner will be the person who scores most points throughout the competition.

In the event of a tie the person to have selected most Nap winners in the stake will take the prize.

If there is still a tie, the person to select the most correct Bismarcks will land the spoils.

The grand prize this year once again with special thanks to Martin Tucker of Mount Cashel Kennels in Co. Roscommon will be a free service to any one of the following stud dogs:

NAMBISCO NINJA JAMIE FATBOYZ NODROG THURLESBEG JOKER

How To Enter

All entries must be via the comment function on my blog where full rules and conditions can be found. www.manaboutdog.blogspot.com Follow me on twitter @johnnymoyles

RACING FROM THE USA

It was a case of the Producer over the product Kiowa Producer secures the No. 1 ranking in the UGR Top 25 Poll! By Michael D. Frino

K

iowa Producer made his second appearance in the UGR Top 25 a memorable one. The dark brindle male out of Dragon Fire and Kay V Sweet Kay earned the top spot in the latest poll with an impressive win in the Southland Derby. Superior Product, with a phenomenal race record in May and June, challenged for the top spot, and finished second in the poll.

The Producer is owned by Jack Sherck and Smith Greyhounds and runs for the Magic City Kennel. In the two month period, he registered 8 wins in 11 starts which included a six race win streak. The Southland Derby win is added to his accomplishments which includes the Mardi Gras World Classic championship in March. Just as was the case in the World Classic, Kiowa Producer broke on top early and pulled away from a very competitive field to win the Southland stake’s event quite

easily. With either a stake’s and/or top grade win at three highly competitive tracks…

Wheeling being the third track… Producer has put together an eye catching resume.

Superior Product won a sensational 12 of 13 top grade races at Dubuque for the Superior Kennel and owners Alan Hill and Brian D. Smith. He has dominated the competition at Dubuque with an average margin of victory of over 7 1/2 lengths, and is undefeated in the qualifying rounds of the King and Queen Sprint. Superior Product exhibits a nice rush to the first turn, and usually takes control early in the race. He is from a nice litter by KC and All and USS Ceremony which also placed Superior Panama in the poll’s top 10.

The All-American SH Avatar ranks third in the latest poll. Avatar continues his impressive run as he was ranked 2nd in the last poll.

The 71lb super star chalked up another six wins in May and June, and remained atop the leaderboard in wins and earnings at Bluffs Run this year. The son of Kiowa Mon Manny and Tom S. Caterwaul runs for the Hardison Kennel. He is owned by Tom Sugihara and Robert Hardison.

Derby Lane’s youngster Jack’s Big Gun gets the nod at #4 in the poll. This is another fast son of Dragon Fire to appear in the UGR Top 10. Big Gun recorded 10 wins in 13 starts with five consecutive wins ending the month of June. His race time of 30.37 recorded on May 25th was the fastest time of the meet as of that date. He was also the top point earner entering the finals of the Gold Trophy Stakes. The August 2011 speedster is owned by Michael Cassidy and runs for the Cal Holland Kennel.

The Bluffs Run 3/8ths Derby winner Killer Dare (Gable Dodge-Slatex Sarah Liz) is ranked 5th in the UGR poll. The 82lb closer switched from 5/16ths to the 3/8ths distance in April, and then proceeded to win the Derby. He won 5 of 6 races in the two month period which included a five race win streak.

Killer Dare, a second team All-American, has appeared multiple times in the UGR Top 25 poll. He is owned by G. Kirk Harlan and Alan Hill.

Oshkosh Grace garners the #6 ranking.

The classy performer from Southland loves to showcase her talents at the big oval. Once the box opens, it’s one big drive to the finish

SPONSORED BY UNITED GREYHOUND RACING line for Grace. Of course if she happens to be on top early the race is over; but no matter where she is early on, she is always a threat to win. Grace won 5 of 6 races and made the finals of the Southland Derby. She is out of Flying Penske-Oshkosh Hera and is owned

by Larry Pollard. She races for the Robert Thorne Kennel.

Vince Berland’s Flying DiMarco (Iruska All Star-Flying Beem) continued his winning ways at Naples, and then Flagler, to earn the #7 ranking. DiMarco was ranked 3rd in our last poll. He has established himself as the top greyhound in that circuit with some dominating performances. His last streak was eight consecutive wins, and overall he had a stretch of 21 wins in 22 starts. Flying DiMarco is in the Kelly Everett Kennel.

Superior Panama is ranked #8 in the UGR poll. Although not quite as fast as his littermate Superior Product, Panama’s record is also superb as he knows how to win. He has won 10 of 12 races at Dubuque and won two qualifying rounds in the King and Queen to make the stake finals. He too is owned by Alan Hill and Brian D. Smith. Congratulations to Alan Smith who has three greyhounds in the top 10!

Kebo Greta Garbo from Wheeling takes the #9 ranking. The red brindle female, out of Yahoo Omar and Greys Wind Gate, won 5 of 10 races in a two month stretch for the A Ray Kennel. Her semi-final race in the George Kellas Memorial Sprint was an impressive 8 length win in a fast 29.66. Greta Garbo is owned by Tom Ferris, who just happens to also own the tenth ranked greyhound in the poll.

Rounding out the top 10 is Tom Ferris’s AMF Bad Bounce (Lonesome Cry-Greys Ricochet) from Southland. Bad Bounce broke quickly and dominated a strong field to win the Razorback Classic by 9 lengths. Just to put an exclamation mark on his talent, in his next start he ran at the 5/16ths distance and lost by just a head to our number one greyhound and Derby winner, Kiowa Producer.

The 3/8ths specialist shows four consecutive wins on his record, and overall won 5 of 10 races in May and June. He runs for Steve M. Sarras Kennel.

This United Greyhound Racing Top 25 represents many of the top performing greyhounds running at major tracks during May and June. As we all know, a majority of the greyhounds go in and out of top form. It is always interesting to observe which greyhounds continue to appear in the UGR Top 25. I would say those greyhounds give credence to the saying “the cream always rises to the top”. Take a look at some of the greyhounds that appear in this poll. SH Avatar makes his fourth straight appearance, and has been ranked in the top 10 three times.

Two other greyhounds appear for the fourth time. One is the second team All-American Venus Espinosa from Derby Lane. Espinosa had 68 career wins at the time of this article and is ranked 14th in this poll. The other four timer is the UGR 22nd ranked greyhound TDS Jackie from TriState. Killer Dare, 20th in our last poll, shows up for the third time. Kiowa Producer returns for the second time…and most likely this will not be his last. A previous top ranked greyhound, Dk’s Flow Meter from Bluffs Run, presently ranks #24 and also appears for a second time along with the consistent standouts Flying DiMarco, Oshkosh Grace and Dubuque’s Roc A By Msmolly (16th).

How the Poll Works.

The UGR Top 25 Poll utilizes two score components plus bonus points/adjustments in three other categories to give each grey-

hound a final point total or score. One score is derived from the greyhound’s individual ranking at their home track. It constitutes approximately two-thirds of the final point total. The rankings are done by poll members representing each of the tracks. The poll members rank the greyhounds they chose as the top five greyhounds presently running at their track. The greyhounds receive points depending on their ranking. The points are weighted according to Track’s Power Rating (TPR) designated by UGR. The TPR will be adjusted when necessary, as the competition level may change at some of the tracks during the year.

The second major component is derived from the UGR Rating Formula based on top grade win percentage, stakes race performance (first and second place), and consecutive wins. Points are again weighted depending on the track’s TPR, and also adjusted for the greyhounds that had limited starts. UGR understands the subjective components of the poll, and plans to tweak the ranking system when necessary to make the poll as fair as possible.

Ten major tracks were included in this poll, resulting in approximately fifty greyhounds receiving a final score. The greyhounds were evaluated based on their 2013 performances from May 1st through June 30th. Greyhounds not racing in the month of June were not eligible. Any accolades or records from prior years were not considered in this poll.

RACING FROM THE USA

UNITED GREYHOUND RACING TOP 25 POLL st

th

(May 1 – June 30 ) GREYHOUND 1- KIOWA PRODUCER 2- SUPERIOR PRODUCT 3- SH AVATAR (2) 4- JACK’S BIG GUN 5- KILLER DARE (20) 6- OSHKOSH GRACE 7- FLYING DIMARCO (3) 8- SUPEROR PANAMA 9- KEBO GRETA GARBO 10- AMF BAD BOUNCE 11- DECO ARCHIE LEE 12- GO BON COALTRAIN 13- U TOO PURE SILK 14- VENUS ESPINOSA 15- NIDETT 16- ROC A BY MSMOLLY 17- GO BON WEGO 18- NB’S NICE N EASY 19- SLATEX SLATON 20- KIOWA JORDAN DOC 21- PRIMED TO WIN 22- TDS JACKIE 23- WW’S SWEETIE 24- DK’S FLOW METER 25- KIOWA MAT MARTY

TRACK

SCORE

SL DQ BR DL BR SL FL DQ WD SL TS WD SL DL PB DQ WD PB GG DL GG TS OP BR OP

11.46 11.07 10.59 10.43 10.37 10.10 10.05 9.94 9.63 9.55 9.54 9.50 9.40 9.29 9.07 9.03 8.90 8.88 8.82 8.78 8.77 8.76 8.74 8.73 8.72

Just missing the Top 25 were: Rc Lone Sum (WD), FF Code Red (SL) and Rob Gronkowski (PB). (#)= Previous Ranking

UGR POLL MEMBERS: Randy Birch (TS), Greg Deuel (GG), Gary Dura (DQ), Randy Finegan (SL), Mike Jameson (PB), Stan Pawloski (WD), Jim Peake (DL), Steve Sigafoose (BR), UGR Formula/Statistician : Michael D. Frino (FL/OP).

R O M F O R D G R E Y H O U N D STA D I U M

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Monday & Wednesday Main Stand £10 Friday Millennium Stand £11 | Main Stand £13 saturday Millennium Stand £14 | Main Stand £16 All 6 packs must be booked and paid for in advance. The 6 Pack is available to over 18’s only and requires a minimum of 6 people per booking. Offer subject to change and availability. bet responsibly. www.gambleaware.co.uk

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