Felines Fear Debut

Felines Fear "aka Jameson" made his long awaited debut this evening at Monmore. With four of the syndicate present he came away from traps in reasonable fashion to chase hard the eventual winner. He showed some reasonable pace and appeared to be trying his best to finish a good second. He has a very strange action, a giraffe sprinting rang a bell! He did seem to tire off the last bend and did fade after the line. Part 2 next week. In summary, a promising debut but won't be winner any Derbys ! We have 5 passes which each admits 2 people. I have allocated 1 to Foxy and 1 to Heather and they are likely to attend more than most. Please just mail me when you would like a pass.

Qualified

Jameson (Felines Fear) finished 2nd this morning in his final qualifying trial at Monmore. Most importantly his time was 30.14 which is a qualifying time to start racing. Running from trap 2 he was slow away from traps, bumped at the second bend and ran on to sneak inside qualifying. He could make his debut as early as Saturday however more likely is a week on Thursday.

14 / 1 ! Burty Winner

Raynes Park (Droopys Kewell x Quare Diamond) landed the £2,000 Ladbrokes Summer 480 Final for bitches this afternoon at Monmore. Trained by our long term trainer Martin Burt she was quickly in to her stride she was not headed as she flew round in 28.31. Foxy and I both invested her as ante-post odds of 14/1!! Juicy ! Our luck continues !

Jameson Improves

Jameson showed rapid improvement in his second trial clocking 30.28, an improvment of 60 spots. He now only needs to improve slightly to grade on next Tuesday. I will post Tuesday's important trial news as soon as possible.

Ian Greaves Retires

Sad to read that Ian Greaves has been forced to retire from the sport following health advice. The Greaves School of Excellence has produced a number of high quality dogs including Top Savings, Toms the Best and Greenacre Lin to name a few. All pups and broods are currently being sold off as the operation draws to an end. I'm very surprised the whole business and facility where not sold off together. Perhaps it was just an investment to big for any one person or perhaps it points out to the long term future of the sport.

Jameson Trial

Jameson clocked 30.90 on his first outing at Monmore last Tuesday. Given his lack of experience and fitness a slow time was expected. According to the lads he looked very green in his running style. Needing to record 30.20 to start to race a Monmore, he should improve a great deal this Tuesday.

Kinda Beautiful

It was a pleasure to open the post this morning as a juicy memento arrived care of William Hill. Our £6.00 EW bet paid a very pleasing £507.00.

Centaur Allstar wins Scurry on Sky

It was great to see the Chris Allsopp trained Centaur Allstar take the Scurry Final live on Sky tonight in 15.10. Chris text me straight after the race to thank me for selling the dog off his website about 2 months ago. It's a great bit of publicity for the hard working kennel who put in alot of hours in to the dogs and on the road seeking open race winners. Well done to all.

Jameson Lands

The Jimmyin Boys latest recuit arrived last week having being reared superbly by Paul McCusker. He has had a few small niggles along the way but has arrived in A1 condition with plenty for Martin to work on. He appears to have settled in well and very much enjoyed his walk with Paul, the kids and myself in beautiful weather on Sunday. Please let me know if you would like to walk him on any Sunday.

Kinda Ready - Derby Champion

Both Foxy and I have had some cracking ante-post winners this year but neither of us really expected Kinda Ready to win the Greyhound Derby on Saturday night. We were very happy with the place money and I'd had a £5 a 20/1 on Fear Zafonic that that was my own interest other than the hope Mark Wallis could get him round the first two corners trouble free. I had £3.50 EW and Foxy £2.50 EW Monmore . What a performance! I think people had forgot this dog did a sub 28.50 1st look at Monmore and also recorded a 28.00 run. Even approaching the last turn I could simply not believe he was going to get up. You have to feel for the connections of Zafonic but I guess that racing. Roll on the cheque from Mr Willey Hill. Congratulations to all connections, it must be a dream come true. I have put a copy of the race below.

Kinda Amazing

Slim Debut

Slim Amarillo made his long awaited debut on Saturday at Monmore in a Puppy Open. It didn't seem that long ago Dave and I sent the mother Blue Amarillo out to Paul McCusker to start her career as a brood. Slim (Sox) was the dog selected from the 1st litter. Lance Burford and Jason Seddon purchased 25% each following his good trials. Sadly Lance could not get a trial at Monmore so he had to go without a look at the track. After breaking well and showing some super pace he looked sure to finish in 2nd place before being fought by two different dogs. He ran on to finish 4th and we just have to hope the events don't effect him personally. I had a super few hours at the track in the company of Dave where we managed to back a few nice winners.

Jameson Sprint

Jameson had a two dog sprint at the schooling track last week whilst I was away on holiday. Very slow away as would be expected, ran the bend very green and galloped home well. His clock was 18.85 which is well inside qualifying time which is 19.10. He won the trial handily enough. He will have another mixed sprint trial next week and Paul has provisionally booked the tranporter for 27th.

Back to School

Paul reported Jameson in great form following his return to the schooling track yesterday morning. Handslipped on the bend he did everything expected. He will return to the track next Sunday for a sprint trial. Could well be finally heading over within the next 3 weeks.

98 Not Out

Lisa's Invader (The Prince) proved he was no back number when taking a very tough S2 this afternoon in 38.50. Once away there was no danger! The winning margin for 6 lengths ! This was his 22nd career win from 98 starts. He was now won a race in 4 different years. A truly magical owning experience. Co-owner Ray may have put another business to the wall in London as he returned at 3/1.

Ferns a real Favourite

Blonde Fern, continued mine and Silver Fox's amazing ante post betting run when running away with the £10,000 final of the williamhill.com Blue Riband over 480m at Hall Green on Tuesday. 16/1 looked very healthy on the account this morning. Hopefully our luck continues in the Peterboro Puppy Derby and the Blue Square Derby.

Great Night out at Monmore Green

The family were guests of Ladbrokes on Saturday night at Monmore. The food, drink, surroundings and company made it a night to remember. It was made even better as we were were lucky to have a few winners. Lisa's Invader was honoured for winning 3 races in row which the boys loved going up for the presentation. He ran in the race before and was just beaten when staying on strong. Many thanks to all the staff and especially Richard Brankley the Track Manager.

17.53 Hot Socks

The time says it all really. First run on a real track and he railed like a cat. Promising times ahead, we can only dream. Lance seemed equalled pleased and seemed very confident he has plenty left in the tank.

Morning Trial for Socks

I went to watch Socks (Slim Amarillo) this morning. Video below. A very pleasing 16.23 was recorded. Off to Coventry Tuesday now.

Cabra so Cool

Cabra Cool took the IbetX.com Scottish Derby over 480m at Shawfield last night giving pat Buckly his biggest career win. Once the lids opened there no doubt about the winner. Cool is part of a simply magfifent litter including Cabra Fly (pictured) who reached the Pall Mall Final only to be withdrawn, Amazing Value 28.67 A3 Sweepstake winner, Cabra Boss- multiple open race winner, Cabra Midget- Open Racer/A1 Ireland, Cabra Nipper - A3 winner in Ireland, Littleton Legacy - A2 winner Clonmel and Vancouver Dylan - multiple open race winner.

Flying Socks

After 2 weeks on the easy list and a earmark issue, that has now thankfully been resolved, Socks is back on the gallops and working hard. He should finally have a sprint trial on Tuesday. Fingers crossed.

Headline News

It was nice to see the Racing Post use my presentation photographs on the Saturday after the Monmore Puppy Derby. I've just done a mornings work of photographs for Chris Allsopp. You can view these with in owners gallery or in the below video which is a compilation.

Stitches Out

Paul McCusker reports that Jameson had his stiches removed yesterday and should be back on the gallops in 2/3 weeks. Our latest bill was as follows :- 29/01/09 to 31/03/09
62 days @ £4/day = £248
Vets bill £108
Total due £356

Monmore Puppy Derby Winners

No website or blogs to write for other people tonight so I thought I'd list the full list of winners of the Monmore Puppy Derby. Whilst the Monmore Puppy Derby is deemed by many as the toughest juvenile competition in the land I wondered how many went on to further the stardom that was thought and written about at the time of winning.
1994 Mr Tan
1995 Staples Jo
1996 Eleets Noir Bill
1997 Elliots Gift
1998 Eleets Noir Boyz
1999 Active Jack
2000 Rio Riccardo
2001 Micks Best Hero
2002 Droopys Hewitt
2003 Knock Split
2004 Dairyland Sue
2005 Ballymac Pires
2006 Ballymac Charlie
2007 Blond Dino
2008 Ardmayle Champ
2009 Bandicoot Tipoki

Still Looking

Still no luck with finding Avenue Guide a new home despite sending plenty of mails out and distributing posters. Also known as Sammy, this thee-year-old is a small, black dog who has won 6 times throughout his career on the track. Sammy is currently housed at racing kennels near Coventry but will need a new home on retirement. Sammy is a very friendly and loving greyhound and is great with all ages, including children. He will come with a collar and lead, vaccinated, wormed, six weeks pet insurance and a supply of food to help. Anyone interested in giving Sammy a new home can call Neil on 07917 117 187 or 01527 542427 (Evenings only). You would be very welcome to meet Sammy at his kennels.

Injury News

Jameson pulled up badly on the gallop this morning. Paul's first reaction was that he had broken his leg. The dog was in a lot of pain when he got to him. Paul took him straight off to the Vet where he was x-rayed where it showed he had dislocated his due claw. Bad news but not as bad as first thought. He will have to have it removed but not for a week as the swelling is very big. He will be out of action for about a month pending how the operation goes. There will be no long term problems because of this injury.

Bandicoot Tipoki takes Puppy Derby

Bandicoot Tipoki (4-5F) continued the impressive run of Charlie Lister's kennel when duly landing the odds in the £12,500 Ladbrokes Puppy Derby final over 480m at Monmore. I was asked to take the presentation photographs by Richard Brankley the Track manager as Steve Nash is recovering from a minor operation. The 4/1 odds taken before the competition started looked very generous, many thanks VC!

72 Hours - Tipoki, Kato and Socks

I've had a couple great days after breaking up from work on Thursday night. I picked up Kerryman Ray at 5pm then headed straight forMonmore. Sadly the Prince couldn't win for his visit after suffering trouble in running. We did get to see two track records set by Bandicoot Tipoki and Farloe Lee. Tipoki looks like a very special dog but I'm sure he will be made to battle all the way in next Thursdays Final. On Friday we made our annual pilgrimage to Cheltenham where we witnessed Kato Star win his second Cheltenham Gold Cup, what a horse. I managed to backed 2 winners at 5/1 and 10/1 which made the week a winning one. There was no stopping come Saturday as we set off to see Lance Burford and Slim Amarillo (Socks) who had arrived the previous weekend. We met up with Sock's Co-owner Dave Yanez . Socks looks to have settled in well and I took a few snaps for his website. Socks will trial at Coventry on Tuesday.

Iceman Brutus heading Stateside

Iceman Brutus could well be headng for a career at Stud in the USA after catching the eye of the Block Sporthounds Stud. Brutus looks to be an ideal replacement for Deerfield Site in America. I have posted two video of Brutus winning the ZigZag Puppy Championship and the Ladbrokes Gold Cup 630 taking the track record in the process.

The Eagle has landed

Slim Amarillo (Socks) was kindly picked by Dave yesterday and taken to his new kennel at Iceman Racing. Lance and his team will do everything they can for dog to ensure he settle in well and is a success on the track.

18.95 Jameson

Jameson improved 0.60 seconds on his trial this morning. Which is 25 spots inside qualifying. A cracking run for the pup. He will have one more solo trial before going in company. He is leaving plenty of time in the boxes so there should more even more to come. The second sectional is much better than the first one, he is not pleased with early pace being such a big lad. Promising progress.

19.55

Jameson clocked 19.55 first time out of the traps this week. Qualifying time is 19.20. Paul would expect him to do that time next week. The first time in the traps is hoping for 3 things :- they don't turn in them, they chase hard and come home sound, he did all three. Paul was very pleased. He is such a long dog he only just fits in the traps. He will trial again next week. Can I ask all members to pay £50 in to the account as I will need to pay Paul the extra 2 months he has stayed and transport in 3 weeks time. Thanks.

Monmore Puppy Derby Round 1

A cracking night of Puppy races this evening at Monmore. The track was very busy with lots of high profile owners and trainers. I met up with old friends Steve Murphy and Carly Phillpott and had a good catch up before Lance Burford came down to catch up on the news. Rather than review each race I'll post the Semi Final draw and my comments.
1^st semi final:
1 Lethal Ace - Rapid pace to 3rd bend, did he get home ?

2 Greenwell Cool - Will need to find some early to figure.

3 Centurion Enry - High class contender, had early trouble but chased leader down.

4 Droopys Kez - Will need to come away from this draw, pacey.

5 Freedom Emma - Was smashed straight out the boxes, stuck to task well but will need to improve lots.

6 Magna Venturer - Shaped up well after poor start, could have really traffic problems next week.

2^nd semi final:

1 Kinda Ready - Really took the eye, stuck to guns well.

2 Bandicoot Tipoki - Missed break then showed breathtaking pace. A lot of running probably cost him dear.

3 Eden Rocket -Will need a miracle in this heat.

4 Aughacasla Jesse - Great run from tough heat, will need to do everything right next week.

5 Droopys Cadel - I think the draw could very well suit, in the hottest Semi Final.

6 Droopys Jervis (m) - Stunning debut, my only bet of night, will need to fly out, possibilities.

3^rd semi final: 1 Eden Dom-Veers left at boxes, ran on very strong.

2 Bawna Elsa - Led a mile from a bad draw, will need to again.

3 Droopys Quinta (m) -Lacks early toe, could run on late.

4 Farloe Lee (m) - Didn't really catch the eye.

5 Bush Paddy (m) - Took his time to get going but looks in great order, 28.00 does not lie.

6 Kinda Free (m) - Ran on very strong, could struggle from the six box.

Bandicoot Tipoki was our Antepost bet at 4/1 and I'm still happy with that, he showed super pace down the back and after mising the break. Chris Allsopp's Droopys Jervis was my only bet of night and that paid 7/2 on the night.

Monmore Puppy Derby Entries

This Thursday is one of my favourite evenings racing of the year. The Monmore Puppy Derby once again looks to have brought together a fantastic group of 6 heats of which 3 will progress from each. It seems odd how some dogs have been included when dogs on the reserved list have quicker times on their card. The recent Trafalgar Cup winner Freedom Emma is on that reserve list. Roll on Thurday.

Jameson in the Boxes

Jameson will have his run out of the traps tomorrow presuming the weather is good. This is a big moment for any pup and ideally Paul just wants him not to turn in the traps, chase hard and come off sound. If he comes away and records 19.50 or faster then it is a reason to be cheerful.

Socks Off

Socks won his mixed trial in 18.01 last week so will be leaving Paul to join Lance Burford this weekend. It didn't seem that long ago we were sending Belle off to Paul for her first mating. Now the first litter are going out to trainers and the second litter to Droopys Maldini are looking amazing. Thank you Paul for your efforts.

Liberty Strikes Gold

Special Liberty, owned by Livi and Gary Noble, kept our amazing ante-post betting run going when landing the Final of the Peter Bussey Memorial Trophy at Crayford this morning. Once she lead round we were very confident of picking up again from Mr Victor Chandler who laid a very generous 5/1 prior to the first round. Congratulations to Livi and Gary who both put a lot in to the sport.

90 Up

The Prince (Lisa's Invader) is having his 90th race at Monmore tomorrow afternoon at 5.39pm. I'm sure he will be making every effort to get his 22nd win on his card. If he leads.....he wins.....Fingers crossed.

Ballymac Kewell Latest

Steve Murphy, Kewells owner kindly dropped me a update which is very interesting. He has now covered a few of Liam Dowlings best bitches and has just sired his first ngrc winner here , Eeza Red Devil, whilst it is a moderate start there are a couple of really nice pups coming through. A 14 month old pup has joined Pat Rosney whom is an aeroplane. Given Droopys Woods passing he has the pedigree and talent to become a direct replacement given these early pups take off.

Mark Wallis on Fire

I couldn't make the Puppy Derby Trial Stakes last night as I was kindly given a ticket on the half way line to watch Manchester Utd v Blackburn. You can't really turn down a ticket to watch the European Champions can you ? Kinda Ready looks to have firmly made himself the ante-post favourite after winning in 28.01!! What a run. Litter sister Kinda Free landed the Divsion 2 Stake when winning in 28.79. Other Trial Stakes winners were Kaboot Bluebird (Mel Baker) 28.72, Thurlesbeg Nonie (W Critchley), Lethal Ace (S Cahill) 28.50. From all those who ran tonight Kinda Ready is one that looks a cut above. This week will see a few more dogs have their finals trials before the competition kicks off. Is there one in there to give Ready a race ?

Droopys Woods

It was very sad to hear that Droopys Woods has passed away after a short illness. Bred by the Dunphys and owned by friend Paul Ephremsen he landed the Gymcrack Puppy Championship in 2000 at Hall Green. After retirement through a wrist injury he stood back with the Dunphys before heading to ZigZag Kennels. He was a great success at Stud and his off spring included Droopys Shearer and Ballymac Kewell. This picture was taken at Coventry when he returned from Ireland. He pulled by arms out and won't take his eyes off the track. RIP Old boy !

Socks Flies Again

Socks showed exceptional early pace in his trial on Tuesday going over 40 spots quicker than what we hoped for. He will now have a mixed trial next week and if all goes to plan we may send him to a UK based trainer. At the current stage we are unsure whether he will stay 525, if he does he could be extremely promising.

Puppy Derby Trial News

Ted Megaw has successfully purchased a super new puppy called Droopys Jervis. Jervis, a August 2007 pup bred Droopys Scolari x Classic Wings, has joined the Chris Allsopp kennel after clocking 28.42(+30) at trials this morning. Westmead Wings looks like a name to remember after he clocked 15.41 1st time, others that look Puppy Derby bound are Steel Diamond 28.64, Glenard Sunrise 28.37 and Rackethall Hero 28.81.

Monmore Puppy Derby 2009

As previous years I will try and post regular updates up to the Puppy Derby including the Trial Stakes and through out the competition. The Martin Burt trained Proud Reward missed tonight's Trial Stakes as he was reported not just himself. Reward looks to be one of home trained contenders competition having gone from A3 to win a Puppy Open at the home track. Kinda Ready trained by Mark Wallis set the tongues wagging on Friday as they recorded 28.24 winning by 3 1/2 lengths. Andy Johnson looks to have a nice dog called Droopys Jervis that did 28.63. After seeing many Open Races at the track I'm still convinced you must have a trial at the track before going for a race. Back in 2006 Droopys Electric came over after winning a competition at Shelbourne Park and ended up on the first boat back having being knocked out in the first round without having a trial. Droopys Electric presence in the field enabled us to get a good price about Ballymac Charly. There was three trial stakes tonight with Eden Dom taking Division 1 in 28.24. He is bang railer so could struggle if he gets a poor draw. Farloe Firefox ran a stinker in the second Trial Stake when a shocking start cost him all chance. Blonde Dee kicked clear off the second and won from a fast finishing Farloe Can Do in 28.41.This was a smart performance by the son of Hades Rocket as it was the pups first ever race. The final Trial Stake winner Bawna Elsa trained by Chris Allsopp. Elsa showed some rapid early pace to lead round and take advantage of Droopys Arshavin's lack of experience at the track to win in 28.41. Bawna Elsa is actually for sale on Chris Allsopps's website.