Pirate Trial

The Pirate clocked 17.60 at Coventry tonight. A fair run considering he's been off for 4 weeks. He has still only been in the boxes 7 times. Lance plans to take him to Hall Green next Wednesday for his next trial.

Derby Kick Off

The Blue Square kicks off tomorrow. Sadly no runners this year but plenty of personal interest. My favourite is Lance & Pam Burford's Iceman Vader(pictured). I've was taken with him as soon as he arrived some months ago. He doesn't like shiny floors and has his own carpet at the kennels. Wimbledon has the same type of flooring so I guess Lance will be doing plenty of carrying. He is joined by Iceman Ross who looks to be the leading hope.

My Monmore trainer Martin Burt is taking Brooklyn Bridge down also. He recently won the competition at Monmore so hasn't been able to get a trial round the track.

Dutchy and Dutchaman are there again but are now getting on in age.

I have backed a few antepost over the last few months as all being well all should start. Last year I had backed Hawk(1st) and Amarillo Slim(3rd) antepost post and the previous year I'd backed Geldrops Touch who made the Final. Fingers crossed for another good year and all dogs come off sound.

Get in the Prince

The Prince (Lisa's Invader) broke away fast and never saw another dog this afternoon at Monmore. A very generous 9/4 was available which myself and Ray helped ourselves to. This was the Prince's 8th win from 39 starts. He may not be heading to Wimbledon but he's a great fun dog to own. Well done and Martin and his kennel staff.

Pirate Bouncing

Had a lovely morning with Lance and Pam Burford taking loads of snaps of all the dogs. It was great to see Bertie (ZigZag Pirate) back to his old form and over his bad back. All being well he will go to Coventry on Wednesday for a sprint. Lance is keen to take him to Hall Green for the Gymcrack, so fingers crossed he comes off sound. Positive Otlook had no luck at Swindon last night.

Weekend Action

Positive Outlook is out at Swindon in an A1 tonight. He looks in against plenty of good dogs and will need to everything right to have any chance. The Prince (Lisa Invader) has been dropped by the grader on Monday, he had his back legs taken from him last time out and has had a luxury of having a fortnight off. I think he's better than what's he is in against but Trap 5 is a shocking draw for him. Bubbly Classic ran an encouraging trial at Yarmouth on Wednesday so will run on Sky on Tuesday night in a very tough race.

Fingers crossed all return safe and sound.

Westmead Hawk

If there is one sporting event that I look forward to most of all it’s the Greyhound Derby at Wimbledon. Sadly we won't be able to witness the mighty Westmead Hawk at Wimbledon this year. He is surely the greatest tracker ever. I saw him at Monmore recently and whilst it was another great honour to see the dog (I even got a pat) he didn't seem the same dog. I'm sure he will enjoy his retirement at Stud with the Dunphys. We all were all privileged to see such a wonderful dog. I’ll always remember when he came out on parade for last years Final. I'm sure he winked at the crowd and was says "Right lads, now watch this. I have posted the video of my favourite ever race of the Hawks. Ignore the first second its just how the clip has been edited.

Burty Hits Monmore Jackpot

After a few days away with the family in the capital I went up to my local trainer Martin Burt as I needed some new pictures to update his website. After walking my two dogs I photographed a few cracking looking dogs. Martin has amazing success with a limited resouces on the dogs front.

Sadly I'm not in a position to spend big amounts on dogs. I've had some great nights out following the likes of Conspiracy Seb as well as my own dogs. Martin seems to have rekindled Brooklyn Bridge.

Today he won Summer Festival Final at Monmore at 4/1 in 28.26, this followed a recent win in the Guys & Dolls Final at Nottingham. After backing the Bridge I have plenty of cash to invest in
my nap of the day Droopys Romeo which won at 7/4. Nice to see Carmac Lottery (Droopys Kewell-Maries Decision) win one of the supporting Opens today as she was bred and reared by my Kerry friend Mark Ryall.

Nice afternoon's work. Martin looks to have two very nice prospects in the kennel currently - Proud Ronaldinho(Black & White Dog), La Galga Shaz(Blue Bitch), the other picture is of Brooklyn Bridge.