Lifford (Drumscraw Part 6)

The track at Lifford stages some quality races but as I found out its gambling which is clearly the priority. Lifford is on the border so you can use both euros and sterling! In some of the races there was up to four different dogs gambled. Those there were certainly not there to watch the racing. The facilities were superb, plasma screens, helpful staff, plenty of bars and good food in all areas. You could eat a full roast for 10 euros, much better to pay an extra couple of pound and eat something decent than the junk we are offered in England.

Faraday & Boss (Drumscraw Part 5)

Sunday evening saw the return of Faraday to the track. Paul was hopeful she might be able to show some of her schooling promise after failing to sparkle in the UK. After a good break she was outpaced in to the corner and was then forced to check badly. She came off lame and will be off to the vets tomorrow.

It could well become the case that Faraday or her very fast brother Moneyline neither win a race in their careers. Moneyline got a serious toe injury when it got could in the traps on Friday night in the second round of an A3 stake.

It just shows you without luck on your side you will always be struggling.

Moneyline(Boss) is pictured at home, Faraday at the track.

More Pups (Drumscraw Part 4)

We worked away all day with the pups ensuring all had equal amounts of time in the fields.

There are a number of other nice pups at the kennels that was selected by Dave Yanez whom I owned Blue Amarillo and Socks with.

The ones that really caught the eye were off Yeah Man. I’d be surprised if there is not a serious dog within that litter.

Hunting High and Low (Drumscraw Part 3)

When we took the pups out load by load so I was able to look closely at Jameson (Yeah Man x Deerfield Aghada) and Socks (Boherduff Light x Blue Amarillo). Jameson would be the most striking of the pair to the eye. He is however a month older than Socks. Jameson is leggy type, lovely stride and has a great attitude to both people and his work. He weighs 61 lbs currently and whilst he won’t grow much bigger I’m sure he will continue to fill out.

Socks is a lot more compact and like Jameson does not get involved with the litter in fights. Both are too far to regal for that. They would rather sit back and watch the daily rumbles. The dogs loved the open space of the fields and patrolled the bushes in case there was any wildlife about.

The dogs pictured are: - Jameson (White mark on his nose, no white on tail), Socks (White tip on tails and white feet) and Hippo (Blue Bitch).

Facility Tour (Drumscraw Part 2)

The facilities at Drumscraw are first class. Paul and his wife Collette have put together a fabulous establishment where few could rival and all visitors are welcome. Paul’s research appeared to have paid dividends as I saw the best idea from the leading studs and kennels that I have visited in the UK and Ireland in years gone past.

There are currently two large grass paddocks and one sand paddock which is ideal for the younger saplings. The kennels block has plenty of air with large double kennels, whelping kennels, swimming pool, concrete paddocks and walking machine.

There are a number of fields within a short walk within a short drive or walk that the pups are taken to every two days. This short journey in the van will no doubt help the pups learn to travel well. All the pups get the same high level of treatment, caring hands, quality food and rearing. The dedication and time Paul puts in to the pups will hopefully pay dividends in years to come. Lets keep our fingers crossed as we no there are know guaranteed in this game.

Flying Visit (Drumscraw Part 1)

Does anybody know what BMI stands for ? Badly Malfunctioning Idiots !! The weekend away at Drumscraw Kennels started in true BMI fashion with them running late as they were unable to start the plane!! This plane had been flying in the morning! Good job it didn’t cut out over the Irish Sea that’s all I’ll say. If there were any other options than to use these jokers I would.

After a quick get away Paul picked me up and headed west to the kennels. Suddenly we have a blow out on the tyres. If you have any sort of mechanical problem you couldn’t have any one worse to help out. Any way Mr McCusker soon had it sorted and we arrived at the kennels in no time for a quick tour before heading out to the track at Lifford to watch the racing.

Evening ended well with a 5/1 selection of my own coming in that paid for the flight and a bit more!!

Countdown to Weekend

Two more days at work before I fly out to Northern Ireland on Saturday to spend the weekend at Paul & Collete's Drumscraw Kennels. I can't wait to finally meet Socks and Jameson our young pups and meet old friends Belle and Patch. Faraday is due to run on Sunday night to give the weekend some extra flavour, as it it was needed !

Roll on Saturday