British bred Raise The Stakes (Toolatetosell-Em Millie) becomes the second fastest dog over 480m in Britain when clocking 27.33 at Sheffield, just one spot outside Candlelight King’s track record.
Monmore receive a poor outside entry – for the prize money on offer (£500 winners, £100 also rans) – in their first set of Winter Festival races. Most impressive winner on the night is Fernhill Rex, trained by the track’s newly arrived trainer Lee Field.
Nadurra Rose picks up two major events in the space of 10 days when winning the Droopys Nidge at Stud Trophy and the Conlon/Pinpoint Laurels at Newcastle.
A study on this website to find Britain’s biggest loser identifies Monmore grader Fozzie Freebee with 39 consecutive losses. That was later extended to 40, a complete year, including 13 times as a runner-up.
June Harvey receives internet abuse after veteran Fizzypop Buddy ‘breaks down’ and is beaten a distance in a Hove open. A veterinary inspection reveals a muscle pull. The five year old had recorded a calculated 30.27 for the 515m just five days previously.
Diane Henry wins her third TV Trophy with Thurles sales purchase Savana Winner. Previously successful with King Kane and Borna Mindy, the Yorkshire handler sees her Pat Dalton bred bitch come from last to first in a thrilling finish. Four of the finalists are trained at Henlow with Winner ouwned by promoter Kevin Boothby.
Geelo Monty completes a remarkable career with victory in Sheffield’s British Bred Derby.
Nottingham is unveiled as the venue for the 2019 English Derby which will be sponsored by Star Sports/ARC and LPS Ltd.
Annual returns from Catalyst Media Group, part owners of ARC, reveal that the broadcaster made £5.1m profit in the previous trading year, down from £17m the previous year.
Kevin Hutton completes a remarkable year by landing the Gain Puppy Derby and English Oaks forecast in the space of six days with Argentina and Ravenswood Flo/Magical Vera.
Hurdler supreme Razldazl Raidio picks up a minor injury and is retired after a stellar career in which he won 54 of his 84 open race outings.
Slippy Maggie ends the year on a high with victory in the Boxing Day Marathon. She had previously won the Henlow Gold Cup and Kent St.Leger and reached another five finals including second place in the St.Leger, the Doncaster St.Leger and the Great North Run.
King Turbo becomes the first greyhound to win four Cat One races in a year with victory in the Courage Olympic. He had previously picked up the Monmore and Towcester Gold Cups and the Kent Derby.
