+ The most shocking news of the month is the sudden death of Sheffield Managing Director John Gilburn. A highly respected and liked member of the GBGB board of directors, John collapsed while collecting children from school and died shortly afterwards of a suspected heart attack. A reminder of some of the tributes paid to John

+ GBGB launches a new apprenticeship scheme for kennel staff that will lead to a qualification in husbandry and animal welfare.

+ The semi finals of the Doncaster St.Leger are marred by a fatal injury to Hazel Kemp’s open race star Master Kelly in a race won by his kennelmate Slippy Maggie.

+ Ten months after breaking a hock in a no-trial at Doncaster, Roxholme Nidge returns to go unbeaten through the Steel City Cup. Assistant trainer Mark Keightley credits the return on Craig Morris who refused to persevered galloping the dog after looking far from fluent in his early work. Six days later, the kennel stakes the next Cat One in the calendar with Roxholme Poppy successful I the Doncaster St.Leger.

+ Peterborough racing manager Martin Race switches to Henlow where he will join former assistant James Chalkley plus the existing pairing of Paul Mellor and Lorraine King.

+ Former Crayford runner Jaytee Milan wins the European Derby at Isazeg in Hungary. The consolation went to former Central Park runner Kentish Dream who had previously won the Czech Derby and European Championship Finals.

+ Wins in the Kent Derby (King Turbo), Eden the Kid Young Gun Final (King Nelson) and a supporting 500m maiden (King Cash) send trainer/breeder Liz McNair into third spot on the Trainers Championship table.

+ Tea For Tess was a third generation open race winner for Richard Devenish and Dilys Steels when taking the British Bred Oaks at Doncaster. Eight of the nine members of the Head Bound/Milliesupreme litter had won races with half of them successful in open race company.

+ In response to MO Anna Turley’s written question, DEFRA officials confirm that they are “satisfied with the progress made” (by GBGB) following the publication of the Review of the Welfare of Racing Greyhound Regulations 2010. Later in the month, the Government responds to an on-line petition to ban greyhound racing by stating that it has no intention to do so.

+ In a three month study at Kinsley, promoter John Curran determines that economic euthanasia for greyhounds, even those with severe injuries is unnecessary if connections are given financial support to cover veterinary costs. During the trial period, nine greyhounds were deemed by the track vet to be ‘likely’ to be put to sleep due to their injuries. All nine were saved. Within days, the GBGB announce the launch of their Injury Recovery Scheme which will contribute 50% of the veterinary costs for career ending orthopaedic injuries (up to a maximum of £400).

+ We revisited the story of Roswell Iceman. In his regular column back in March, trainer Mark Wallis reckoned Icemand was the only dog in his kennel who, due to temperament issues, he could never re-home. The challenge was taken on by Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust’s Kevin Stow and we were pleased to present the evidence, that Iceman had indeed learned to unwind.

+ In a cost saving exercise, GBGB announce the scrapping of the role of Media and Communications Officer. Simon Banks leaves the organisation on the same day.

+ It was third time lucky for veteran Bubbly Turbo who landed the Hawk Henlow Derby having been eliminated in earlier rounds in the two previous years. It was his 53rd race, and a best ever winning time over course and distance. Four years and three months old, he was retired when narrowly beaten in his 54th just a month later. Just 24 hours after Turbo’s Henlow win, another four year old, Let Me Tell You, won his 87th career outing to take the British Breeders Stakes at Nottingham.