While greyhound racing might engulf most of our lives, there are occasions when it pales into insignificance compared to personal upheavals. Newcastle trainer Angela Harrison came into 2021 with her career playing a secondary role to her health. She was to undergo cancer treatment and following the ‘all clear’ from the doctors during the autumn, life looks very much rosier going into 2022.
JIMMY WRIGHT assistant trainer to his partner Angela Harrison.
Partner Jimmy Wright said: “Everything was very worrying for a time, but once we got the good news about Angela, we were able to start enjoying it all again.”
Although secondary, the Harrison kennel also has a great deal to smile about following what Jimmy considers to be a turning point for Newcastle.
He said: “ARC have turned Newcastle around, Angela and I had a long chat about it the other day. The prize money and contracts have made such a huge difference and it was desperately needed. It couldn’t have carried on as it was going. Everything has rocketed in price, wages, biscuit, bedding, you name it.
“The old mob (William Hill) were an absolute disgrace; a horrible company. Some of the trainers were so skint that they were driving their dogs around in uninsured vans because they couldn’t afford it.
“Although I might not be popular in some quarters for saying this, but Rachel Corden has been like a breath of fresh air. She has been looking out for the trainers and I think she is the one who has secured us this money.
“Sure I’ve had my run-ins with her. Who hasn’t? But you know where you stand with her and she doesn’t pick favourites. In my opinion, she just tries to do what she think is right. It has made such a difference to the atmosphere at the track. There are a lot of trainers going around with smiles on their faces. That has to be a first but it is great to see.”
Angela is currently in fifth place in the Trainers Championship, and importantly, as far as her assistant trainer is concerned, one place above another Scottish based couple currently operating from Kent.
They have two Cat One wins so far this year, Coolavanny Bani in the Ladbrokes Stayers Final at Monmore and Coolavanny Aunty in the Empress Stakes at Towcester. Bani also landed the Cat 2 Grand Prix at Sunderland.
On Tuesday they send out Hardy Rebel and Moanteen Mikey in the last Cat One of the year, the ARC All England Cup Final.
Jimmy said: “It is a very good final with nothing to pick between them. A 3-1 the field race in my opinion. Of our runners, I think Moanteen Mikey has the slightly better chance. I would prefer to see him in six, but if he comes away with one of his better breaks they will all have to catch him.
“He led at Sunderland and was caught over 450 metres but that was misleading. He simply didn’t run Sunderland in my opinion. We took him there previously and he didn’t run it. It was my mistake. But he has a 28.41 (480m) at Nottingham on his card and he loves Newcastle. Hardy Rebel really loves the place too. He always gives you a run.
“But I look through the field and you couldn’t rule out any of them. I like Harry Burton’s dog. Skywalker Stan has a great draw on the rail. I thought Narcos The Great looked a very good greyhound at Sunderland, though he hasn’t shown that form yet at Newcastle.”
Indeed, most of the kennel stars will be on display for a great night’s racing (full form below)
Jimmy said: “We are waiting for Coolavanny Bani to come into season and be mated. I’ll be trying Coolavanny Aunty over a longer distance in the new year, either Romford or maybe Monmore.”
As for the new year?
Jimmy said: “We didn’t have a middle distance superstar this year, a Droopys Verve or a Droopys Buick. I don’t know whether we have one in Droopys Biggy but he is definitely the fastest dog in the kennel. He did 28.55 in his first four bend trial at Newcastle (17 months) and was just outside the Sheffield track record (480m 27.31). At the moment he isn’t coming away. If he can start trapping he is an aeroplane and I think he will probably stay.”
Looking further ahead, Team Harrison clearly have ambitions of tackling Team McNair in the breeding paddocks – and they just might manage it!
The oldest of the pups at ten months old are by Romeo Recruit out of the kennel’s prolific open race stayer Shellam Maebe. Five months younger are four of each sex by Eden The Kid out of Scurry winner Droopys Reel. Then there is a ten week old litter by Ice On Fire out of Sunderland Classic winner/Gold Cup runner-up Velvet Juliet.
Youngest of all at just seven weeks old are a litter by Droopys Sydney out of Doncaster Leger winner Droopys Live!
TUESDAY SUPPORTING CARD
