Yesterday saw the opening of the refurbished Valley Stadium in Wales as Greyhound Trader hosted their first sales session outside of the England borders.
With 46 lots in attendance, and a room full of bidders including Darts star Gerwyn Price, there was a great buzz around the place with greyhound racing back in an official capacity in Wales.
Trials got underway around the 10.30am mark and it was Skirk Allcash who was the very first greyhound to pass the winning line at the new venue in a time of 29.79.
However, fastest of the day was Gusty Max, who stopped the clock in 29.24. A previous 29.05 Waterford winner, he was unsurprisingly popular in the auction room and eventually sold for £3000.
The May’22 bitch Keggal Grace was also very popular with bidders online. Bred Good News x Otherdetails and with 29.52 SPK to her name, her 19 3/4 lengths trial win of 29.34 saw Craig Morris step in at £4000 for the young lady.
Top lot of the day went again to the Dunphys, with Droopys Nijinsky selling for £4600 after his 29.32 trial. A May’22 dog by Broadstrand Bono, he clearly impressed with such raw potential still on show and looks an exciting dog who will remain at the Valley venue.
Overall, 44 of the 46 greyhounds who trialled sold at a success rate of 96% for a total sum of just over £49,000.
Droopys Nijinsky
Nathan Corden of Greyhound Trader said “Obviously it is not ideal having the sales session as the first official GBGB session but with further sales already arranged down the line, we were committed to the date.
“There were a number of novice pups which found the first bend challenging and I am certain that the track would have learnt a great deal from yesterday and make minor alterations where they think it is necessary as they start to trial in greyhounds in preparation for their first official race meeting.
“The vendors were impressed by everyone’s helpfulness yesterday and in turn offered their suggestions which is how things should be with everybody working together.
“Once again approximately 50% of the greyhounds purchased will stay at the host venue which is great news and we would like to say a big thanks to all at the venue including Malcom Tams who was very hospitable.”
Corden added “In regards to the 4 dogs who were beaten a distance, the rumours of all 4 injured being is simply not true. One bitch turned in the traps but completed the course; another dog checked (and stopped) at the sough; one bitch cramped solid and unfortunately one dog injured a stopper bone and returned to Ireland with the vendor after care from the vet on-site.”
