2002 The BGRB launches ‘New Deal’ an aggressive attempt to force the off course betting industry to pay more to the BGRB. The ploy was based on the need for the bookies to pay for a licence to bet on greyhound racing. That licence would be issued on the undertaking of 10% of profits being handed over. IGB Chairman Paschal Taggart offers his immediate support and is outraged when Nottingham’s Nathan Corden appears less than fully committed to the cause during a SKY interview.
1970 At the Anglo-Irish greyhound sales at Walthamstow, Spectres Dream (Spectre II-Jockeys Dream, Oct 68) is purchased for 800 guineas after some amazing runs over the 525 yards at Celtic Park (29.12) and at Dunmore Park (29.26). Miss M McQuillan’s charge is purchase by Mr A J Clay and will be trained at Portsmouth by Hugo Spencer, who turns him out to win the Welsh Derby at Cardiff Arms Park the following year.
2002 Irish racing loses one of its most popular administrators with the death of Pat Holland (67) following a long illness.
1995 Swaffham sack bookmakers Tony Marjoram and Geoff Miller when they refuse to bet on a race where track trainer Paul Godden has all six runners.
1962 The Greyhound Express changes its name to the Sporting Express and Greyhound Express. This is because it will provide an all-round coverage of betting sports.
1937 The opening of Gateshead Stadium at Redheugh Park is conducted by the Major, Alderman W J Pickering in front of 8,000 patrons. The track is around the football pitch and has very sharp bends, with a circumference of 370 yards and an inside Sumner hare. The first race, a 450 yard handicap, goes to Lovely Lucerne.
2004 The Hunting Bill becomes law after the Government use the Parliament Act to force it through the House of Lords. Coursing will become illegal three months later.
2001 GRA announce plans to build a new £6m greyhound track in Liverpool.
1986 Trials re-start at Clonmel on their new Bramwich hare, but hit a snag due to a faulty section of the rail. The problem is sorted and the £40,000 installation, which has taken six months to complete, should soon be up and running.
1967 The future dam of Westpark Mustard, April Merry (Pigalle Wonder-Racing Millie) wins her most important race to date when she takes the 700 yard Wills/Dunmore final at Dunmore Park, Belfast. An array of celebrities and dignitaries including the Lord Mayor of Belfast are on hand to present Jack Mullan with his prize.
1987 After the closure of Harringay in September it is announced that the Pall Mall will be transferred to Oxford. The new general manager at Oxford is none other than John Blake, former Guv at Harringay.
1955 Two greyhounds bought at the previous month’s Dublin Sales, Welcome Prince (32 guineas) and Jackser (37 guineas) are disqualified for fighting within minutes of each in graded races at Southampton.
1995 Ian Greaves advertises a six month old litter for sale- dogs: £600, bitches: £400. Most go unsold. The pups will race as Toms The Best, Million Per Cent, Lady Flyaway, Impulsive Patch, Lydpal Frankie Goals Galore etc etc.
This picture from Stamford Bridge (undated) shows one of the most unusual photo finishes of all time
