Retirement time for Collett
Tony Collett is to hang up the leads next month after over 50 years as a trainer and before then as a kennelhand.
Collett, 69, says health reasons are principally behind the decision to give up the licence, although he will retain interest in the sport – and will remain hands-on when called upon by partner and home-finder Cheryl Miller, who runs Croftview Kennels for the Greyhound Trust in Kent.
“Cheryl does lots of shows during the year and, if she needs me to help with the dogs, I’ll be there. I’d certainly rather being doing that then messing around with plants in the garden!” joked Collett at Crayford on Sunday.
He will have his last runners at Central Park on Saturday, December 21, and plans to travel with Cheryl next year.
“We’ve got a couple of trips planned – things you can’t really think about when you’re working 24/7 with the dogs,” he said.
“I’ll looking forward to that, but will definitely miss the day-to-day. I’ve been doing it for 52 years now, but things health-wise will just make things more difficult and I’ve got to make changes now – and Central Park and Arc have been great.
“They’ve known the situation for a while and I’ve got to say thank-you to Dave (Baldwin) and Rachel (Corden) who couldn’t have ben more helpful.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and have some great memories. The sport has changed over the years, especially in London given that’s where I come from. I used to jump on the bus with my uncle to White City when mum and the rest of the family went off to bingo. I’ve been hooked ever since.
“But it’s still a great, great sport and the greyhounds are the stars – they always will be. Look at John’s (Mullins) dog tonight (Aayamza Sydney) winning the (Jay & Kay Coach Tours) Gold Collar and breaking the track record – you never tire of seeing things like that.”
Collett’s top performers
Asked to single out the best greyhounds he has trained, his 2009 Greyhound of the Year Lenson Joker comes out on top, albeit just in front of Derby finalists Windgap Java and Lenson Express.
“Both nights at Wimbledon for the Derby finals were a massive buzz. Windgap Java was both sides at Wimbledon – what a noise – but Lenson Express wasn’t that far behind.
“Windgap Java also won the Pall Mall and Lenson Express won the Classic at Sunderland – and Sunderland must be the best night overall when Joker won the Grand Prix for the double live one Sky Sports. What a night!
“It’s been a blast in many ways and, you never know, I might be back!
“I’ve loved every minute from those early days with Jill and Gordon Holt at Slough – I’ve met so many great people and had some brilliant owners over the years.
“Staff-wise, I’ve also been pretty lucky to work with some great ones. Graham Holland was head lad at the Holts when I was there – whatever happened to him?”
