Dartnall Lands Collar Then Announces ‘Retirement’

Matt Dartnall landed the £10,000 Category One RPGTV Puppy Collar Final at Oxford on Friday evening with his January 2022 whelped Long Fellow. 

Owned by the Horse & Hound Six Syndicate Long Fellow was sent off a 10/1 chance for the final he made all to win by ¾ length from Liz McNair’s even money favourite King Memphis.  It was some performance from the son of Droopys Sydney and Away Shelly with Matt saying “Literally what you see on the dogs card is what he’s done.

“Every four bend effort of his life is on the card as I’d asked Ben McBride to school him lightly and send him back.  Ben did a great job and as expected he’s improved for each run.  Last night was just the ninth race of his life and especially being so lightly schooled he can only improve for experience.

“I’m a little undecided what to do now I’d think we might just give him a couple more puppy races before the end of the year and then give him a couple of months off during the harsh months of January and February.

“I’d say he looks more of a 480m dog at the minute with the likes of Monmore and Perry Barr sure to prove ideal and though the 500m might be a little far at this stage I’d not totally rule it out as his mother Shelly strengthened up significantly with age going from a bit of a short runner herself to winning the Brighton Belle over 515m.

“So yes probably more a Monmore dog but never say never”.

Matt also broke news which will come as a great shock to many as he’s scheduled to hand in his trainers license at the end of this year.  He explained “I’ve a young family with a 2 and 4 year old and in all honesty I just want to be able to spend a bit more time with them while they’re still young.  Greyhounds are a huge commitment and it’s either one or the other and at this time my family come first and it will just be nice to spend that bit more time with them whilst they’re growing up.

“TD (father & legendary trainer Terry Dartnall) will be taking back over the license and cutting the numbers down to around 18 open and competition class greyhounds.  I’ll still only be up the road if needed for any help and will retain a license to do just that as and when needed.  Mark and Charlie will be remaining at the kennel so barring myself not much will change barring obviously the reduction in numbers”.