The Coral Essex Vase has replaced the Coronation Cup as Romford’s first Cat One event of the year, for many years it was staged in December. Tonight sees the opening round of the £10K event which is supported by the Coral Silver Maiden.
Yesterday Mark Wallis gave an insight into the chances of the ante post favourite New Destiny who has shortened from 4/1 to 7/2. There has also been money for Puppy Oaks winner Queen Dusty who has shortened two points to 18/1 (Still value surely for a bitch who has already contested four Cat One finals and reached the Romford Puppy Cup final?).
Latest: 7/2 New Destiny, 15/2 Romeo Hotshot, 8/1 Minnie Bullet, Queen Georgia, 12/1 Aayamza Sydney, 14/1 Ballymac Johnjo, 16/1 Queen Leona, 18/1 Queen Dusty, 20/1 Havana Top Note, King Ezra, Queen Pink, 25/1 Allowdale Cazoo, Golden Palace, Never Say No, 33/1 Ballintee Noshow, Ballinulty Fire, Singalong Stacey, 40/1 Starshinestunner, 50/1 Eire Buckle, Swift Mellow, 66/1 Blue Range, Crossfield Ria, Droopys Stairway, Drumdoit Jack, False Alarm, Farneys Willie, Roxys Bullet, 80/1 Glideaway Hugo, Maglass Brave, 100/1 Bonville Jet, Salma Alma, Silverspring Ria, Urry Up Rosie, 125/1 Chosen Maggie, Jeopardy James
Punters may want to note that there are a number of alterations to tonight’s card as can be seen in the form through the link below.
Boothby Statement
Kevin Boothby, promoter at the four Henlow Racing tracks has issued a statement calling though industry unity.
The full press release produced by Fortitude Comminications reads:
Boothby calls for unity from industry leaders
Promoter Kevin Boothby has called for unity within greyhound racing so the sport’s feature competitions are made accessible to everyone connected to the sport.
It follows a decision by Entain to cease taking bets on SIS-aligned tracks, which include newly-opened Oxford and Suffolk Downs plus Towcester Racecourse – home of the English Greyhound Derby.
The move means at present no pictures or bets from some of UK greyhound racing’s most prestigious competitions – including the TV Trophy, Pall Mall, English Puppy Derby and English Greyhound Derby – will be taken in Ladbrokes or Coral betting shops.
Mr Boothby, Managing Director of Oxford, Towcester, Suffolk Downs and Henlow stadia, said: “We’re hugely disappointed by Entain’s decision to cease broadcasting fixtures from SIS tracks.
“As a greyhound enthusiast who wants to see the sport thrive nationally, it is critical every person has the opportunity to watch and engage with our showpiece events at the easiest convenience.
“All greyhound races – including the Derby and other major competitions – only take place with 52-week-per-year support from bookmakers.
“The biggest loser because of this move is greyhound racing. Under current arrangements, none of our sport’s enthusiasts or potential new racegoers who bet with Entain operated shops will be touched by storylines of this year’s Derby – and Ladbrokes and Coral customers will be denied the opportunity to bet on greyhound racing’s biggest event.
“Personally, I see this is as a big blow to the sport and we urge Entain to reconsider its position and recognise the industry-wide benefits broadcasting and showcasing our top events has on attracting new audiences and consequently building for a better future.”
Richard Brankley, Head of Greyhound Operations at SIS, added: “At present, there is no commercial agreement in place for pictures and data to enable Ladbrokes or Coral to take bets on SIS greyhound content.
“This extends to the English Greyhound Derby at Towcester Racecourse in May and June.
“Fortunately, bettors can watch SIS races with all other major UK and Irish bookmakers as well as independent operators.”
Nine in a row record breaking pup – Yahoo!
Yahoo Megan was the star of Thursday night’s Suffolk Downs card after breaking the sprint track record.
The Patrick Janssens trained May pup has won her last nine consecutive races.
She will go in next Thursday’s final, show live on Greyhound TV. The meeting will also feature the opening round of two 18 runner maiden events – over 220m and 548m.
Head of Racing James Chalkley is reporting a significant upswing in interest in the latest circuit to attract TV attention.
The latest trial session includes an appearance from the Yarmouth sprint record holder, Quagos Jack, one of eight Yarmouth based hounds having their first look at West Row.
Chalkley has also pledged that Henlow will stage a bumper final meeting on Sunday January 21 when they will attempt to accommodate all open race entries.
