If all else fails – let’s have an ‘old fashioned’ Derby later in the year. . . . .

Last weekend should have featured the opening round of the Star Sports/ARC/LPS Greyhound Derby but Jimmy Fenwick remains in a hugely positive mindset even though his ante post favourite Ice On Fire is racing nowhere soon.

He said: “I’ve just got back with him after a two mile jog to the next village and he is in superb shape. I trialled him a Newcastle before the shut down and he did 28.30. He is a 100% pure racer and I know he would have improved several lengths in his next three or four runs as he reached race fitness.”

Jimmy remains hopeful that the Derby will go ahead later in the year. Depending on the timing, scheduling might be problematic, so might an ‘old fashioned’ Derby be an option?

For many years, the event was restricted to 48 runners chosen by the White City racing manager – later amended to 36 selected runners with the last dozen chosen on times. It would mean a four week time slot, instead of six.

Jimmy said: “I think it would be a great alternative. We have already lost the Scottish Derby and if the track and sponsors could agree, it would be better than losing the Derby altogether.”

 

So how has life altered for the Newcastle attached trainer during the lock down?

“It has all been pretty good to be honest. Mick Brown, who is in his 70s, hasn’t been able to join in, but the rest of the staff are family: Melanie, Hannah, Callum, Lauren and myself all living on site.

“The break from racing has given us time to get a few jobs done. The nice evening has meant we have kept the kennels open quite late to let the dogs out in the evenings. We have 67 in the kennel, but 14 grass paddocks and 28 concrete paddocks, so it is very manageable. We also have a gallop that I put the bowser on every evening to keep it in perfect condition so the dogs are all pretty fit.

“I had 40 bales of paper delivered last week and Adam Carruthers delivers the Australian Formula every week. The only thing I am struggling with is fresh beef. We are using some tripe, which is okay for a change.

“It has been nice to have a break from racing and the regular routine. We are always on the go, and don’t eat at the right times, or the wrong food. My weight went up from 97 kilos to 110kilos, though since the lock-down it is back to 104kg.

“But I am now at the point that I am really missing racing.”