What a fantastic night at Belle Vue with the girls (Domino Storm and Evanta Evita) finishing first and second in the Oaks.
Once Domino Storm popped out in front, I knew she would take all the beating and Evanta Evita lost nothing in defeat. In fact, I thought the order might have been reversed if the traps had been reversed.
Unfortunately, owner Kieran King couldn’t make it to the track. He is a normal working bloke and had commitments that meant he missed it, but I know how much it will have meant to him.
I can still remember him calling me and enquiring about buying his first dog. She was under £5,000 but a thousand pounds more than Kieran had wanted to pay. I told him what breeder Ian Greaves had said before he sent her over, “she’s not a looker, but she’s fast”
I explained that although there was some risk with an unraced pup like Domino Storm, there was also the chance that she might be special. Kieran said he would think about it but I never expected to hear from him again. But he phoned me back and said he would raise the other thousand pounds and take her.
I think its fair to say that he hasn’t looked back. I think he had two kennel bills and is now a long long way in front, and of course he still has the bitch who will eventually go to Gary Goulden in Sligo for a litter.
If you look back at Domino Storm’s career, it has been exceptional, particularly since she has spent most of it taking on dogs. I thought she could go a long way in the Derby, but was caught out in the toughest first round and then went on to win the Plate. If she was to win the Olympic, I think she would be a challenger to her brother Swift Hoffman for Greyhound of the Year.
Sadly, the Oaks win came the day after Jimmy Nailed On broke a hock in a trial at Romford. Although the hock can be repaired, he would be four and a half by the time he would return to racing and we have made the decision to retire him. He is a lovely dog and will make a great pet.
As for yours truly, it could be an interesting day. I didn’t get back from Belle Vue until 4am but had to be back in the kennel at 6.45.
Then tonight we have the kennel Christmas party in Mildenhall. I am just hoping that tomorrow’s social media isn’t plastered with pictures of me asleep, face-down in a trifle.
