The Monmore racing strength recently hit the 500 mark, a perfect level to service their new Tuesday/Wednesday meeting schedule. The track currently stage 70 races per week, a requirement for 420 runners.
Racing manager Tony Williamson said: “500 is healthy amount to produce safe competitive racing without over-racing and putting pressure on the dogs.
The track certainly benefitted with the arrival of Stuart Buckland from Hall Green at the end of 2016. The Lichfield trainer was heading the local trainer’s table by eight winners at the start of this week, pursued by the Allsopp, Billingham, Price, and Sallis ranges.
Team Cahill were popular winners with the Monmore racing office following Forest Con’s recent victory in the Ladbrokes Puppy Derby. Tony Williamson said: “It was great to see them win this prestigious event for the first time. They regularly make the long journey from their base with a strong team for all of our competitions. They always bring the place to life with infectious enthusiasm.”
A new running rail is to be installed with work starting this weekend coming. Racing is not expected to be affected.
Racing Office administator Matt Nicholls is in training for a charity bike ride from Crayford Stadium to Monmore later in the year dates to follow.
The track boast a string of its own exciting youngsters and none better than the British bred Artic Lightning (Take The Crown-Ballymac Mighty, Aug 15).
The Stuart Buckland trained runner has four wins from 10 outings including a calculated 28.48 for the 480m
Corrin Price has two worthy of note. Buckos Lass (Kinloch Brae-Paradise Siesta, Jul 15) is already competing in A1 and has a best of 28.45 (calc).
Kennelmate Ballyregan Ray (Tyrur Sugar Ray-Ballyregan Paws, May 15) won three from seven, winning top grade in 28.41 and clocked 15.43 in a recent sprint trial.
MONMORE TRACK CHAMPIONS
480–KING DAN bk d (Shaneboy Spencer-Pretty Fantasy, May 14) Owner Booze And Loyals Trainer Pat Curtin 33 races for twelve wins and six seconds. He won four consecutive A1 races, plus an open, in good style with a best of 28.27.
630–SPORTING ROBIN bd b (Westmead Hawk-Local Glamour, Apr 14) Owner Mr FC Wright Trainer Corrin Price 16 races to date for seven wins and a second. Won her last two S1 races is a very respectable 37.96
