Monmore have announced the new date for the Lol Jones Memorial meeting – Wednesday February 7. Each of the 14 races will carry a £600 first prize with £200 for runners-up, £50 others.
Racing manager Tony Williamson said: “The original plan was for December but Mrs Jones has been suffering ill health and we had to put it back. We will advertise for 10 opens and duplicate the four strongest, with an emphasis on the best seeding balance.”
The grader, who is celebrating 25 years at the track, admits to be still adjusting to the new ‘six meeting’ per week schedule.
He said: “It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were 56 races per week. That went up to 70 and now its 84. It has taken some getting used to, and changes of staff with some of the paraders now been given paddock duties.
“The kennel strength is now up to 560 supplied by 16 trainers. Ideally I would like 600 runners so we are monitoring the situation and will make a decision on whether to appoint another trainer in due course.”
Those staff changes include a new face in the racing office – Magorazta Goncevewitz – “She is a great asset to the office having started off on the catering side.”
So Tony – how do you pronounce that surname?
“Gonca. . . .Gonchavertz . . . . . we just call her Maggie!” .
Stuart Buckland finished top Monmore trainer with 343 winners. Chris Allsopp pushed him all the way from Chris Allsopp who short headed Paul White by a single winner for second spot 326-325.
Williamson said: “It was a great first full year with us for Stuart who has adapted brilliantly, as did Paul who was also a more recent arrival. Meanwhile Chris is back up to 60 runners and the kennel looks as strong as it has done in some time.”
Racing office three to follow
SKYFALL VENOM bk d (Laughil Blake-Bleisce Charm, Jul 16) Trainer Paul Sallis. One of the youngest on the track, won an A4 on debut and then ran second in an A2.
HIDDEN LAURA w bk b (Confident Rankin-Hidden Louise, May 16) Trainer Chris Allsopp Another Puppy Derby probable. Only one race to date, a successful A2 debut in a calculated 28.51.
BORNA TORPEDO bk d (Tyrur Big Mike-Borna Del, Oct 15) Trainer Kim Billingham Older than the other pair but lightly raced going straight into A1 after clocking 28.29 in a grading trial.
