You can’t win them all. I was sad to see Swift Hoffman go out of the All England Cup, but mainly for the owner, Paul Scott, rather than ourselves.

As I said in the column last week, I did have some reservations about trap five. He had also cramped in his back in his last trial and I thought we could overcome if for his heat. But we couldn’t.

But it’s not the end of the world, he still ran well to only be beaten a head for a qualifying place after missing his break.

I don’t know where he will run next and will need to speak to the owner first. He may want to run in a supporting open on final night. Personally, I would rather concentrate on the Eclipse at Nottingham which starts in early November.

But we had four winners on the night and a couple of the dogs ran beyond expectation.

I was particularly pleased with Aero Inferno winning a tough heat of the All England Cup in 28.56.

Inferno was recently sold to Tony Ford, who used to own Micky Robbie, and he looks a very decent purchase.

Having said that, I am a bit disappointed for his old owner Stuart Forsdyke. Stuart paid decent money for the dog unraced and we have had a couple of setbacks including a hip problem. But he had trialled back very well just before Stuart sold him. At least he has vindicated Stuart’s belief in him.

I was delighted with Ascot Woodie too. I did say in the last column that I thought he was worth an interest and he returned at 3-1.

Once again, I am really pleased for the owners. Woodie was a cheap dog, bought to be a grader, and they have had such fun with him. Most trainers would love a few like Woodie in the kennel; a lovely, genuine dog who always tries his best.

We also had two winners in the Puppy Derby and I thought Camp Joker was outstanding on the night.

He has great early pace and continues to get better and better. His 28.56 compared favourably with the All England heat winners.

Newyork City Boy was more of a surprise because it was only the third race of his career. His winning time was 28.95 was slower than I would have expected. He is a better dog than that and I hope he can show it in the semi finals.

It won’t be easy for either him of his brother Joker who has a pig of a draw.

But I am getting a real buzz from the pair of them. Trying to buy pups of that calibre is a nightmare, so it is very satisfying to have bred them ourselves.