Perry Barr racing manager Martin Seal is content with events following the absorption of the majority of the Hall Green racing strength.
He said: ” We now race five days on the spin, which is hard work for everyone and takes a bit of organising. We currently have approximately 370 dogs on the racing strength and there are approximately 150 dogs awaiting trials, including handslips for new pups and ex-lame dogs.
“I think there are now 63 trainers attached to Perry Barr, with a couple of new Owner Trainers expected to come on board over the next few weeks. The largest of those to transfer from Hall Green are Gerry Ballentine, Derek Davy and Simon Deakin, who between them have 70 dogs on the strength.
“We are optimistic about reintroducing racing on Friday nights at some point this Autumn, as long as the necessary criteria, including increased staffing levels, are in place. This is not guaranteed at this stage but is something we are working towards. Saturday night open races will continue for the foreseeable future to assist with the expansion.
“I am hoping to be able to publish full details of the forthcoming William Hill St Leger in the near future, which has been allocated a Sky Sports TV slot for Wednesday 8th November.”
On the racing front, August saw the retirement of Perry Barr’s very own pin up girl, Ballymac Kite. Trained by Jayne Meek for the Meek Greyhounds Syndicate, Kitty arrived at Perry Barr in the Summer of 2014 with a 30.27 Tralee trial at 13 months on her card.
A 29.10 A4 all-the-way debut win gave notice of her early paced ability, and the stunning looking white was soon a regular fixture in A1 and opens, also playing an active part in the BAGS Track Championship. She broke 28.50 four times in total, her best being 28.22 off a record 3.39 sectional, which may never be broken. Her career record reads 21 wins from 85 races, with 18 seconds thrown in for good measure.
One the track . . .
The same month also produced four hat-tricks. Pride of place goes to Tynwald Rodney, trained by Gerry Ballentine for the Six Up Syndicate. Rodney has competed at a good level all his life, and can even boast a verdict over a certain Lenson Sanchez in the first round of the 2015 Scottish Derby when trained by Peter Cronin. The evergreen blue fawn landed two A1’s and an open, showcasing the kennel’s excellent form.
Dave Hunt’s Sawpit Successor had a few niggles to deal with in the middle of the year, but has turned the corner recently with wins in A3, A2 and A1.
John Lambe’s Mallogs Tiger, owned by wife Val, has taken time to grow into his 38kg frame, but the big brindle is getting it together now with an A6, A5 and A4 three timer.
Shirley Aveline’s kennel is enjoying a better year than last, and her Highview Opera ended a seven month winless drought with three hard fought successes in an Intertrack, A7 and A6.
Shirley has also recently taken delivery of something a bit special in the shape of Pennys Luna, a November ’15 bitch puppy from breeder Eugene Price, and the comprehensive winner of heat, semi and final of an A4/A5 525/550/575 Newbridge sweepstake. We could be hearing a lot more from her.
The last word today goes to Two Teds, trained by Adam Sear for Mr D Daly. Two Teds’ early races were notable by his slow starts and flying finishes, but the lightweight black is starting to put it together at both ends now, and his latest effort saw him land an A2 in a decent 28.79. This likeable youngster continues to progress.
