1988 Thames TV’s documentary Greyhound, filmed at Nick and Natalie Savva’s kennel over a period of 18 months is broadcast. It follows the lives of a litter of six members of a litter by Flashy Sir out of Westmead Tania. Although the programme is well received, a decision by the producers to include a post script saying that the dam had subsequently died while in whelp for another litter causes a backlash from welfarists.

2013 IGB chief executive Adrian Neilan announces he plans to leave the agency in mid January.

2003 Just 10 days after landing the Oaks with Cooly Panera, trainer Brian Clemenson completes a category one double with Orient Ron winning the Essex Vase.

1935 When it comes to power, the Catford and Glasgow Albion racing managers, lead the military fields in 1935. Racing managers: Cardiff: Captain W M Brodie, Catford: Lieutenant Colonel A J Vernon DSO MC, Clapton: Major C E R Moss, Derby Captain HT Tester MC, Glasgow Albion: Lieutenant Colonel  C D Mears MVO, Gloucester: Major E M Watts, Hove: Captain W Thursby, Portsmouth: Major H Carew MBE MC, Sheffield (Darnell): Lieutenant Commander C Cornwell RN, Wembley: Captain A E Brice. West Ham: Captain W J Neilson MC, White City: Major Percy Brown.

1988 Trainer Harry Williams is refused trials at Kevin Wilde’s Brough Park after criticising the standard of runner in BAGS races.

1962 Bob Beckett is granted planning permission to build a permanent greyhound track on the site of his family farm in Bletchley. The farmer has already been staging ‘flip’ meetings, a concession to stage 12 meetings in a year before a license becomes necessary.

2012 Ricky Holloway is told his runners will no longer be accepted for open races at Hove after he withdraws two runners from the National Hurdle due to “staffing issues”.

1988 George Curtis and Ballyregan Bob are the guests of honour at a South London betting shop as SIS launch their live greyhound broadcasting service.

2002 Nick Savva’s Cill Dubh Turbo tests positive for Felbinac – a drug often used in liniments applied in the treatment of sore muscles. Turbo had been tested in the Gold Collar semis following the re-run of a void heat due to trap malfunction. Savva is fined £1,000.

1995 John Cox, former trainer at Wembley, Slough, Reading and Oxford, dies of a suspected heart attack.

Mark Wallis parades Adageo Bob for the last time, before winning the Essex Vase – picture Steve Nash

2015 Adageo Bob is retired on a high after landing the Mitch Millward Essex Vase at the third attempt. Bred by John Marriott , the son of Hondo Black out of Blonde Pearl, Bob won the 2013 British Breeders Stakes, was runner-up in the 2013 and favourite to win the 2014 when withdrawn (late arrival) from the semi finals of the same event. A true Romford specialist and 575m track record breaker, he had also finished runner-up in a Coronation Cup and third in the Champion Stakes.

1962 December 22. At Wishaw punters have a very good night when six of the eight favourites oblige. All the winning owners receive a turkey as well as extra prizemoney, and there is a lucky programme draw, which sees more turkeys being taken home for Christmas dinner.

1983 An attempt at race fixing at Dunmore is averted when sheets of black perspex are spotted in three of the traps, including two of the market leaders, for the final of the Smirnoff Puppy Cup. The race eventually went to Killlowna Gem.

2016 Clares Rocket, one time favourite for both the English and Irish Derbys is recovered after being stolen from Graham Holland’s kennel in Tipperary. Holland said: “”There was a lot of worry and then we received a few calls on Tuesday evening to say that four men had been arrested and that the dog was safe. We went to the Gard station at Tipperary Town and I cannot say enough in praise of the Gards. Local officer Eddie Nugent and Detective Martin Steed, who has greyhound connections, were both amazing. We picked Rocket up at about midnight and it was very emotional. His feet are a bit sore but he had been fed and had not dehydrated. He was very glad to be home and we were delighted to see him again. At one stage, we all feared the worst.”

1962 Kinsley’s Jack Mugglestone and Stainforth’s Ben Lovatt are lobbying MPs for a change in the law. Under current regulations, tracks in the same licensing area must race on the same days.

1949 West Flagler racing manager Tom Benner introduces the grading system which will become the standard for American tracks to this day. The eight grades are AA, A, B, C, D, E, F & G and dogs are up or downgraded on the basis of their positions in the race and not their times.

2012 The GTA are to be allowed places on four GBGB committees. They will be Mark Wallis (racing), Jim Reynolds (regulatory), Linda Jones (welfare) and Michael Reynolds (track safety).

1973 With nearby Luton having closed Henlow boss Sid Smith is reporting 150 entries for each meeting and will now add a Wednesday to the regular Monday and Friday fixtures.

1951 Wartime favourite Ballynennan Moon, rated second only to Mick The Miller in terms of popularity dies aged 12 at trainer Sidney Orton’s kennel.

2009 Trainer Geoff De Mulder dies aged 79. Here was the Star’s tribute at the time