1932 Racing folklore readily recalls the re-run 1931 English Derby Final, where Mick The Miller was ‘robbed’ of a third Derby success. (After crossing the line in front, and following a disqualification for fighting of another runner, he was made to contest a re-run and was beaten). However, the 1932 Greyhound Racing Year Book has an interesting insight into the two Finals that he won (1929, 1930). It states: “It has been unfortunate that the races for the Greyhound Derby during the last three years, have not been so satisfactory as one would wish. In 1929 the consensus of opinion was that Palatinus should have been awarded the verdict over Mick The Miller. In 1930, Deemster was undoubtedly the fastest dog in the race, and had he not suffered a serious mishap, when appearing to have the race well in hand, there would have been, it is generally thought, a very different result. “ Indeed the article, written by A G Smart, appears to elevate another greyhound above Mick in terms of ‘greatest ever’ status. It goes on. . .”Perhaps the greatest greyhound that has yet appeared on any track is Bradshaw Fold, who, although very hard worked, and run at times when palpably amiss, has consistently shown such brilliant running powers as to stamp her the biggest wonder in greyhound racing. Taking into consideration the vicissitudes she has undergone, she must be a phenomenon.”
1990 There is a massive outcry in Ireland when the Irish Independent reveals the content of a new Bord na gCon plan is to close all but five tracks and concentrate resources on them. The five are Cork, Dundalk, Limerick, Shelbourne and Tralee.
1949 Ireland has introduced ear-marking of puppies. In addition, all pups must be named by 10 months of aged and their markings taken by the time they are a year old.
1997 Gorgeous, trained by Jenni March, made a winning debut in C4 programme Last Chance Lottery when winning at 7-1.
1961 The National Greyhound Racing Society announces that no results from its races will leave the tracks until after the last race of the meeting has been staged. The industry is attempting to defend itself against new legislation allowing the opening of betting shops.
2010 Open race litter brothers Ninja Jamie and Farloe Reason both trial over Nottingham’s 305 metres and clock identical times of 18.15.
1951 The only British litter ever sired by American champion Real Huntsman are bred by Mrs Joliffe, wife of the Wembley racing manager. The dam Antic Mary was sent to the USA to be mated and produced her litter in quarantine.
2008 Nottingham grader Beechwood Slett becomes the first and only winner of the BGRB’s Graded Greyhound of the Year award.
1959 The 1957 Irish Derby winner Prince Olly is sold at Aldridges Sale for 200 guineas. The dog, who has failed to impress in Britain is purchased by Irish stud keeper Tom Harty.
2010 Nottingham vet Gary Samuel is fined £2,500 and disqualified after being filmed dropping and kicking a biscuit under the door of a racing kennel.
1989 Bernie Doyle’s Jerpoint Diamond (Manorville Sand-Rhincrew Gem) wins a £1,000 decider at Milton Keynes in 38.08, a new track record for the 620 metres.
1951 The domination of trap one at Walthamstow is exposed when winning trap statistics for 1950 are published. T1-241, T2-141, T3-86, T4-108, T5-126, T6-155.
2010 A number of trainers have their licences removed for failing to renew them by the end of December.
1962 Popular new soap Coronation Street make their first visit to a greyhound track when character Harry Hewitt has his first winner with ‘Lucky Lolita’. The episode is shot at independent Bolton using the Swinton owned local, Black Star. The programme also includes shots of posters displaying the ‘Smash The Tax’ campaign currently being staged by Greyhound Express.
2007 Wimbledon stage a ladies night featuring races sponsored by Ann Summers. The races include the Rampant Rabbit Stakes.
1999 Lenson Hero is installed as the 7-1 favourite for the Springbok after clocking 28.48 (.20 slow) in a trial at Wimbledon. However, owner Len Ponder and trainer Nora McEllistrim fall out and the dog is sent to Ray Peacock. Hero fails to make the final which is won by Jason Foster’s Ballinabola Gale.
1934 Brood bitch Miss Anne produced six dogs and nine bitches by Demetrius. It is believed to be the biggest surviving litter of greyhounds recorded in the Stud Book.
2010 The Hodgkinson family from Darlington give a home to Sooty, the 50,00th ex-racer homed by the RGT.
1963 22 year old Johhny Haynes collects the 1962 Trainer of the Year award.
2010 Microchipping become compulsory under the Animal Welfare Act
