1983 The century old Sporting Chronicle is published for the last time.
1992 John Davies, joint owner of Farloe Melody, reveals that trainer Matt O’Donnell was given £8,000 following the dog’s £40K win in the English Derby. The news is probably dutifully noted by the Irish tax authorities.
2008 Somebody within the bookmaking industry – BAGS deny that it’s them – order tracks to stop selling race videos and DVDs to punters.
1997 The BGRF announce their latest funding plans. The prize money grant will be a record £965,000. The biggest tracks grants are to Belle Vue (£85,000 refurbishment), Romford (£42,700, hare and running surface), Walthamstow (£23,000 tote repairs), and Hove (lifts & toilets).
1994 Grand National winner Randy Savage lived up to his name (well the second part anyway) when he was disqualified for the second and final time in an open at Walthamstow.
1979 Irish star Killaclug Jet completes a stringent race programme when contesting eight races in a fortnight. He won six and set new 550 yard track records at Youghal and Tralee
1953 At Catford’s 21st anniversary meeting (track opened July 30 1932) a new annual event is staged, called the F N Sutton Memorial Stakes, after one of Catford’s founders. The 1180 yard race is won by Mrs R E M Beba’s privately trained Manor Bell (fw d Model Dasher-Jean Bello, Mar 50) by 10 lengths in 73.31.
2007 Sunderland handler Alison Waggott announes that she is to give up training to concentrate on her home-finding efforts at the William Hill backed Hollin Hall Kennels.
2009 The GBGB announce that Irish contenders Cash Dream and Shelbourne Aston both failed dope tests during the Derby. Both tested positive for metabolites of Stonozolol and were fined £850.
1977 Watford trainer Dave Pett and racing manager Peter Regan are both fined £100 following a row in the stadium paddock. Pett also receives a two month ban, but will transfer his license to one of his kennelstaff.
1980 A race wrecking attempt is successful at Hackney. With heavily backed newcomer Westcourt Miller looking well beaten, someone broke into the track’s generator room and cut the power to the hare.
1960 Wembley trainer Jack Harvey won his third consecutive Select Stakes (Mile Bush Pride, 1958, 1959) when Clonalvy Pride came home an impressive three length winner over Scottish Derby winner Rostown Genius in 29.02 for the Empire Stadium’s 525 yards.
1969 Romford stages is first ever four-figure final when the Phil Rees trained Tarrys Gay Lady wins the £1,000 Essex Vase Final.
1961 Anticipating any criticism from the press when forced to choose the 48 runners for the Laurels, Wimbledon racing manager Con Stevens offers the job to Greyhound Express’s chief reporter Charlie Hawkins. Charlie graciously declines.
1986 July 26 Belle Vue celebrate 60 years of racing, and the highlight of the evening is the Diamond Jubilee Super Marathon over 853 metres. Scurlogue Champ (pictured) is a hot 1-4 favourite, but he does not put on one of his super shows, merely going round in a workmanlike way to win by 1 1/4 lengths, beating 9-2 second favourite Sneaky Liberty in a moderate 55.29.
