Sky’s JEFF STELLING cuts the ribbon to open the new “Mick The Miller” Popular stand on St Leger night, watched by Margaret Erangey (winner of competition to name the stand) and Mike Raper – pic Steve Nash
2001 Frisby Folly (66-1 ante post) wins the St Leger Final at Wimbledon. The Harry Crapper trained bitch is the only railer in the final and catches early leader Droopys Shearer at the fourth bend before going on for a near three length win in 40.74. The meeting also features the opening of the new Mick The Miller stand on the popular side. SKY presenter Jeff Stelling does the honours on the building which has been refurbished at a cost in excess of £1m.
1971 The Anglo-Irish International over 525 yards at London White City sees the Irish gain sweet revenge after some severe hidings in this event in recent years. Blissful Pride (Mad Era-Ballybeg Pride, Nov 68),the Irish Oaks winner leads off the last bend to out run the Pall Mall winner Camira Story by a length in 29.39, with Super Gamble (3rd) and Time Up Please (4th) for the Irish. English Oaks winner Short Cake and First Case bring up the rear for England.
1997 The NGRC remove Stainforth’s licence after the trouble Yorkshie circuit is sold to International Developments. The track then race without a licence
1959 The Irish Grand National Final over 525 yards at Kilkenny is a triumph for owner Eddie Maher of Coolcroo, when his greyhounds taken the first three places. Dually Rapid (f.d. Ballymac Ball-Marchioness Minnie, Jan 57) wins by five lengths and two lengths from kennelmates Minnies Katador and Minnies Democrat in a time of 31.15.
2001 Nutty Boy, the dog bought in a charity auction by pup group Madness before going on to run in top grade at Walthamstow is retired at two and a half with a rare form of arthritis.
1954 A lost greyhound taken in as a pet by John Phillips, the owner of the Clock Garage, near Newquay, Cornwall, repays his owner early one November morning. By barking and scratching at the front door of their home next to the garage, he alerted the Philips family of the fire. The fire brigade arrived in time to stop it causing serious damage.
2002 Sunderland was unable to complete its 12 race card when vet Gill Prescott had to be taken to hospital following a fall. With no veterinary cover, the stewards were forced to abandon the meeting.
1934 Seldom Led, the 1931 English Derby winner, dies of chronic nephritis (kidney failure). He won the Derby after a re-run when he was fought by Ryland R at the fourth bend and Mick The Miller went on to win the No Race, with Ryland R disqualified for fighting. Seldom Led easily beat Mick The Miller in the re-run race.
1995 NGRC stewards announce that seven greyhounds in two races at Catford tested positive for betablockers. The attempted betting coup had been foiled by bookmakers prior to the race following heavy bets on two forecasts. Three men are subsequently committed to trial.
1973 Catford trainer Tom Smith collapses and dies while playing golf. He was 72. His brother Jack and son Michael are also trainers at Catford, and all Tom’s greyhounds are transferred to Michael. Tom held an NGRC training licence for 29 years, and moved to Catford from Clapton in 1960.
1997 Greyhound racing receives peak time TV viewing when contestants on ITV’s Blind Date win a holiday in Ireland incorporating helping Dolores Ruth prepare Powys Prince for a race at Wimbledon. The couple get a free £100 bet and the dog obliges at 4-1.
Blind Date’s Rodrigo and Fiona (centre) celebrate a race won by Powys Prince. Their trophy is presented by Dolores Ruth and GBGB’s Geoffrey Thomas. pic Steve Nash
