1876 September: The London Times gives a lengthy report called “Coursing by Proxy” when the first mechanical hare mounted on a sunken rail is used at the Welsh Harp, Hendon, London.
1973 A row continues to rage between the NGRC and Southend stadium over the latter’s decision to ban trainer Pam Heasman (right) from attending the stadium. The Club dispute the right of Southend to ban unilaterally NGRC licensed persons. Miss Heasman’s ban had followed a newspaper article in which she criticised the state of the running surface.
1968 The 32nd Golden Crest final at Bristol Eastville sees a good line up, including two unbeaten finalists, Discretions (pictured) and As You Wish. Mr J and Mrs J Haden’s Discretions (Prairie Flash-Sheila At Last, Jun 66) takes the £555 and trophy final with a greet display of finishing speed. He storms past As You Wish at the third bend to take the 500 yard final by 2 3/4 lengths in 27.90, .05 of a second outside the track record he set in the semi-finals. The 4/7 favourite was trained by Dave Geggus from Walthamstow.
2004 Gaming International announce the completion of a management buyout by directors Clarke Osborne, Graham Parr and Steve Hayward.
2002 The Promoters Association put forward a package of proposals for upgrading the open race calendar. They include a minimum prize money win of £150 with £20 for also-rans, the reduction of the category 1&2 competitions and reducing the English Derby entry to 96 runners. The suggestions are dismissed by the open race planning committee.
1930 The third Irish Oaks final is run at Harolds Cross and R Keane’s Kerrie Brave (Mutton Cutlet-Keen Girl) from Trap 5, the 8-1 outsider, wins the 525 yarder in 30.90.
1976 September 30: Due to easing of the bends, Harringay’s new race distances from today are 475 metres (formerly 480), 832 (830). The 660 has been moved back 1.24 metres to remain the same.
1978 Shiloh Jenny (Sole Aim-Shiloh Hope, Aug 75) sets a new track record for Reading’s 465 metres when recording 28.62. At Brighton, Langford Dacoit (Spectre-Corboy Honey, May 75) sets a new bet for the 955m of 58.46. And at Rye House, private trainer Terry Dartnall sends out Tiger Jazz (Bright Lad-Dancing Glory, May 76) to reset the 281m clock to 16.91.
1969 Brough Park announce plans to allow privately trained dogs in their open events. Previously, only trainers attached to tracks to race dogs there.
2002 Hall Green trainer Nicky Chambers tenders her resignation and announces plans to close her breeding and training establishment at Little Belvoir. Paula Simmons is set to take over the kennels and contract.
BLUE MURLEN – pic Steve Nash
1996 Local hero Blue Murlen (Murlens Abbey-Lovely Lovely) is a revelation when landing the 50th East Anglian Derby Final. Bred by Ian Pooley from Potter Heigham and trained by Gary Harding, the 37 kilo leads from trap to line to clock 28.10. It is his fourth major victory of the year following wins in the Fines Memorial (£3,000), Stylefield Law Puppy Stake (£1,500) and Bolton Derby (£7,000). The following year he lands the Arc and Blue Riband.
1983 Owner trainer Allen Briggs and Creamery Cross (Knockrour Slave-Creamery Alice land a £7,500 double in the space of 19 days. First it’s the Edinburgh Cup Trophy presented by Sharon Haig daughter of sponsor Ian. The fawn beat On Spec by four lengths in 28.18 for 465m. Then on September 15 they carry off the £2,500 East Anglian Derby when beating Squire Cass by seven lengths in 28.29 for 462 metres at Yarmouth. Cross had already won the Thanet Gold Cup.
1980 Noreen Simmons wins her third East Anglian Derby when Kilrickle Star (Nameless Star-Gurtroe Grand) wins the final in 28.44. Star’s Derby win followed a double for Our Rufus (the only dog to have landed the race twice under NGRC rules). Rufus was owned by Mrs Simmons and originally trained by John Coleman. Runner-up to Star was Whole Day, who is trained locally by Pam Cross and was originally acquired as a non chaser for £5 by owner Michael Cock.
1972 Brighton open racer Innocent Bob had shown brilliant speed in his novice hurdle trials albeit by deciding that the fences needn’t be jumped, they could simply be flattened. Despite his devil-may-care approach, Bob had still dipped below the 525 hurdle record. Entered in a hurdle open at Crayford, and with a great Brighton time on his card, Bob was heavily backed. But on arrival at the first hurdle, he stopped dead. He then gingerly climbed over the fence, one leg at a time, before resuming top speed to the next jump. He repeated the act another four times and was beaten as many distances. He was not asked to hurdle again.
