1991 Nick Savva wins a first open at Milton Keynes with a recent Irish purchase. The winning time of 38.71 for the 620 metres is ordinary and the brindle is returned to Ireland for more schooling. She will eventually return as a brood. Her name is Mega Delight.
2012 The BGRB announce that greyhound registration fees will be waived for the remainder of the year.
1948 Private trainer James J Boswell represented Britain in the first four national international competition ever staged. It was held in the Metropolitan Stadium in Madrid. Boswell had the only UK owned entry in the 24-runner competition which was staged between October 12 and 17. There were 14 Spanish runners plus five from France and four from Italy. The formalities took place at the grand home of Spanish coursing, the Military Club, 20 miles outside the city and a service of Mass was held by the Bishop of Madrid prior to the meeting getting underway. The British entry Goodwins Best finished fourth in the final which was won by Humming Boy (Fish Hill-Rio Czarina), which also trained by Boswell on behalf of Spanish owners. Boswell, who was based in Goffs Lane, Waltham Cross, gave a very favourable impression of Spanish coursing. Very similar in many aspects to its Irish and UK equivalent, Boswell noted a few differences. Firstly, most of the spectators were on horse back. There were also a couple of additional rules “which have much to commend them.” Firstly, the slipper was not allowed to slip the greyhounds until notified to do so by a whistle blown by the judge. There was also an official stop watch to time the course. Any buckle that lasted less than 50 seconds was declared ‘no-course’.
1987 A fall out between owner Towfic Al-Asli and trainer Gary Baggs over the latter’s decision to take a contract appointment at Walthamstow sees recent English Derby winner Signal Spark switched to Ernie Gaskin.
2012 Following the announcement that Galliard Homes intend to put houses and a football pitch in place of greyhound racing at Wimbledon, GOBATA chairman Martin White writes to GRA asking that the St.Leger be transferred to Coventry.
1963 White City runner Jehu II made his way across to East London to land the last classic of the year, the Cesarewitch. Gordon Hodson’s brindle led before the 102 yard West Ham first bend and won by a comfortable two and a half lengths for the 600 yards with Derby winner Lucky Boy Boy and Gold Collar winner Musical Guest well down the field.
1987 A year after sister Westmead Move won the Grand Prix at Walthamstow, Olivers Wish takes the £5,000 decider from 6-4f Super Duchess.
2012 Newcastle trainer Craig Dawson quarantines his kennel following the unexpected deaths of two of his greyhounds.
1963 21 owners from Kings Heath are flying to Shelbourne Sales accompanied by racing manager Leo Craven.
1953 Endless Gossip – one of the greatest greyhounds ever to grace the tracks – is retired in a blaze of glory after winning the Champions Trophy at Wimbledon. His career winnings topped £5,000.
1972 Time Up Please becomes the first Irish St Leger winner to successfully defend his title when leading home Clashing in the Limerick 550 final.
1965 With only days until they become the first track to race under the NGRS’s new ‘associate track’ scheme, Rayleigh boss Tom Stanley is confident that “the majority” of his owners will support the scheme. The track’s current owner trainers will take out ‘C-licences’ which will only allow them to race at tracks (eventually) running under the same scheme. The track also has 80 runners in its own stadium kennels.
2014 The Irish Greyhound Board confirms that it will follow the recommendation of the Indecon Report by closing and selling Harolds Cross.
1982 Kylemore Champ, future winner of the Circuit, Silver Collar and Guineas, is sold for 1,000 guineas at Shelbourne Sales.
1948 British bred Good Worker added the Silver Salver to his victory in Wimbledon’s Two Year Old Produce Stakes. His owner had opted for the Wimbledon race in preference to the English Derby which was staged at the same time. He ended the year with winnings of £957, equivalent to around £33,000.
1996 Property company NHP Homes Ltd announce that they have the option to buy Hackney Stadium but greyhound racing will not be in their plans.
1987 Thieves broke into Wembley trainer John Honeysett’s kennel and stole recent £5,000 purchase Drunken Dick.
1935 Kitshine established herself as one of the great pre-war females when winning the Oaks by seven lengths. Earlier in the year she had won the Laurels.
1963 Typical Thursday night racing schedule in London. White City: (all graded) 5 x 525yds, 2 x 725ds, 1 x 525ydsH. Wandsworth: (all graded) 5 x 440yds, 3 x 650yds, Clapton: 2 x 400yds (inc 1 open), 5 x 575yds (inc 1 open), 2 x 760yds (inc.1 open), Hackney 4 x 525yds, 4 x 550yds (inc. 2 opens). Catford: 2 x 470ydH (both opens), 4 x 570yds, 2 x 620yds, New Cross 4 x 415yds, 1 x 415ydsH, 3 x 600yds, Stamford Bridge 5 x 500yds (inc 1 open), 1 x 500ydsH, 1 x 700yds, 1 x 880yds (open).
2009 Suspended Sittingbourne attempt to convince BAGS of the quality of their betting market by inviting Gary Wiltshire to rejoin the track’s betting ring.
