Romford expect to announce the identity of their newest handler “by the middle of next week” as they complete the vetting process.
Racing manager Peter O’Dowd said: “There has been a decent level of interest and we have already started the process, though the deadline for applications does close until Saturday. Jim (Reynolds) had between 40-50 on the racing strength and the advertisement is for ‘a minimum of 30 runners’.
The temporary shortage of dogs has been filled by inter-tracks against Hove though that will be bolstered by the Coral Champion Stakes which closes on Tuesday when Patchys Kerry will attempt to become the first runner to successfully defend her crown since Sail Over 1990/91.
O’Dowd said: “This year it would appear to be quite open; I haven’t seen any ‘Adageo Bob’ around.”
Fastest over Champion Stakes Course 2016
| 34.81 | (+30) | MILLWARDS MASTER | Young | 13/1/16 |
| 34.86 | (+20) | FIVESTAR CLIPPER | Knight | 29/4/16 |
| 35.02 | N | FIVESTAR CLIPPER | Knight | 25/3/16 |
| 35.05 | N | BARNISH PANTHER | Mullins J | 25/3/16 |
| 35.08 | N | JET STREAM SOUND | Hutton | 8/1/16 |
| 35.08 | (+30) | FIVESTAR CLIPPER | Knight | 1/4/16 |
| 35.09 | N | FIVESTAR CLIPPER | Knight | 8/4/16 |
| 35.18 | N | FIVESTAR CLIPPER | Knight | 11/3/16 |
| 35.18 | (+20) | SWIFT WHIRLWIND | Wallis | 1/4/16 |
| 35.18 | (+20) | DROOPYS SCION | Daly | 8/4/16 |
