Martin Seal has a greater interest in pups than Cruella De Vil and the Perry Barr grader has cast his eye on some of the local youngsters with an eye on 2017.
He said: “Leading the way is the Bob Welshman owned and trained Noelles Debro (David Bale-Noelles Swiftco), a Mar ’15 graduate of Brian Divilly’s Galway kennels. Debro has secured maiden and puppy open wins at her leisure in 28.35 and 28.41 for the Barr’s 480m trip, and would appear to have a very bright future indeed.
“Not far behind is the Tony Harmes owned and trained Swift Lucious (Godsend-Swift Salt). A May ’15 bitch bred of course by Ian Greaves, Lucious has won two recent puppy opens with a best of 28.77, and looks a star stayer for the future.
“John Lambe’s Moving Spell (Ballymac Eske-Express Penny) was top lot @ 3,050gns at the Barr’s recent Irish Sales, and high hopes are expected of the July youngster, once he has gained some racing experience.
“Pete and Ann Holland have always preferred quality over quantity, and in Gort Rua (Hondo Black-Group Knowsbest) (Jan ’15, 28.74) and Kristoff (Kinloch Brae-Toms Delight) (Apr ’15, 29.17 Shelbourne), they have two prospects who will doubtless give them plenty of fun in 2017.
Phil Naylor has enjoyed a good year from his Burntwood, Staffs. kennels and in Dandy Lady (Droopys Jet-Diva Express) (May ’15, A3 29.01) he has yet another bitch who will continue to pay her way.
Dave Hunt’s kennel has been in flying form recently, and Sawpit Successor continued that theme at the weekend, landing his fourth consecutive race at the Barr, comprising an A2, a maiden open and two A1’s. The son of Hunt legend Sawpit Sensation possess good back straight pace, just like his father.
Meanwhile Neil Slowley’s Morell Blaze had been plying his trade in A3/A4 until recently, but the penny seems to have dropped with the early paced son of Swords Prince landing wide margin wins in heat and final of an Owners’ Bonus Series sweepstake. The Roger Webb owned white and black then defied a three grade rise to annex a competitive A1.
Bolton based Dave Welding has been at Perry Barr for a couple of years now, quietly going about his business, and his hard work and enthusiasm have been rewarded with a training contract at the Barr. Dave has 11 dogs on strength, across a number of grades, and is very familiar with the M6.
Pat Doocey will be moving from Towcester to Perry Barr in early December, bringing a number of decent class dogs with him. Pat lives in Walsall and has been supporting the Barr’s Saturday night opens, striking recently with the early paced puppy Raging Water.
As we enter the final stages, it’s still all to play for in the race to be crowned Perry Barr Greyhound of the Year 2016. Leading the way is Pete Holland’s Godsend Gold with 13 wins, followed closely by Carla Hendy’s Cloncunny Ardera with 12 wins (all opens). In joint third place with 11 wins are Carol Evans’ Roses Jerry, Phil Naylor’s Baker Boy and the Ian Walker trained pair of Airport Jumbo and Dynasty.
Similar to 2015, it’s too close to call the winner of the Trainer of the Year contest. Running totals as at the end of October are Carol Evans 20.07%, Phil Naylor 19.64%, Sue Newberry 19.62%, Pete Holland 19.61%, Jayne Meek 19.46% and Paul Meek 19.20%.
