MARTIN SEAL Perry Barr RM
With Hall Green due to close later this month, Perry Barr racing manager Martin Seal has given us an update on the amalgamation of runners between the two tracks.
He said: ” We’re entering our third week of intertracks with Hall Green. The GBGB kindly gave us temporary dispensation to stage races with four HG dogs and two PB dogs to help facilitate the transition. I would imagine these contests are likely to continue in their traditional format until the closure.
“The majority of HG trainers have shown an interest in joining Perry Barr and a good number of dogs have now qualified through the intertracks, having taken part in two or more races. It’s difficult to say exactly how many dogs will be on the Perry Barr racing strength at the conclusion of proceedings, but I would imagine the figure will be somewhere around the 450-470 mark.
“I am expecting a spread of runners across all grades, though I don’t think Hall Green have an A9 grade presently as Perry Barr do. We will also be able to increase the number of dogs graded to race in sprint and stayers races, which will add a good bit of variety to cards.
“It’s been a difficult few weeks for all concerned, but credit to everyone at Hall Green, both racing office staff and trainers/kennelhands, for their efforts in keeping the show on the road.
“On the Perry Barr graded front, a number of hounds have been catching the eye lately.
Shirley Aveline’s Robinstown Rhys cropped up in this column a couple of months back when racking up a quick hat-trick, and the tenacious black showcased the kennel’s good form by repeating the dose with victory in two intertracks and an A4.
“Aveline’s progressive bitch puppy Highview Waltz echoed Rhys’ achievement with an intertrack hat trick, prompting a move into the same ownership. Carol Evans’ Our Lucky Star has returned from a spell on the sidelines in good nick and the early pacer landed her A4 & A3 (2) hat trick in taking style. Her record now reads 13 wins from 36 races, not too shabby by any stretch.
Neil Slowley’s Dixies Commodore, a value purchase out of Thurles sales by Des Bailey and Gill Hartill this time last year, has proved a sound investment, with 11 wins from 45 races, 7 of those coming in 2017. The big blue is as tough as they come.
Not for the first time, Phil Holder underlined his eye for a bargain when acquiring Holiday Hope from Gary Hodson. Despite just the solitary win to his name at Hall Green, Holiday Hope has thrived at the Barr, keeping one step ahead of the grader at the same time. A rare four timer was landed with victory in a sweepstake final in thrilling fashion.
The last word today goes to the elder statesman of the party, Bob Stanton’s Davris Lee. The May ’11 veteran is owned by the Heads or Tails syndicate and stubbornly refuses to bow to his advancing years, notching an A9 double in June. His career race total now stands at 126.
