Sheffield’s joint racing manager Sam Tweed is expecting to make an announcement concerning a new training appointment – or three – within the next fortnight.
Ian Boulton recently announced plans to switch to Nottingham and matters were further compounded when no opens filled on Tuesday night.
Tweed said: “I don’t know how many years we have been running opens on a Tuesday but this was the first time that they haven’t filled. I think there are various reasons including the Doncaster St.Leger and the Scurry and Northern Flat at Belle Vue. I think the most entries we had for any race was four. There are also other factors that are squeezing us at the moment, most notably the Track Championship. We sent 17 dogs to Belle Vue for trials.
“Fortunately, given the size of the track and our position in among a lot of others, we always get a good response when we advertise for a new trainer and there are plenty of applications to consider and then carry out kennel checks. There was a time when you could stipulate ’30 runners’ or more but those days are gone.
“At this stage I don’t know how many new people we will take on, it might only be one or as many as three. When the opens fill, we need around 420 dogs per week so my ideal strength is about 440. At the moment we have 420 and are really just looking to fill that gap.
“We will probably bring the applications to an end at the end of the week and see where we stand. Personally I wouldn’t be adverse to taking on a couple of smaller kennels. We took a chance on Dave Gomersall who only had ten dogs available and it was a great decision. It isn’t always about the volume. It can be awkward if we have too many runners from the same kennel in the same race and the smaller trainers can be a big benefit.”
Tweed was delighted with the track’s first appearance in the Track Championship away leg at Sunderland. Sheffield finished third (38pts) behind the hosts (69) and Newcastle (40).
Tweed said: “I would have settled for finishing two points behind Newcastle beforehand. I thought we were unlucky not to have four winners, but Sunderland was always going to be difficult. Kinsley is also quite tricky for our dogs but it is more local and there will be plenty willing to trial there.
“Most tracks are struggling for numbers and I don’t think you will see too many changes in teams going forward. I could imagine that our bitch Rossanda Roslea could compete in every round for us.”
