Sittingbourne RM Jess Packer is hoping to convert half of the forthcoming sales runners to the graded strength writes Floyd Amphlett.

Britain’s Combined Greyhound Sales organiser Brian Harrison plans to have 50 lots on view on Tuesday February 17.

Packer said: “Brian normally likes to holds sales on Sundays, but it is a race day for us. We are going on the Tuesday instead and cancelling our regular trials meeting.

“The last sale was a huge success. There were 40 trialists and 39 sold of which we inherited 20 or 21.

“We could desperately do with them at the moment. We currently have 186 runners to cover three meetings and Dave Lee leaves this week.

“Although he has scaled his kennel back from around 15 to about seven or eight runners, that still represents another race we are losing.

“I recently went through the trainers lists at other tracks to see if there might be anyone available; but it was a waste of time.

“Once you take practicality and geography into the equation you realise that the dogs just aren’t there. Hopefully, out existing trainers will buy some of the sales dogs.”

On the positive side, the vastly experienced Jenni March recently joined the strength and Jim Daly has been qualifying a bunch of youngsters.

Packer said: “There were about 20 in all of which about half have already qualified. There are some decent pups among them.

“One young dog, though no longer a pup, who has really attracted plenty of attention is Kelva Destiny (Sparta Maestro-Express Destiny, Sep 13).

“He was beaten on debut but won his next two in 29.81 and 29.51. He is in the final of a kennel sweepstake this weekend and looks destined for A1.”

The final in question forms part of a card sponsored by Paul Buckley, an owner with Bob Pattinson.

Packer said: “Paul likes to sponsor a meeting every year and plays a great emphasis on the kennel staff. There are prizes for ‘best turned out’ runners and a buffet for kennelstaff.

“Every race carries a trophy and £100 added prize money, with the two sweepstake finals each worth £300. It is a great gesture and well appreciated.”