We are at the semi final stage of the RPGTV English Puppy Derby this afternoon at Towcester, an event dominated by the KSS Syndicate who have the top three in the ante post betting and five runners in the top seven.
Trainer Mark Wallis views
Rab McNair views
We would assume that the majority of our readers will have seen the action from yesterday’s Ladbrokes Gold Collar at Crayford following some incisive pre-race observations from Racing Manager Danny Rayment.
(He couldn’t have been more positive about Minnies Bullet – a 16-1 ante post chance at the time).
The day also marked the retirement of the 2021 Collar winner Warzone Tom who finished lame with a damaged gracilis (a muscle on the inside of the back leg).
It is the sort of injury that is frequently career ending, though it was due to be Tom’s penultimate race anyway. He will be joining stud keeper Ron Gray in the next few days.
But here is a round up of the action including that fabulous buckle between Laughil Jess and Aayamza Sydney (you know you want to watch it again).
We like this too – produced by the track
Collar semis: Minnie Bullet Gutsy Jet Laughil Jess
“I haven’t been to a meeting with an atmosphere like that for probably 20 years, and that would have been at Walthamstow”
North East trainer Ted Soppitt could not have been more impressed than for his Friday night trip to Sunderland for the ARC Classic Final.
Ted said: “It was absolutely fantastic, the place was buzzing. The restaurant was packed, the terraces were full, there families there, there was shouting and cheering.
“When the two local runners went into the backstraight the roar that went up made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
“I said to (ARC’s) Rachel Corden, now this is what racing used to be like. I don’t know how you’ve done it, but we want more of this.
“I would love to think they could do something similar at Newcastle for the (PGR) All England Cup next month. It would be fantastic.
“What better way to keep the politicians on-side and keep the antis at bay than attract big crowds and remind everyone that greyhound racing is still a popular sport.
“Presumably GBGB have people to promote the sport to the outside world? That is what they should be doing for more nights like this.”
News from the Cahill Kennel where Seamus has confirmed the retirement of Maree Champion following a broken hock in a solo trial this week.
He said: “As we suspected, it was a break of the central tarsal. The real issue is the number of small fragments of bone that have come away making retirement inevitable. But he will be well looked after and enjoy a great retirement.”
(FOY is Havana Bale Out’s 29.59 – +10)
Seamus and Alex Hambi are expected to make a decision on the dog’s immediate future today. The options are a trip to Shelbourne Park for the Night Of Stars (December 2) followed by a tilt at the Olympic (Hove 515m – commences Dec 9).
Or participation in the Bet365 Challenge Cup (Dec 1-22 inc ‘Trialstakes’). He trialled last week clocking 39.66 (-20) for the 650m course. (Quickest ever over the trip is Havana Lover’s 39.41 – hand timed).
Finally – Romford Racing Manager Mark Arkell has been in touch with the following message.
It needs no further explanation here – other than to say – great news and a move that should be supported!
