Outgoing Wimbledon trainer Tony Taylor expects his forthcoming break from GRA to be his final parting with the company.
He said: “I started at White City on Derby Final night 1971 when Dolores Rocket won in front of probably 60,000 people. Sadly, in the following years they became more obsessed with property and less with greyhound racing. But I will be sad to leave Wimbledon where I have many friends.”
After spells as head lad for Tom Foster and Randy Singleton, where he looked after the enigmatic Glen Rock, ‘Reggae’ Taylor left the company and spent eight years as understudy to Gunner Smith at Hove.
He said: “I always fancied training at Brighton but Gunner showed no signs of wanting to retire and I was offered a trainer’s job at Catford. But this is a fantastic opportunity that has been given to me thanks to the support of owner Robert Brinkley.
“I am trialling 17 runner at Hove next week without touching on my Wimbledon graded strength of between 25-28 runners. I am only expecting to lose one owner, who will be transferring to Crayford, and it remains to be seen how the dogs adapt to the new track. Experience suggests there will be some pleasant surprises mixed in with a few disappointments.
“But we have been promised more dogs from existing and old owners who want to race at Hove. I would expect to have a kennel strength of 35-40 before too long and in the longer term, hopefully somewhere between 40-50.
“I don’t have a contract with Wimbledon and could leave immediately, but it wouldn’t be fair to the track. They are doing their best and I would like to support that if at all possible.”
