Norah confirms retirement
Norah McEllistrim will celebrate her 50th year as a greyhound trainer by relinquishing her licence.
She said: “We are still looking to confirm a date but Gemma (Byford) will take over. It will probably be in the autumn, but we need to get some work done on the kennels and to get assistance from GBGB, you need to have had a trainer’s licence for in excess of three years.”
Having taken over from her father Paddy, who had runners at the first Wimbledon meeting in 1927, in 1974, Norah is looking forward to handing over responsibility for the kennel, but will still be a regular visitor.
She said: “I’m a morning person and plan to be down at the kennels most days at around 6.30am but will be gone by nine. That will Gemma to get her daughter sorted and then carry on.
“I have been so lucky, blessed even, to have four amazing staff in Gemma, Tim Rowell, Dawn Hillier and Kate Arris who have all been with me for more than 20 years. Dawn has been here for 30.
“I think that this industry takes kennel staff for granted. If we have sickness or a problem, any of my four will come in on their days off to help out.
“I am 78 now and I honestly thought that I would be doing this until the day I die. But as much as I love the dogs, I really don’t like racing anymore.
“The way things are going with owners being forced out, we will end up with the tracks owning all the dogs and then that will be a disaster, for them and the dogs.”
Open race wins 2024
11 wins: Romeo To Victory
10 wins: Queen Joni – Rioja Maxi
9 wins: Druids Say Go – Quarteira
8 wins: Aayamza Sydney, Acomb Felix, Ballymac Taylor, Bettys Jack, Coonough Crow, Coppice Fox, Different Speed, Quagos Jack, Whisky Copper
Derby update
At the time of writing there was just one withdrawal from the Star Sports/TRC Engish Derby entries, Nomadic Magic finished lame in a trial at Perry Barr taking the entries down to a ‘perfect’ 192, prior to the Friday 12.30pm trap draw.
In the meantime, we are delighted to publish the video made by Emily Wallis following her recent visit to Tipperary and the home and kennels of trainer Graham Holland courtesy of Star Sports
Towcester trials today
OPENS
Thursday: Hove ♦ Newcastle ♦ Swindon
Saturday: Perry Barr
