Yarmouth racing office have responded to criticism by reducing the number of races, particularly top grades.
Racing manager Marcus Westgate said: “One of our best known owners was complaining that we run too many A1 races. I always assumed that they would want as many as possible, given the extra prize money.
“But we took a long hard look at it and have split up the A1s, between the real elite, and the borderline A1 top heat dogs, which have now become A2. It has obviously meant that all grades have been adjusted down accordingly.
“We also had some sickness among the kennels and as a result, I graded a few dogs on both the Monday and Wednesday cards. This apparently led to some criticism on one of the forums and we had a couple of owners concerned that they were being seen to over-race their dogs.
“So, I mentioned it to Simon (Franklin, promoter) who has happy to drop the extra races on those nights, which are unprofitable anyway, taking us down to 11 races. So now everybody should be happy!”
Lann Jacob won the recent BAGS Track Championship Top Heat – worth £213. Simon Riley present the trophy to Keith Parkin (centre) and kennelhand Colin Hadley – photo Cove Smith
Local hero Do It For Twiggy is unlikely to be considered for the popular annual event for (the remaining) A1 runners, the Yarmouth Championship, which gets underway on Saturday February 13.
Westgate said: “I was asked by one of the connections if he could be considered, but he isn’t really qualified. Although he has plenty of graded races here in the past, he would need recent graded form.
“But I am keen to get the best at the track. The are probably six locals who are capable of breaking 28.00 for 462m here, and probably another dozen with winning form between 28.00-28.20. We try to keep the event open-ended so it might be for 36 or 48 runners depending on the number of entries.
The track have also been increasing their six-bend strength with the grader hoping to stage at least one every BAGS meeting.
YARMOUTH TRACK CHAMPS
462–LANN JACOB bk d (Hondo Black-Swift Rush, Oct 12) Owner Mr C Waters Trainer John Mullins. Won his last two A1s in 28.00 and a ‘fastest of year’ 27.92. Must be a leading fancy for the Yarmouth Championship.
659–PERFECT HONDO bk d (Hondo Black-Skyline Amber, Mar 13) Miss N L Carr, Mr A Leete, Mr W J Skeggs Owners Trainer Nicola Carr Won his most recent S2 in 41.90.
