2010 - One's to watch

Just a small list put together for a bit of fun of some of ours that will hopefully have a good 2010 and that will pay to follow.

On the Open Circuit:

Redstone Turk - off the track now for over four months following a bad wrist injury suffered at Hove. Turk has now been given the all clear to return to full training. It was hoped that we may be able to have a crack at the Arc which would have been great as it is held at Swindon but due to the bad weather we've had recently, we have been unable to get much work in to him. We'll now wait for the weather to improve and bring him back slowly. All being well Turk will be aimed at a few of the big competitions this year.

Superstar Lily - Went in to many people's notebook after two fantastic runs around Hove's 695m. Megan went lame in the Ballyregan Bob race but will make a return to racing soon enough. Although nothing is set in concrete it is likely that her main targets will be the Golden Jacket at Crayford and the Regency at Hove. A top class prospect for sure.

Pups:

Galley Crash - Only a June 08 baby. She qualified in a decent 29.36 and has very little experience. Although finishing last in her only A2, this little girl should improve nicely in the coming months with regular runs.

Ard Flight - A March 08 whelp. She has limited experience having only raced a handful of times in Ireland. Set to re start her qualifying soon, she is from a decent litter and has been given plenty of time to settle in. Beat Calling Beauty by over ten lengths in her only 480m trial so far which has turned out to be decent form.

Others:

Forest Crash - A January 08 whelp who's only had four races in his life. Crash has already won an A3 at Swindon in 29.40. Crash has had a lot of niggles during his short career but hopefully they are behind him now. This pup has plenty of pace from the 2nd bend and could improve no end with more experience.

Petite Snowei - Another January 08 whelp who could have a bright 2010. Although out of luck in her only 2 Irish starts, Snowei has impressed in both her sprint trials clocking 16.63 last time out. Unfortunately she has since suffered a broken toe and faces a spell on the sidelines but she'll be back and could be anything.

Twiglish Chav - This fella may seem a strange choice when you look at his form - has only won 1 of his 10 races at Oxford in A7 company - but Jeff has thrived since he arrived here. He's clocked 29.25 and 29.12 in his qualifying trials at Swindon and moved well enough in a Hove trial. His progress has been continually interrupted by a niggling injury and a bout of kennel cough but Jeff will thrive when he gets a bit of consistent running. A very interesting runner for sure.

Ballinorig Maeve - At just over three years of age, she may seem another strange choice but believe me this girl can run and has plenty more to give. Tipex has previously won A1 in 28.90 and recorded a very decent 30.14 when winning an Open over Swindon's 509m. She's been laid up a fair while after chipping a bone in her wrist and seasonal rest and has probably been forgotten about by a few people. If staying injury free, she'll have a great 2010.

Trade Paco - Although a winner of only 2 of his 15 races to date, I believe his form is better than it first appears. Paco has not had too much consistent running and I feel that the penny has yet to fully drop with this lad. If and when it does he'll break 29 seconds for fun at Swindon. I also think his future may be over 6 bends in time. An interesting prospect from a very good litter.

Week ending 3rd January 2010

Monday 28th

A good start to the week with 2 winners.

Stanton Sarah won her S2 with a gutsy performance. She won by a couple of lengths in a personal best 42.56.

Stanton Denis won his A2 in unusual style, coming from off the pace to lead coming home. He won in 29.76.

Stanton Polly and Puerto Bound both ran well to finish 2nd.

Calling Light suffered a bad fall at the first bend in her A2. She was very lame when she managed to get up but fortunately she was caught at the pick-up first time before she could do anymore damage. On return to the kennel she was found to have suffered a severe shoulder tear and will face around three months on the easy list.

Wednesday 30th

A great way to end the year with 3 winners.

Argy Bargy got up close home to win her A7 in 30.02.

Youngster, Calling Beauty, got the hang of the A2 grade when leading off the last bend to win in a personal best time of 29.36. She's only a June 08 baby and will be a lovely bitch next year.

Sullane Donie completed the nights hat trick when finishing strongly to win his A2 in 29.24. He loves trap 1 and has won every race that he has had from the red box.

Mutter To Razor ran another good race to finish 2nd in her A5. The ground tonight was shocking and incredibly hard work for the dogs to plough through. This is the type of going where the dogs tend to pick up a lot of strains and pulls. Luckily we've only had Lepus return sore during this bad period of going. She's sore all the way through her hamstrings and calf but should as good as new in around a month.

Friday 1st January

A really up and down way to begin the year with. A day that sums up just about everything that is good and bad about our sport.

From our 7 runners we had 2 knocked over at the first bend and 1 smash a hock clean through. Of the 4 that did manage to complete the course we had 3 winners and a 4th.

The day got off to a bad start with Stanton Tom taking a fall in his A2. Fortunately he seems to have returned none the worse for it but will be given a short break while the ground is poor.

We were then in the winners enclosure as Ling led all the way to win her A3 in 29.65. She needed the ease in grade that she got and this win would have done her confidence the world of good.

We were quickly knocked back again as Gutsy Girl suffered a severely broken hock at the third bend. Nothing was near her at the time and the state of the track may well have been to blame. Still a puppy, Gutsy had won 5 of her 19 races for us including an A2. She would have been a nice dog. Luckily though she was able to be saved and although a return to racing is highly unlikely, she should recover well enough to make someone a great pet. A real downer for the kennel.

Just over 20 minutes later though State Kipper managed to get around the first bend in front and went on to win his A3 by just over four lengths in a personal best 29.39. Kipper has only had four races and has won 2 of them. There is plenty left in the tank and he could make in to a nice grader.

Clomantagh Blue was next up and she finished 4th in her A4. Again, she flew home in her race and led a mile in to the pick up but surprisingly doesn't seem to stay the 6 bends.

Enchanted Cashel was next to take an horrendous looking fall. He was badly concussed and stood motionless on the track until being picked up, he actually tried to bite the chap who got to him which shows just how shaken up he must of been as Cash is the softest and daftest dog you could imagine! Thankfully he returned to the kennels at night full of beans and shows no signs of any injury, although, like Tom, he'll be given a short break before returning to the track.

The day thankfully finished on a good note though as Moving Merry opened her account for us. She led on the run in to win her A5 by 1 1/2 lengths in 29.72.

Saturday 2nd

Luckily we had an incident free night as we returned 1 winner from our 5 runners.

Puppy, Galley Crash, didn't take long to open her account as she scored at only the second time of asking. She didn't break too well but paced up to the bend well and just managed to avoid trouble. She was a fair way behind out of the 2nd bend but stuck on gamely to chase the leaders down. She won by just under a length in the end and recorded a 29.57. Although the time appears nothing special, this was a good run by a novice pup on poor and testing ground. It's very difficult for novices to go straight in to A2 company but she's handled it well and will improve bundles with experience.

***December Dog of the Month***

Goes to Queen Merykara who has been in terrific form winning

all 3 of her races this month in A2 company.

2009 - Year Review

January
We had a good start to the year with four winners coming on the first race day. Live Gambler, Kingoftherun, Stanton Sarah and Clonark Brett all won their A2 races.
Live Gambler was later to be retired during January with a gracilis injury. Charlie as he was known was a fantastic little dog who won 12 races for us after being purchased from Oxford. He recorded a best time of 28.90 at Swindon and also won a 509m Open. He was found a lovely home in Swindon.
Shelbourne Nash provided this months Open race win when dead heating with Wise Maldini in a 509m at Swindon.
This months dog of the month was Forest Best. He won both of his races, an A2 in 29.07 and top heat in 29.17 after returning from injury.
In all we had 33 winners.

February
A fairly quiet month as we lost a fair few meetings through snow and had the Arc at Swindon.
Shelbourne Nash was retired after a gracilis injury. Rocky was a great dog for the kennel. In total he won 18 races for us including 2 opens, 7 A1's and a B1. He could really motor when given a clear run and posted some decent times. He won races in 28.79, 28.82, back when the track was not as quick as it is now. Rocky is still with us at the kennels and loves nothing more than spending the day in the office and having his tea and toast in the morning. He's always been a favourite of mine and has everything you would want in a greyhound, a really old fashioned type dog.
Saleen Thunder was also retired during this month. Norman as he was known was a beautiful dog with a really lovable character. It's amazing he ever chased as he was so laid back! He was taken home by Carol and has a fantastic life.
Stanton Buddy was the dog of the month. He won 2 from 4 including A2 in 29.01 and a top heat in 29.06.
In all we had 15 winners.

March
A busy month at the kennels as work began on the new kennel block.
Ballinabola Wine was retired after suffering a relapse of his post-race breathing difficulties. Bola had always suffered with a lack of oxygen after racing for his previous trainers, but luckily he went nearly a year for us before we had any problems. He was 4 1/2 years old and we decided it wasn't worth risking him, it took a while but eventually he was found a lovely home in Wales. Bola had a lovely turn of early pace and won plenty of races in his time.
Queen Merykara suffered a severe shoulder tear in her second trial back after seasonal rest. It was one of the worst I've seen and it kept her out of action for nearly 8 months. Kara has since done fantastically well, completing a hat trick of wins in December.
Ballinorig Maeve was flying in her qualifying trials posting 16.49, 16.55 and 29.02.
Clonark Brett won the dog of the month after winning 3 of her 5 races including A1 in 28.95. She has since proved herself to be a little bit quirky and got stale with running at Swindon, she was sold on to run at Portsmouth.
In all we had 20 winners.


April
Ballinorig Maeve continued to impress, finishing 2nd in her first A1 and then winning a 509m Open in good style. Tipex is a really decent sort who I'm hoping will have a very good 2010. She suffered a chipped bone in her wrist in August but has been given plenty of time to recover.
Stanton Tom won an A2 in good fashion but was found to have broken a bone just above his hock. He was rated as only 50/50 to race again but recovered very well to return as good as ever.
Not Yet was involved in the infamous 'wrong dog' race at Swindon. Holly ended up running against a decent A1 dog, Villamartin Nogo. She done very well to finish a good 2nd to him...in the A3 !
Stanton Molly retired to her new home in Banbury. She was found a terrific home on a farm. Molly was a lovely 6 bend prospect, in fact she led all the way in her 625m Open at Coventry only to be found lame when we got back to the kennels that night. She had suffered a cracked hock and did well to return to win races only for her other hock to crack.
Cheeseboard won the dog of the month, winning 3 of her 4 races.
In all we had 20 winners.

May
Stanton Teddy began his comeback from a badly broken hock. He flew in his first hand slip and went well in his first 2 sprint trials. At this time we were all very hopeful that Teddy would make a return to the track after 9 months off.
Blue Turmoil having won his previous two 685m races finished last in his S1. It was plainly obvious that something was wrong and he was found to have suffered a severe wrist injury. Seb was given just over 5 months off and has returned better than ever, winning two of his 685m races during December. It just goes to show that patience is everything in this game.
Lepus got us our first ever steward inquiry when bolting up in her A8. She found 74 spots and won by nearly 9 lengths. Our explanation was excepted.
Professional, Centenarys Jill and Shelbourne Royal were all retired to homes during May.
Shelbourne Royal was a real kennel favourite and won us plenty of races. She managed to get to two marathon finals at Coventry but on both occasions had a long distance view of Head It On Jordan's backside! She gave us a lot of pleasure over the two years we had her and could have continued running but we had the chance of a great home for her so Rachel was retired to the sofa.
Easy Eight was in terrific form form winning 2 of her 4 races including A2 in 28.79 and a 480m Open Race in 28.90. Bambi was a very cheap buy from Thurles sales and has done really well.
Stanton Leroy won the dog of the month award when returning from a bad injury to win 2 of his 3 races.
In all we had 26 winners.

June
Stanton Teddy was retired for good after having a small reaction to his hock injury. He had continued his good come back with a 16.81 sprint and a 29.70 four bend trial but did not go as well in his next trial. Teddy would have been a really nice dog but broke his hock in his first ever race for us. It was an A1 where he still recorded 29.13. A massive shame. Teddy was found a lovely home in Swindon.
Kingoftherun was also retired to a home after cracking is hock.
Stanton Bluebell won the dog of the month after winning 2 of her 4 races. She won A1's in 28.80 and 28.82. Bluebell has been a wonderful bitch for fairly cheap money and is not 3 until June.
In all we had 28 winners.

July
This month saw the arrival of Full Bloom into the kennel. Buster had been a terrific dog for his previous trainers, winning the Irish Derby Consolation among many other races. He trialled well in his first sprint recording 16.54 after being given time to settle in and recover from a slight wrist injury.
Stanton Leon was re homed with Julie. Leon broke a bone in the back of his wrist in only his second race for the kennel. He actually won the race but it was a severe injury and we decided it was not worth trying to get him back and risk further damage. He had trialled on in 29.13 and looked a really nice prospect.
Pigheaded was also retired to her owners after picking up a red card in her A7. Piglet was nearly fours years old and had never previously done any wrong. It had been a fiercely hot day at the track and that alone can push some dogs over the edge.
Redstone Turk completed his qualifying trials with a fine 28.83 workout.
Strictly Baileys won this months dog of the month award. Simba won both of his races after returning from injury.
In all we 22 winners.

August
Our best month of the year on the Open Race circuit with 4 winners.
Redstone Turk stole the show this month with a hat trick of wins at Hove. He won his 515m maiden by nearly 6 lengths in a decent 29.74. He then quickly followed it up with a trap to line victory in 29.76. The hat trick was completed by coming from last to first to win in 29.74. It was a great feeling to land a hat trick at Hove and to be the fastest time of the night on each occasion was superb. The attempt at the four timer was thwarted by the M25, we sat in traffic for over 7 hours after the road was closed. Nightmare!
Full Bloom won his last ever race before being retired to stud. Buster led at the half way point to win his 509m Open in 30.54.
The 10th of the month was another special day as we returned with four winners from our four runners.
Twiglish Nick broke his hock in his first ever race for us. He was going in to the first bend when, without trouble, it just went. Such a shame for the owner who had reared and schooled the pup himself.
Redstone Turk won the dog of the month for his Hove exploits.
In all we had 26 winners.

September
The 5th of the month was probably my worst day of the year as we lost the battle to keep Oddson Foxy alive. She had been seriously ill after suffering an horrific fall during a race at Swindon back in June. We had tried everything to keep her going but it was kinder in the end to have her put to sleep. It broke my heart to do it as she was such a lovely greyhound with a really sweet nature.
Redstone Turk landed a nice touch when winning his 509m Open at Swindon. Despite his terrific form at Hove, the bookies decided to open Turk up at 5/1. Luvley Jubbley!
Lady Jaro won her first race for the kennel. She suffered a broken shoulder blade in only her third race back in March and it was feared that she might never make a comeback. But after 5 months of treatment and hard work, it was brilliant to see her win a race - an A3 in 29.27.

October
The month started badly for us at Hove with Redstone Turk getting badly crowded on the first bend and finishing 5th. It was quickly clear that not all was well with the dog and after a trip to Rugely on Sunday to see our physio, it was confirmed that Turk had damaged his tendon and bone at the back of his wrist. He faces around 5 months off the track.
Superstar Lilly trialled very well at Hove, recording 30.05. A week later she ran 2nd in a top quality puppy open, beaten around 3 lengths by Nick Savva'a highly promising Ardmayle Courier.
Kylies Magic was re homed to a lovely place in Southampton. Kylie was probably one of the best bitches we've had but was continually going lame. She finished 2nd in a puppy Open in her first ever race but went lame when favourite in the first round of the puppy Derby at Peterbrough. She did manage to win a couple of A2's at Swindon although the trip was too far and the injuries had taken their tole.
One of our better months at Swindon as the graders were in flying form. The gallop, as ever, had been in constant use with different dogs going through their paces on 220 occasions during the month.
In all we had 31 winners.

November
A month of change in the kennel as Clonark Brett, Field Son, Harlequin Heidi, Ballyphilip Lady and Forest Best were all moved on to new pastures to make room for some new stock.
Monday 9th sticks in the memory. We had 7 bridesmaids from our 10 runners!
Superstar Lily was stepped up to 6 bends for the first time at Hall Green. She was desperately unlucky after being badly crowded on the third bend when coming through to challenge. A week later she won her Hove 695m maiden in good fashion. She lead all the way to score in a decent 41.35.
Stanton Bluebell finished runner up on 4 occasions during the month in her opens at Hall Green and Hove.
In all we had 24 winners.

December
We got off to a great start in December with 6 winners in the first couple of meetings. Superstar Lily's follow up win at Hove was the highlight as she ran her rivals ragged to win by over 7 lengths in a flying 41.05. She would return to Hove the following week to contest the Ballyregan Bob Memorial race. We were sent off second favourite but suffered very bad crowding around the third bend and finished last. She was found to be lame after the race and faces 4-6 weeks off which she probably would have had anyway with all the bad weather.
Queen Merykara returned to top form after her injury problems to win all 3 of her races this month. This was enough to win her the December Dog of the Month.
We had 29 winners during December which took our total for the year to 294. We'll be working hard to break that 300 barrier next year. This will be a good target to aim for.

I'd just like to thank all of our owners, staff and people associated with our kennel for all their support and hard work during the year. It is all very much appreciated. Here's hoping we have a great 2010 !

Week ending 27th December 2009

Monday 21st
Just the 3 meetings this week due to Christmas.
The week started well with 2 winners and a couple of 2nds.
Class Eagle won her S2 in game fashion when just getting up on the line. She won in 42.37.
Stanton Ollie got a much deserved win in his A5. He quickly hit the front and won well in 29.80.
Beanos Shakira and Calling Beauty both ran well finishing as runners up.
Wednesday 23rd
Another 2 winners tonight from our 8 runners.
Blue Turmoil won another s2. This time he done it the hard way as he missed the kick at the start but battled on gamely to take the lead on the 5th bend. He stayed on well on poor going and won in 42.24. Seb has now won 4 of his 5 six bend races at Swindon, he broke a bone in his wrist on the only time he was beaten.
Queen Merykara notched up a hat trick of wins when flashing from the traps to make all against a decent A2 field. She won in 29.27.
Saturday 26th
Just the one winner today.
Puppy, I Certainly May, made it 2 wins from 2 starts as she led all the way in her A7. She won by nearly 3 lengths in a decent time for the grade, 29.83.

Week ending 20th December 2009

Monday 14th
Well they very often say that a bad week follows a good one and that's just what happened.
We had 1 winner and 4 2nds from our runners today.
Slaneyside Molly ran a blinder to win her A5 in a personal best 29.66. Molly has done well for us and isn't 2 years of age until June.
Trade Paco, Stanton Sarah, Queue Pea Are and Puerto Bound all finished as runners up.
Tuesday 15th
A busy day at the kennel with physio, Robert Meek checking over around 20 dogs and 7 going to Swindon for trials.
Stanton Bluebell re qualified with a fastest of the session 29.08. Twiglish Chav posted a pleasing 29.25. Chav was a former A7 Oxford dog, it's taken nearly 4 months to get the dog right since arriving but it looks to have been well worth it. His owner deserves all the luck in the world with this fellow.
Rackethall Kenny (17.13), Princess Ziggy (16.76) and Petite Snowei (16.63) all went well in their sprint trials.
Wednesday 16th
Another 3 2nds to add to our recent haul. Danielles Leah, Mutter To Razor and Stanton Tom were tonight's bridesmaids.
Friday 18th
Both meeting's were lost today due to a frozen track.
Saturday 19th
Another meeting lost due to a frozen track.

Week ending 13th December 2009

Monday 7th
Another fantastic week started with 2 winners.

Calling Light bolted from the boxes and led all the way in her A2 to win in 29.18.

Queen Merykara ran a blinder to come from last to first in her A2. She recorded 29.40.

Wednesday 9th

2 more winners tonight. Lady Jaro continued her excellent form to win another A2. She led around the first and was never in danger of being beaten. She won in 29.18 and has now won 4 of her last 6 races.

Stanton Polly pinged the lids and led all the way to win her A3 in 29.60.

Thursday 10th

A trip to Hove tonight with 3 runners.

Trade Paco was out of luck in his puppy Open, finishing 4th.

Stanton Bluebell ran another cracking race for us. She bolted from the boxes and led in her 475m race until the 3rd bend where she drifted wide. She stuck on gamely though to finish 3rd.

Superstar Lilly contested the £1000 Ballyregan Bob memorial race but was bang out of luck on the night. Megan didn't trap in her best fashion but showed good pace to just edge in front around the first bend. However, they all came out of the second bend in a heap and it looked likely that something would have to give going in to the third bend. Unfortunately as Megan was about to turn the third in 2nd place the 1 dog got up her inside and sent her flying across the track. It was a good job the 6 dog was out wide of her as he kept our girl from falling over. But our race had ended there and then. It was a shame not to get a run on the night but these things happen. Multiple Category 1 winner Lorrys Option went on to win the race in 41.24.

It was fantastic to be involved in the race though and it was a great experience and a real credit to the bitch to contest such a race in only her 4th ever staying contest. Megan's previous victory on the Saturday had made her the Racing Post's top rated stayer of the week on 108.

She'll be put away now for a few weeks and hopefully we'll have a great year with her in 2010.

Friday 11th

A really good day today with 4 winners.

Stanton Jerry won his 5th race from his last 6 starts when leading at the first bend to win his A2 in 29.10. This was Jerry's 10th A2 win this year, he's done us proud.

July 08 baby, Reagrove Dream won her first ever race when finishing strongly in her A5. She won in 29.85 and looks a nice little bitch.

Queen Merykara won her second race of the week. This time she flew the boxes and got the better of Stanton Tom going in to the third bend. She went on to win nicely in 29.33.

Blue Turmoil completed the days winners when leading all the way in his S2. He won in 42.28. It was great to see Seb get a much deserved win after a 5 month lay off with a serious wrist injury. He'll be kept to 6 bends now, and if staying sound, will win his share.

Danielles Leah deserves a mention. Although finishing 3rd in her race, she clocked a personal best 29.25. Leah got it all wrong at the boxes but really sticks to her guns and will post a quick run when everything comes together for her.

Saturday 12th

A great end to the week with 3 more winners.

July 08 puppy, I certainly May, won on her debut. She ran a clever first bend for such a baby and worked hard to catch the early leader around the third bend. She went on nicely to win by 2 lengths in 30.25. May is an adorable little girl with a really sweet nature.

Hell Razor ran another gutsy race to lead all the way in his A3. He won in 29.50 and will simply never give up. He's a cracking little dog.

Gutsy Girl completed the night's hat trick when leading all the way in her A2. She won in a personal best 29.24 and is still not 2 years of age until February.

Beanos Shakira (beaten a hd) and Stanton Denis ran well in their races to finish 2nd.

Week ending 6th December 2009

Monday 30th
A great start to what would end up being a fantastic week for the kennel.
We came home with 3 winners today. Whateverittakes got a much deserved win in his A6, winning in 29.86.
Slaneyside Molly continued her good form with a dead heat win in her A5. She showed a lot of guts to come from behind in 29.86.
Stanton Jerry completed the days hat trick when winning another A2 in 29.17. He's now won 4 of his last 5 races and has never been better. He's been a tremendous dog for us.
Wednesday 2nd
Just the one winner tonight. Sullane Donie got the hang of the A2 after his 3 grade hike to win going away in 29.34. Hopefully he'll continue to improve for us and looks the type to win his fair share.
Friday 4th
A great day with 5 winners.
Mutter To Razor got the ball rolling with a good win in A5 grade. She won in 29.90 and never runs a bad race.
Class Eagle flew from the boxes to win her S2 in great style. She posted a personal best of 42.29 and we were lucky not to get in to trouble with the stewards for her improved performance! She's a cracking little bitch when hitting the front early.
Stanton Sarah won her A4 in 29.61 and is another who's been in good form recently.
Ah Sure Cool ran a blinder to bravely win his A5 in 30.00. The conditions were awful which Paddy doesn't normally like but at 4 1/2 years of age is running as well as ever.
Lady Jaro ran another cracking race to win her A2 in a personal best 29.14. Jaro has done remarkably well since cracking her shoulder blade as a young novice and it's makes you wonder what she could have been without that injury.
Saturday 5th
We took another trip to Hove tonight and there must be something in the sea air that our dogs like as we had a great night again.
Stanton Bluebell finished 2nd yet again in her sprint open. She's run another blinder for us and is in great heart. She really deserves a Open win her CV. She'll be stepped back up in trip to run over Hove's 475m trip next time.
Superstar Lily really lived up to her name again tonight when demolishing the opposition in her 695m Open by 7 1/2 lengths. Megan led at the first bend and drew right away from the field and stayed the trip really well to win in a super fast 41.05. This was some run considering it was only her 3rd ever 6 bend race and the conditions on the night were dreadful. She's such an exciting prospect.
Megan will hopefully be excepted to run in the prestigious Ballyregan Bob Memorial race on Thursday night. It would be fantastic to have a runner in such a race.

*****November Dog of the Month*****

Stanton Jerry wins the award for this month.

He's been in great form winning 2 of his 3 A2 races.

Week ending 29th November 2009

Monday 23rd
A poor start to what would end up being a very lean week on the graded front.
Luck deserted us today as any of our runners that had a chance were soon put out their races by trouble at the bend. A day to forget but thankfully the dogs all returned safe.
Tuesday 24th
A trip to Hall Green tonight with Bluebell and Trade Paco.
Bluebell ran another cracking race to finish 2nd in her sprint Open to the top class Officer Donagh. She is running out of skin at the moment but has been very unlucky to keep meeting some top class dogs.
Trade Paco finished last in his 645m Open after being forced to check around the first bend. In truth though the track did not suit Paco and he'd be very doubtful to return there.
Wednesday 25th
Our best night of the week with our graded runners with 2 winners from 4 runners.
Puppy, Gutsy Girl, won A2 grade at the first time of asking when scoring in 29.53. 'Guts' is not the bravest at the kennels and hates being around anyone new but she is as brave as a lion on the track and has done fantastically well to improve through the grades.
Calling Light returned to top form when leading all the way in her A2. She was never in danger of being beaten and recorded a personal best of 29.17.
Thursday 26th
Tonight we took a trip to Hove and what a night we had!
Superstar Lily flew the boxes in her 695m Open and led from the first bend. Megan seems to love the banked bends at Hove and went 8 lengths clear of her field before tiring a little on the run in to win by almost 4 lengths. This was only Megan's 2nd ever stayers race and at only just 2 years of age is sure to keep improving. Her winning time of 41.35 is among the quickest runs of the year around there and is a hugely exciting prospect for next year. We wont be over doing things with Megan and she'll probably only have a few more runs before being put away for the winter.
Bluebell again finished as bridesmaid in her sprint open. This time she was beaten around a length to the very useful Ballymac Pines of Matt Dartnell. She did not trap in her best fashion but showed superb early before being crowded out around the first. She made around a length and a half up on the winner from the second bend and will surely win a sprint Open when Lady Luck shines on her. She is running very well though and is giving us a great deal of fun.
Both Megan and Bluebell will be heading back to Hove a week Saturday all being well.
Friday 27th
Although we did not manage any winners today there were a few very good performances.
Forest Jessie ran another blinder today. After getting stopped at the first and the third bends she did not give up and chased a decent winner down to around a length. She still recorded 29.33 after all the traffic problems and as she is not 2 until January she looks a lovely prospect. Jessie will hopefully be given a trial around Hove a week Saturday, the stiff 515m will be ideal for her.
Trade Paco, although beaten tonight, probably ran his best ever race for us. Paco was almost put on the floor at the first bend and was at least 8 lengths adrift of the leader out the second bend. But he showed terrific back pace and stayed very strongly to only be beaten just over 2 lengths to the fastest time of the night, 28.95. For Paco to record 29.23 after the trouble he got was a great run for a puppy. He wont be over raced as he looks like a really nice prospect for next year.
Others to finish 2nd in their races were Danielles Leah (29.34) and Calling Beauty (29.43). Beauty is very young still and has done very well to make A2 already. She'll be another nice sort for next year.
Twiglish Whitty took a nasty tumble at the third bend in her race but luckily is none the worse for it.
Saturday 28th
A horrible wet and windy night at Swindon where it was very difficult to win on the inside. Unfortunately we had all rails and middle runners which did not help our chances.
Loyal Fantasy stayed strongly to finish 2nd in her A6. Mutter To Razor ran a stormer to finish 3rd in her A5 after trouble at the first bend. Mutts stayed on really well and will make a nice 6 bender for next year.

Week ending 22th November 2009

Monday 16th
Just the one winner today but the dogs generally performed really well again.
Trade Paco made light work of a decent A2 to win by nearly 3 lengths in a personal best of 29.08. Paco would have won further if getting a run at the third bend but stuck to his guns well and flew around to the pick up. He certainly looks like a nice stayer and will be stepped up in trip for a maiden Open at Hall Green next week.
Stanton Tom ran well in another good A2, beaten just a head in 29.30.
Tuesday 17th
Another trip to Hall Green tonight but we had no luck at all in our races.
Stanton Bluebell was having a great battle with the 6 dog in her sprint and they were neck and neck going around the second bend only for the 3 dog to run straight on at the bend and take the pair of them out the race. Bluebell would have gone very close and she'll be heading back next week to try again.
Superstar Lilly ran a blinder in her first ever 6 bend race. She was slowly into stride and crowded all the way around the opening turn. However, she flew down the home straight first time to get herself back into the race and was challenging the dog in second when being badly forced to check and lost an awful lot of ground. Megan was not finished there though and unleashed terrific pace down the back and stayed the trip very strongly to chase the winner down to a length at the finish line. She'll be going to Hove next week.
Wednesday 18th
Just the 5 runners tonight. Class Eagle provided our winner when scoring easily in her A4. She pinged the lids and led all the way to record a personal best 29.25.
Friday 20th
2 winners and plenty of seconds today.
Parnell Lee won well in his A2 to score in 29.15. He's a big old lump of a dog who should start to love this winter going that we are getting.
Youngster, Calling Beauty made it 3 wins from 6 starts as she led pretty much all the way in her A3 to win in 29.44. She flew from the traps to record a decent 2.35 sectional.
Mutter To Razor, Twiglish Whitty, Forest Jessie and Danielles Leah all ran well to finish 2nd.
Cheeseboard finished lame in her race tonight and faces a 6 week lay off.
Stanton Denis who suffered a bad fall in his race is luckily none the worse for it and should be back in action soon enough.
Saturday 21st
Another couple of seconds to add to our recent collection.
Easy Eight and Stanton Sarah were just denied in their races on what was a horrible wet and windy night.
Realt Gael is another to finish lame after her race and like Cheeseboard faces a 6 week lay off.

Week ending 15th November 2009

Monday 9th
A funny old start to what would end up being another very good week.

Today we took 10 runners to Swindon and ended up with 7 seconds! 4 of which were only beaten in photo finishes.

Ah Sure Cool, Slaneyside Molly, Class Eagle, Gutsy Girl, Stanton Tom, Realt Gael and Queen Merykara all had to settle for the silver medal.

Tuesday 10th

Tonight we took 4 runners to Hall Green to compete in some Open Races.

Stanton Bluebell again ran a smashing race to finish 2nd in her Sprint. She was against two top class dogs in Officer Donagh and Rotar Wing but did us proud to split these two at the line.

Superstar Lily, Trade Paco and Blue Turmoil all ran well enough in their races.

Bluebell and Superstar Lily will be heading back to Hall Green next week.

Wednesday 11th

Just the one winner tonight. Stanton Denis led all the way in his A2 to win in 29.46.

Friday 13th

The date certainly wasn't unlucky for us as we returned with 5 winners.

Clomantagh 'the machine' Blue as she is now known made it a hat trick of wins with a superb 7 length A5 victory. Chloe turned handy off the second bend and ran right away from her rivals and led a mile in to the pick up. She recorded a personal best 29.57 and will be trialling over 6 bends on Tuesday.

Youngster, Gutsy Girl, quickly got the hang of the A3 grade to win a decent race in 29.46. Gutsy has learnt the game really well over the past few weeks and is flying at the moment.

Lady Jaro won her second race in a row when leading from the first bend in her A2. She strung the rest out like washing going in to the third bend before tiring on bad going close home. She won in a good 29.33.

Stanton Jerry, as mentioned last week is thriving on his increased work on the gallops and won his third race on the trot when leading at the first to win his A2 in 29.42.

Puerto Bound completed the night with a good win in her A3. She led round the first bend and was never going to be beaten. She won in 29.39 and will continue to improve.

Special mention of Queue Pea Are who ran a blinder to finish 2nd in his A5. Buzz was only beaten a shd and recorded his joint fastest time of 29.54.

Saturday 14th

A fairly quiet night with only 6 runners.

Sullane Donie lived up to his Irish form with an easy win in his A5. He led from the second bend and went on to record a decent 29.22. It will be interesting to see how he competes when upped to A2 on the back of this run. There is plenty left in the tank.

Forest Jessie ran a stormer to finish 2nd in her A2. Jess was crowded on the run to bend but showed lovely pace down the back to get in to contention and would have won easily if she could of got a clear run around the 3rd and 4th bends. This was a really good run by a pup having her first race in A2 grade. She'll be a really interesting runner to follow.

Week ending 8th November 2009

Monday 2nd
Just the one winner today. Ah Sure Cool got a much deserved win when scoring in his A5. He won in 29.76.
Wednesday 4th
Slaneyside Molly won her first race tonight in good fashion. She quickly hit the front in her A7 and won in a much improved time of 29.81. Molly is only a baby and will continue to improve.
Youngster, Gutsy Girl, took her two grade hike well when finishing a good second in A3. She's learnt the game well over recent weeks and should make decent grade.
Thursday 5th
A trip to Hove tonight with Stanton Bluebell and Superstar Lily.
Bluebell ran a blinder to finish second in her sprint open. Although soundly beaten by a very impressive winner, bluebell did us proud at odds of 14/1.
Superstar Lily was desperatly unlucky in her 515m open. She trapped well and looked set for a lovely run around the first bend only for the 1 dog to run off at the bend and badly hamper her. She is a bitch with plenty of ability but is just not having the luck in her Opens races at present.
Friday 6th
A very good day with 4 winners.
Ashby Crown won his last race for the kennel when winning his A2 in 29.54. Although Ashby is running out of his skin at the moment, the chance of a very good home for him came up, and at 4 1/2 years of age it was decided to retire him in one piece to enjoy a great retirement. Ashby won lots of races for us and at his best just broke the 29 second barrier at Swindon.
Clomantagh Blue continued her good form with a gutsy performance to win her A6 in 29.84.
Calling Beauty made light work of a 2 grade hike when winning well in A4. She was made to work hard to hit the front tonight but once she did the result was in little doubt. She won in a decent 29.46 and looks a smashing prospect for next year.
Forest Jessie completed the night's hat trick when running a blinder to win her first race. Jessie seemed in an impossible position at the second bend but showed terrific pace down the back and stayed on strongly to win her A3 in 29.56.
Saturday 7th
Enchanted Cashel ran back to form when leading all the way in his A2. He flew from the boxes and never looked in danger of being beaten. He won in 29.25.
Stanton Buddy, Twiglish Whitty and Well Lilly all ran well in defeat.

Week ending 1st November 2009

Monday 26th
Just the one winner today.

Stanton Jerry ran a blinder to come from behind to win his A2. Jerry fell from the boxes and was crowded around the opening turn but he showed fantastic back straight pace to come from 5th to lead by the third bend and stayed on really well to run out a comfy winner. Jerry's work on the gallop has been upped in recent weeks and it's certainly doing the trick for him. He's in great form.

Wednesday 28th

1 winner from our 6 runners.

Lady Jaro has done fantastically well since returning from injury and notched up another A2 win. She just got her head in front around the first and never looked in danger of being beaten. She won in 29.24.

Friday 30th

Well, what a day this would turn out to be! A record 7 winners on the day for us and a couple of seconds as well.

We should have known we were in for a good day when Clomantagh Blue won a race (sorry Julie!). Chloe ran a blinder to be fair and won her A7 well in 29.86. She'll be stepped up to 6 bends shortly.

Gutsy Girl had a much better draw in 2 this week and duly obliged to win her A5 in a personal best time of 29.46.

Queen Merykara bounced back to form with a bang to win her A3 in good style. She quickly hit the front and recorded the day's fastest time of 29.10. This was Kara's first win this year due to injury and seasons but she will go from strength to strength now.

Stanton Leroy, having his first race for 3 weeks, led all the way in his A2 to record his 15th career victory. Leroy was a very cheap purchase from Ireland and has done the kennel proud. He won today in 29.47. To me this emphasises the massive importance of having a good gallop to use. Leroy has been kept very busy in his work and even after 3 weeks without a race, he was able to go to the track a fit dog and perform at his best. We certainly could not be without it.

Argy Bargy, having only her second career start, won her A8 in good fashion. She hit the front around the opening turn and stayed on gamely to win in 30.24. She's only a July 08 whelp and will win plenty of races.

Calling Beauty was perhaps the star of the show today. Having only her second ever race, she flew from the boxes to win her A6 in great style. She recorded 29.64, which for a June 08 baby, was a tremendous effort. She'll be given another 3 or 4 runs before being put away for a break over the winter.

The final winner of the day came courtesy of State Kipper. This was this fellas first race in this Country (he'd only raced twice before in Ireland) and he showed plenty of ability to win A4 at the first time of asking. There is a mile left in this pup and he looks a great addition to the kennel. Queue Pea Are ran in Kipper's race and was desperately unlucky not to win it himself. Buzz fell from the boxes but showed good pace to the bend only to get crowded out. He flew down the back and looked the likely winner going in to the third before being badly hampered again. He should go close next time given a run.

Burnpark Amy only got beat a short head in her A3. She recorded a personal best of 29.38.

Another couple worthy of note from today are Forest Crash and Stanton Buddy. Crash was very unlucky in his A2 and would have gone very close with a run. This pup has only had a handful of races and has plenty left to learn but he has a lot of ability and looks a top grade dog in the making. Stanton Buddy finished 3rd in his A2 but showed much of his old sparkle and would have gone much closer without trouble. He'll be one to watch for next time.

Saturday 31st

Another great night with 3 winners from our 6 runners.

Harlequin Heidi led all the way in her A6 to record a personal best 29.79.

Mutter to Razor or 'mutts' as she is lovingly known ran a stormer to win her A6 by 5 lengths in a personal best 29.80. Mutts is an adorable little girl who has real character. She has a massive heart for such a small bitch (23 kilo is top whack for her!) and is a delight to train. She'll be great fun for her owners and will be stepped up in distance when she gets a bit older.

Stanton Bluebell completed the night's hat trick when storming back to form after her seasonal break. She quickly hit the front in her A2 and ran out a comfortable winner. She'll be off to Hove on Thursday for an Open Race.

*October Dog of the Month*

Well Lilly wins this month's award.

She has been in terrific form winning 3 of her 4 races,

going from A3 to winning A1 in the process.

Jerry (2 from 3) and Lady Jaro (2 from 4) have also had good months.

Week ending 25th October 2009

Monday 19th

A good start to the week with 2 winners and a 2nd.

Stanton Sarah just got up on the line to win her A3 in 29.64.

Class Eagle also just got up the line to win her A4 in 29.72.

Ah Sure Cool ran another good race when finishing 2nd in his A5.

Tuesday 20th

A fairly quiet trial session with just 5 dogs going through their paces.

Recent arrival, Danielles Leah, impressed in her final trial when clocking 29.36. Young pups, Argy Bargy (30.59) and Calling Beauty (30.17) also had their final trials.

Field Son returned to the track after a spell on the sidelines with a 16.75 sprint trial. Forest Jessie (16.72) also went well after being knocked over last time out.

Wednesday 21st

Dance Izzy provided the night's winner when scoring in her A3. She's only a March 08 baby and has done well since joining us. She won in 29.49.

Perhaps though the run of the night for us came from Trade Paco. Having his first start for nearly 3 weeks he finished a good 2nd in his A2, clocking a decent 29.25. He was a mile clear into the pick up and certainly looks to be shaping up into a decent staying prospect. He's one to watch.

Friday 23rd

Just the 1 winner today but plenty of seconds.

Class Eagle won her second race of the week when just getting up on the line to win her A4 in 29.78.

Easy Eight, Stanton Denis, Ashby Crown and Calling Beauty all finished as runner up in their races. Calling Beauty is only a June 08 pup but ran with real credit on her debut to be beaten close home. She'll improve plenty for that run and looks a winner in the making soon enough.

Saturday 24th

Another couple of seconds to add to our recent collection! Argy Bargy had her first ever race tonight and finished a game runner up in her A8. She wont be long in winning that's for sure.

Hell Razor ran another good race to finish 2nd in his A3. Well Lilly came from mile behind to finish 3rd in her A1. She was a mile clear at the drop and will be trialled over the 685m on Tuesday.

Week ending 18th October 2009

Monday 12th
Only a few runners for us today. Bers Rose returned our best result when finishing 2nd in her A2 recording 29.18 and should win next time given a decent draw..

Tuesday 13th
11 dogs today were sent to Swindon for trials. Our 7 Cork recruits had their first 480m trials and all qualified nicely.
Queue Pea Are (30.05), Stanton Bluebell (29.46), Stanton Buddy (29.47) and Stanton Ollie (30.18) all returned to the racing strength after their lay offs.
Wednesday 14th
A fairly good night returned two winners. Stanton Jerry came from behind to win his A2 in game style. He won in 29.27.
Well Lilly completed her hat trick in style when coming from off the pace to win her A1 in 29.11. She's marched through the grades from A3 in recent weeks. She'll hope fully run in a 685m Open at Swindon next Wednesday which will qualify her for the stayers trip.
Youngster, Forest Jessie suffered a bad fall in only her 4th start but fortunately returned home safe and sound.
Friday 16th
We only had runners at the BAGS meeting today but still returned with a couple of winners. Ashby Crown has been a good servant over the last couple of years and dead heated in his A2. He recorded 29.29.
Ling won another A2 with a typically gutsy performance. She won in 29.30 has has done the kennel proud since joining us.
Young pup, Dance Izzy ran well to finish 2nd in her A3 after early crowding. She is only a March 08 whelp but is doing very well to compete at this level so early in her career. She might make in to a nice stayer later on.
Saturday 17th
Our 7 runners tonight produced one winner and a 2nd.
June 08 pup, Slaneyside Molly, made her debut tonight in the A7. She did not break particularly well but paced up to the bend really well to lead at the first. She managed to pull a couple clear but ran green and swung wide off the last bend. She finished 2nd but recorded a nice 30.19. She'll be winning this grade sooner rather than later.
We were made to wait for our winner tonight as Parnell Lee won the last race on the card. He did not break very well but showed lovely early to lead at the bend and stretched the field out down the back . He won this A2 in 29.29.

Week ending 11th October 2009

Monday 5th
Firstly sorry to skip a couple of weeks on the blog. Thing's have been rather hectic of late but hopefully I should be able to keep up to date with it now.

Today turned out to be a great day for the kennel with 4 winners.

Burnpark Amy continued her march up the grades with a good win in A4. She came from last to first again to win in 29.61. Amy looks to be shaping into a tidy stayer and will be stepped up in distance shortly.

Gutsy Girl won her first race for us today when leading all the way in her A5. She won in 29.80.

Trade Paco probably stole the show though when winning his A3 in good style, posting a decent 29.32. Paco had been given a Puppy Open at Hove the week before and he certainly benefited from the experience and done the job well at Swindon. He's only had 5 races and will continue to improve.

Lady Jaro completed a fantastic day when just getting up to win her A2 in 29.50. Jaro is a really nice youngster who has done remarkably well since returning from her cracked shoulder blade.

Stanton Jerry came close to making it a five timer for us when just getting caught close home to be denied in his A2.

Tuesday 6th

A busy trial day with 11 dogs all having sprints.

Queue Pea Are returned from a bout of tonsillitis with a good 16.83. Stanton Ollie had been off a month with the cough but moved well enough to record 16.94. Stanton Buddy had been given a 6 week break and it appeared to have done him some good as he recorded a fastest of the day 16.48.

Stanton Bluebell was given a full 3 month seasonal break and she recorded a good 16.63. Bluebell is a really decent bitch when she's on form and she will be heading out on the Open Race scene when fully fit again.

Our 7 new Cork recruits all moved nicely in their first look at Swindon and it will be great to see them progress over the coming weeks. There certainly looks to be one or two top grade hounds amongst them.

Wednesday 7th

A quiet night with only a few runners. Enchanted Cashel was our best result when finishing a close 2nd in his A2.

Thursday 8th

Tonight we took a trip to Hove with Superstar Lily to compete in a Puppy Open. Megan had a look at Hove last week when posting a fastest of the session 30.03 in a trial and ran a blinder to finish 2nd in her race tonight.

We were unlucky to find ourselves in such a good class Open but she more than competed against some top youngsters. This was only Megan's 4th race of her life and will continue to improve. She wont be over raced though and a possible crack at the Oaks is very much in our plans if she continues going the right way.

Friday 9th

A fairly good day produced 2 winners and quite a few seconds!

Well Lilly has hit peak form again and won her A2 in 29.09. She'll be stepped back up in distance again now that she is back running well.

Forest Crash won an A3 in only his second ever race. He trapped fairly well and paced up to the bend nicely to turn second. He showed decent back pace to lead at the third and win well. He recorded a good 29.40 and will be one to watch out for in the coming weeks.

Special mention of Blue Turmoil who had his first race back tonight after exactly 5 months off with a badly injured wrist. He ran an absolute blinder to only be beaten a shd in the A2. Thank fully he returned safe and sound and will be back to winning ways soon.

Saturday 10th

Another excellent night returned 3 winners. Harlequin Heidi won the first race of her career when leading all the way in her A7. She won in 30.01. Heidi has been very unlucky with injuries but is hopefully over them now and she can have some regular running which will do her the world of good.

Hell Razor continues to surprise everyone and won again tonight in A3. He battled really hard to win and gives everything he has every time he goes on the track. He is a smashing little dog. He won in 29.67.

Calling Light completed the night's hat trick when leading all the way to win her A2 in 29.27.

*****September Dog of the Month*****

Hell Razor stands head and shoulders above anything else in this months award.

He won 3 of his 6 races during September and has risen up through the grades from A5 to A3.

He also recorded a personal best time of 29.39.

Week ending 20th September 2009

Monday 14th
A quiet day at swindon produced one winner. Stanton Denis returned to a bit of form when winning his A2 in 29.28.
Tonight we took a trip to Nottingham with Redstone Turk for the first round of the RGT Standard Trophy. We found ourselves in a very hot heat but managed to qualify for the final by finishing 3rd. Although beaten by around 6 lengths to Barrie Drapers hot pot, Turk would find loads of time for having a look round the place and it's great to make the final for a chance to compete against the Lister's of this world.
Tuesday 15th
A fairly busy trial session with 8 dogs going today. Calling Light (29.84), Lady Jaro (29.47) and Bers Rose (29.48) all returned to the racing strength and will be winning plenty of races in the near future. Youngsters Forest Crash (29.58), Forest Jessie (29.83) and Slaneyside Molly (30.26) all went plenty well enough in their first four bend trials. Bet Ya Clodagh (16.52) and Ballinihini Dini (16.51) moved very well in their sprint trials.
Wednesday 16th
A quiet night with only two runners. Ballyphilip Lady ran well enough when finishing 2nd in her A3. Parnell Lee had every chance when finishing 4th in a good A2. He's a nice dog but is struggling to cope with the fast going and is one who will suit the winter going.
Friday 17th
A good day with 3 winners and 3 seconds. Hell Razor continues to surprise everyone and won again today in A3. He ran a really gutsy race to win in 29.68.
Twiglish Whitty relished the inside draw she got for the first time to win her A3 well in 29.49. She's only had a handful of races but has done very well for us.
Superstar Lily got of the mark in only her second ever race, and what a race she ran. Slowly in to stride she suffered a bit of crowding on the run to the bend and took a whack on the bend to leave her in last place coming out of the second. However this didn't faze her and she unleashed her terrific back pace to get her back in to the race and stayed incredibly well to real the leader back just before the line. She took off after the line and was probably running faster in to the drop than at any point in the race. She won in 29.49 and is a really exciting prospect.
Trade Paco, Whateverittakes and Ah Sure Cool all ran well to finish 2nd in their races.
Saturday 18th
What a night this would turn out to be!
From our 9 runners we produced 4 winners and 4 seconds, 2 of which were beaten in photo finishes. With a tad more luck we could of easily walked away with 7 winners tonight.
Mutter To Razor got things off to a great start when winning her first race for us. She's only a baby at March 08 and at just 23kg she is by the far the smallest in the kennel but she has got one big heart! Completely unfazed by the whole night she pulled like a pit bull on parade and totally loves the game. She ran a brave first bend and stayed every inch of the trip to win her A7 well in 29.96.
Stanton Polly got the down grade that she needed to win her trouble filled A4 in a canter. She won in 29.46.
Lady Jaro showed terrific early pace to win her first race back after a short break. She really stretched them out down the back and won her A3 very well in a good 29.27. It was great to see her get her first win after suffering that cracked shoulder blade early on in her career. She is a really nice sort and should win plenty more.
Stanton Tom completed the nights four timer when leading all the way in his A2. He was never in danger of being beaten and won in 29.22.
Dance Izzy was again so unlucky in her A5. She fell out the boxes and was crowded around the bend to leave herself with a lot to do entering the back straight. She showed lovely pace down the back but again got crowded out rounding the third turn which cost her the race. She flew home again and stayed really well in to the drop. Surely she must win next time with just a bit of luck!
Bers Rose ran a blinder in her first race back from season and just got caught on the line to be beaten a short head. She will relish the excellent track conditions we now have at Swindon and will win plenty of races.
Easy Eight returned to something like her old self tonight when just being beaten in a photo finish. She showed her trademark early pace and ran away from them down the back. However she swung really wide off the last bend and gifted the race to the fast finishing 2 dog. It's nice to see her hit a bit of form again and it wont be long before she's back on the Open scene.
Stanton Jerry also ran a blinder to finish second in his A2. He didn't lead but showed a lot of guts to make a real race of it.
In a pre race trial, youngster, Forest Jessie qualified for racing when recording 29.69.

Redstone Turk was due to run in the RGT Standard trophy final at Nottingham tonight, however he had to be withdrawn after suffering a small bout of the cough during the week. It's a real shame to miss out on the chance to run in a good quality final with him but I'm sure there will be plenty more opportunities in the future.

Week ending 13th September 2009

Monday 7th
A really good start to the week with 2 winners from our 5 runners. Stanton Sarah got the down grade that she needed and duly obliged when winning her A4 on the line in 29.53.
Ashby Crown provided the days other winner when comfortably scoring in his A2 in 29.16.
Tuesday 8th
Today's trial session couldn't have gone much better. Queen Merykara (29.79) and Burnpark Amy (29.70) both moved well and returned to the racing strength.
Bers Rose returned from her seasonal break to record a fast 16.55. Calling Light trialled for the first time in a couple of months since spraining a wrist to post 16.73.
Race dogs Ballinihini Dini (16.73) and Harlequin Heidi (16.86) went well after returning from injury.
Unraced pups Forest Crash (16.67), Forest Jessie (17.17) and Slaneyside Molly (17.08) delighted us with their first look at the track. Another set of promising youngsters.
Wednesday 9th
Tonight turned out to be a very good and profitable night!
Redstone Turk won his 509m Open Race by just a neck in the end. He hit the front going into the first bend and showed awesome pace down the back to race 6 lengths clear of a very decent field. However, he again showed that he doesn't run Swindon particuly well by running on the hare rail around the last two bends. The plan was to run him in the Pride of the West at Swindon later in the month but that looks doubtful now. The bookies kindly offered a huge 5/1 about Turk which we found a bit insulting, so we had the pleasure in taking them for a few quid. Turk will be off to Nottingham next for a small competition. This is a nice quote taken from the Racing Post website:
"Redstone Turk (5-2 from 9-2) landed a substantial gamble in a 509m open at Swindon in a contest that proved an unhappy first return to action for last month’s Totesport Gold Collar winner Southwind Harry who was all but brought down at the opening bend and trailed in fifth."
Hell Razor, who never runs a bad race, won an A4 at the first time of asking. He nipped inside on the first bend to take the lead and never looked in danger of being beaten. He won well in a personal best 29.39. He's really learnt the game now and the excellent condition of the track at Swindon now has certainly made a huge difference to him.
Friday 10th
Another very good day with 3 winners and 4 seconds. Stanton Sarah made it two wins in the week when winning her A3 in 29.69. Ah Sure Cool ran a lovely race to lead all the way in his A5, he recorded 29.91. Dance Izzy was a good runner up to Ah Sure Cool and would have gone very close to winning herself but for hitting the rail on the run to bend. She will be well worth a bet next time out if getting a draw nearer the fence. Enchanted Cashel got off the mark for us in his 3rd race when leading all the way in A2. He won in 29.34.
Youngsters Gutsy Girl and Trade Paco both ran very well to finish 2nd in their races tonight. Paco stayed very well to the drop in his race and could be one for a stayers trip in time. Strictly Baileys ran another good race when finishing 2nd in his A2.
Saturday 11th
No winners tonight but again there were some good performances. Queen Merykara had her first start for nearly 9 months and finished a good 2nd in her A3. She led a long way before tiring on the run in. Also in this race, Superstar Lilly made her racing debut. She fell out the boxes as pups often do and lost her way around the opening turns. She showed terrific pace going in to the third bend but there was very little room for her to get through on the rail and she suffered some bad crowding. She's got a lot to learn about the game but is a really promising pup with a lot of ability. Ling ran well in her A2 but just got caught coming home and finished 2nd.
In pre race trials, Lively Lotte improved after her season break to record 29.48 while un raced baby, Mutter To Razor qualified for racing in 30.20

Week ending 6th September 2009

Monday 31st
A good start to the week with 2 winners from our 5 runners. Stanton Jerry won his A2 in a decent 29.07. Having missed the break, he showed terrific early and back straight pace to take the lead at the halfway point and stuck on gamely. Well Lilly returned to a bit of form after her season to win her A3 in 29.59. She will get better and better from now on.
Tuesday 1st
A fairly busy trial day with 8 dogs going. Youngsters, Trade Paco and Dance Izzy qualified for racing while Lively Lotte, Clonark Brett, Lepus and Clomantagh Blue went well in their comeback trials. Un raced pup, Chavy Granny went well to record a 30.00 off a sectional of 2.97 !
Wednesday 2nd
1 winner tonight from our 4 runners. Stanton Torres continued his good recent form with an all the way win in A3. He recorded 29.51. Princess Ziggy also ran well to finish 2nd in her A5.
Thursday 3rd
Finally the M25 was kind to us and we got to Hove without incident. Redstone Turk, although beaten for the first time at Hove tonight, probably ran his best race there. He finished 2nd beaten just over 2 lengths. Turk was very poorly drawn in trap 3 in race which had 4 wide runners in. He was hampered straight out the boxes by trap 2 but stuck to his line bravely and ran a straight line to the bend. He was slightly crowded around the first and turned out of the second level with Seamus Cahills decent Open dog, Corrig Count and about 5 lengths behind the leader, Sussex Cup runner up Farney King. We ran away from Corrig Count along the back and did well to chase the leader down to 2 lengths at the finish. This was a high class field which also included Sussex Cup winner Raithby Sarah and having not run for 2 weeks our fella did us proud and proved he can produce the goods against top quality dogs. He'll be running at Swindon on Wednesday before heading to Nottingham on Monday for a small competition.
Friday 4th
A terrific day with 4 winners and a couple of seconds. The dogs really ran well and all came home safe. Hell Razor got the ball rolling when winning his A5 by nearly 5 lengths in a personal best 29.67. He's a terrific little dog to train and does everything right and gives his all every time he goes to the track.
Strictly Baileys ran the race of his life to win his A3 by nearly 7 lengths in a decent 29.08. The race was over as a contest as 'Simba' trapped well and led going in to the first bend. He went further clear as the race went on and has done really well since returning from injury. He's now won 6 from his 15 races.
Cheeseboard continued her excellent form to win another A2. She again led all the way and recorded a personal best 29.28. She has now won 4 from her last 5.
Stanton Tom won a scrappy A2 in 29.55. He took a whack around the first but stuck to his guns well to hold on at the line. Lisnakil Xpress ran well to finish 2nd in his A6. Parnell Lee is one to look out for next time. Having his first run for 2 weeks he was desperately unlucky in his A2 and would have won well with a clear run. He's a nice dog.
Saturday 5th
Although we didn't have a winner tonight the dogs ran really well again and there were a couple of terrific performances from our pups.
Dance Izzy is only a March 08 pup and had her first ever race tonight in A5. She fell out the boxes in a 2.75 sectional but showed lovely pace and great track craft to make a real race of it. She finished 4th in the end but would have won easily with a run off the last bend. She is mad for the game and led a mile to pick up.
Trade Paco also had his first ever race tonight and ran a blinder. As pups tend to do first time out, Paco fell from the boxes about 4 lengths behind everything else but showed lovely early pace before losing his way around the first two bends. When he managed to sort himself out he showed a classy turn of pace down the back and was as brave as a lion running through dogs on the third bend. He drifted out wide off the last bend and finished third. Considering how hard it is for pups going straight in to A3 class, this was a great run by him and he looks a really exciting prospect. He certainly went in a few peoples note book after tonight!
Realt Gael again ran well to finish 2nd in A3, Oaks best also ran OK to finish 3rd in his A8 and Forest Best did plenty of running to finish 3rd in a decent A1.
Before Racing tonight, Clonark Brett, Puerto Bound, Lively Lotte and Superstar Lilly all had 480 trials. Superstar Lilly confirmed my thoughts that she is destined for big things when winning only her second ever four bend trial in good style. She trialled against two of our decent dogs in Lively Lotte and Puerto Bound and in all honesty she made them look pace less! She won her trial after two sets of trouble in 29.56 and would have easily done 29.20 with a run. She really could be anything this girl.
On a sad note though we lost our battle to keep Odds on Foxy alive. She had been very poorly for a fair while now and took a further turn for the worse over the last couple of days and I made the decision it was kinder to put her to sleep. Everyone at the kennels loved Foxy to bits and she will be really missed. She had a lovely personality and fought her illness with everything she had. She was only just over two years of age. I must say though that her owners were top class to train for and Foxy's well being was their only ever concern.