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.