Week Ending 13th January

Monday 7th
Vevas Tiger ran a very game race to win her A2 by a short head in 29.52. Vevas is a lovely girl and it's great to see her competing in A2 company.
Tuesday 8th
Pony Bride was given a blow out this morning as a couple of the recent races we've entered her for have failed to fill. She went well to win her trial in 28.96 and will head to Sittingbourne at the weekend. Alarming Alan completed his trials today and joined the strength after recording 29.42. Not so good news for Bellmore Woody though as he broke a toe in the same trial and will be sidelined for around 2 months.
Unraced puppy, Stanton Ovation, had his first look at Swindon and went well to record 17.63. He took forever to come out the boxes but ran the track nicely. He's mad keen for the job and looks a nice little prospect.
Fishersmans Leah (16.66) and Scobys Flash (16.68) both moved well in their return from a rest.
Swarez pleased us with her 16.50 sprint and will be stepped up to 4 bends next week.
Thursday 10th
Another trip to the seaside tonight with 5 runners and a trialer at Hove.
Forest Mollie was given her first spin since the Oaks final and delighted us with her 30.06 solo. She ran the track ever so well but tied up a bit coming home which was to be expected. If the weather stays good she'll head back there next week for a race.
Swords Brett and Kelseys Prince both got very badly crowded in their race and were lucky to stay on their feet. Brett returned with a split web and will be off for around 3 weeks but the rest won't do him any harm.
Mullingar Mer disappointed in her sprint race after again missing the break and getting crowded. We are going to take a step back with her and pop her back on the graded strength for a while so she can get her confidence back.
Portavoe Lass went ever so well in her 695m open, finishing a close up 4th after trouble. She's hardly had any consistent racing for a long time now so this was a good effort. She'll be kept very busy now as we get her up together ready for a crack at the Golden Jacket. She's good enough to make the final of something like that for sure.
Once again Swords Messi got us out of trouble with our last runner of the night. He pinged the lids and led all the way to win in 30.11 and completed his open race hat trick. He's now won 5 of his 10 races since coming over from Ireland.
Friday 11th
A dreadful night at Swindon as we lost Flag Officer to a very badly broken hock. It happened on the 2nd bend but he kept running until just before the last bend which is sure to have caused more damage. After veterinary advice the decision was made to end his suffering. It was very upsetting for us all to lose such a lovely dog, he was very handsome with a smashing personality and although every owner stood up and said to save him at any cost, there just wasn't anything that could be done. A dreadful shame and he'll be sorely missed.
Gemstone Meg ran a very good race as she won another A2. Meg worked her way through the field and got up close home to score in 29.16. Meg will head to Hove next week for a 6 bend maiden open.
Smoothoppa Razor ran the perfect race as she returned from seasonal rest to win her A3 in good style by 1 3/4 lengths in a personal best 29.00.
Saturday 12th
Ding Hero and Crinkil Jewel were given their first trial back after a rest and went very well. Ding beat Crink's just over 2 lengths in 28.76 and both will head to Crayford next week for a trial in readiness for the Golden Jacket. Scobys Flash got trouble in her trial as she recorded 29.85.
Black Beach ran a very good race again to win his A2 in good style. Diego led on the run in to win in 28.95. Gemstone Billy ran one of his best races so far as he was beaten just 1/2 a length in his A3. Billy recorded a personal best 29.06 and was well clear in to the drop.
Sunday 13th
Another trip to Sittingbourne tonight with 6 runners and although we came away with a winner, the dogs in general ran very flat.
Alarming Jacks ran with very little sparkle in her 500m maiden open and finished 3rd. She wasn't the same bitch as the previous couple of runs round there and the touch of kennel sickness we have certainly seems to be taking the edge of off a few of our runners.
Recent arrival, Saleen Tompajoe, ran better than his 5th placed finish suggested in the hurdle open. Tompa lacks fitness at the moment and had a touch of the sickness a week ago but he certainly looks like being able to compete at a high level. Unfortunately he ripped a nail out during the race and faces a week or so on the easy list.
Five Alley Pub and Barnish Booth ran OK in their races as they both finished 3rd. Pony Bride ran a very poor race in the marathon after leading for 7 bends she faded away to nothing on the run in.
Droopys Danneel made it a hat trick of open race wins as she led at the first bend and just held on at the line. Although she came away with the win, it was a very below par performance from Dani and she'll be given a couple of weeks off now.