Woodie on song

Head Iton Woodie (pictured) proved to be our only winner on a tough night at Monmore. Woodie took the S2 with an impressive three length win in 39.07. This was Woodie's first win at Monmore and fingers crossed it will be first of many.

Road closures on Sunday

Its the Coventry Half Marathon on Sunday morning. Just a warning to owners that a numbers of roads will be closed close to kennels.

Glass of Merlot anyone ?

As promised we at Westview Kennels continue to try to find the best possible young talent emerging. Naturally we have to be quick off the mark as young pups are quickly snapped up after making very promising debut wins. It is a hard task, as we have to try and strike deals that represent value for money. Some pups emerge and their connections are simply looking for way over the odds.

However thanks to our 'main man' in Ireland who is very highly regarded and extremely well connected we continue to be a step ahead of the rest of the pack when it comes to landing new talent at sensible money.

Another young pup that we have struck a deal on is Solid Merlot.

This black April 2010 whelp is by Royal Impact x Solid Demon. Royal Impact has already produced such flying machines as Ten Large Down, Honey Trampas, Lenson Bolt, etc.

Solid Merlot was drawn trap 6, rocketing away she was never headed she left her field chasing shadows and cruised home in the style of a high class act to win by 7 lengths in 29.10. A fantastic run for one so young.

A hugely promising run by this young puppy who will easily improve once she gets age and experience, she will definitely do near a 28.80 run at least.

To give you a guide on this run the likes of  Southern Dooey & Barntick Cove both started their careers at Limerick before we struck deals to bring them to Westview Kennels.

In Dooeys 1st race at Limerick she only recorded a 29.46 - some 5 lengths slower than Solid Merlot & Cove recorded a 29.45 - also 5 lengths slower. Both of these above bitches only both won their open races last night at Romford.

Solid Merlot will follow in their foot steps, she has great early pace and she stays the 480 metres strongly.

She will be aimed at all the major puppy competitions including the Midland Puppy Derby at Monmore as well as the Trafalgar Puppy Cup.

As per usual she will be sold on a 1st come 1st served basis - please contact me further to discuss in more detail this highly exciting puppy. The bitch is priced at £3,500.

Girls night out at Romford

Romford is a great track and always hold some interesting competitions. Its a shame it not a bit more local. Last night they staged the Coral on TV Bitches Trophy which we sent two contenders. Barntick Cove took Heat 1 in 24.73 when  taking advantage from the Trap 1. Southern Dooey made it a night to remember when she took Heat 3 with a hard fought victory in 24.69. 

Drumcove Cove lad finished a strong second at Nottingham and he will plenty more opportunities.

Albistons expand Skyline team

The well bred pup I posted the other night was sold within minutes of being posted once again. Loyal owners Chris and Steve Albiston were fastest off the mark to agree terms for the puppy with serious raw ability. He will be renamed Skyline ______ in due course. I'd to wish the lads the best of luck with their new recruit.  


Please remember to keep checking our Facebook and website daily for the very latest dogs for sale.

A night to celebrate

Two winners for team at Monmore last night. The home reared Yorkshire Lady (pictured) won her first Open Race for owners Mr and Mrs Torrie who were celebrating their wedding anniversary last night. Lady took the Division 2 630 race in 30.00 by 2 1/2 lengths. 


Thomas Kelly also had a great night as he had brought down his parents from Scotland to see Bolt Ya Rocket take the 480 Open. Rocket was sent off a warm 4/5 favourite but other that a traffic problem on the first corner he led all the way to win in 28.46. Thomas's daughter Fifi collecting the trophy looking very proud.


It was nice to see families having a good night out at the dogs and enjoying this wonderful sport.

Westview agree terms with Irish connections

I've managed to clinch a top deal this evening for the kennel. This beautifully bred dog who is  16 months old pup (May 2010)has shown to date that he has the 'raw' potential to become a major open racer.

By Ballymac Ruso x Lady Freckles - (full sister to "Freedom Emma" - English Oaks winner)

Schooling at Clonmel track - this am - he won his 2 dog trial against his litter brother. Showing tremendous early he won by 4 lengths in an excellent time of 16.51 for the 300 yards. That was only his 3rd time in traps to date.

His sire "Ballymac Ruso" - was a complete champion - English and Irish Derby finalist, the Olympic winner and broke track record Monmore 27.79.

This pups dam "Lady Freckles" - is a full sister to English oaks winner - Freedom Emma. Lady Freckles has already produced the likes of Alythia - 29.00 at Galway; "Positivity" - 28.91 at Tralee.

With more schooling and age all this raw pup can do is improve  and we have bought him early on the promise he has already shown before he gets too 'dear' in price.

To give you a guide of how good his run his Express Shuttle (2011 Blue Riband winner - 2011 Midland Puppy Derby runner up) schooled at Clonmel and his best time for the 300 yards was  16.53. Shuttle was sold for 5 figures.

We pride ourseleves on trying to find value for money and this raw pup will cost no where near that. If you would like to own this young pup please contact me quickly as at the price he is - he will be sold very quickly.

Jason proves them wrong in St Leger

There was plenty of doubters of Head Iton Jason's chances heading to Wimbledon after his disappointing run in the Three Steps to Victory Final at Sheffield. Jason put in a storming run in the first Quarter Final in the Williamhill.com St Leger. Head Iton Jason clocked 41.99 when storming through at the fourth bend to seize the advantage from Fleeting Image, and he kept on strongly to beat Penskey John by a length and a quarter. 


TRAP draw for Tuesday's semi-finals:

First semi: 1 Snowdon Flyer, 2 Blue Bee, 3 Mwebe Hilda (m), 4 Skywalkershearer (m), 5 Capoley Ash (w), 6 Darts Wizard (w).

Second semi: 1 Curragh Kewell, 2 Head Iton Jason, 3 Aero Majestic, 4 Kielduff Merc, 5 Penskey John (m), 6 Penskey Rain (w).

Time to kick on

It is no secret at Westview Kennels that we would dearly love to land the Midland Puppy Derby at Monmore. We have went mightily close with some outstanding greyhounds including the likes of "Express Shuttle" (this years runner up) and "Burnpark Champ" - one of the fastest dogs I ever put a lead on.

My "Main man" in Ireland - has been given instructions to find April 2010 whelps or younger for next years renewal. Over the next coming weeks we will also be trying to find some major category one event runners for events like the Eclipse stakes at Nottingham (starts mid November )as well as The Essex Vase Starts Mid Dec (£10,000 to winner) -as well as the likes of the English Oaks.

We  are looking at prospective greyhounds for these competitions on a daily basis. However some are simply not for sale -and the others are way too dear. We are confident however that a number of deals can be secured in the coming days which will provide us with 'fresh' top open race talent as we continue to push for the Trainers Championship.

Keep looking on the website/blog for up to date news on the new top open race talent that will be making its way to Westview Kennels.

Smoking Joe storms to debut win

Cleveland Joe stormed to a fantastic 6 1/2 length win at Monmore last night. Joe is another pup our of the super Borna Fence who has thrown many super pups in the past including Borna Jessica and Fatboyz Romeo. Joe was quickly in to the lead last night and took the A10 contest in 29.14. Promising times ahead I think.

Kennels closed on Sunday

The building works at kennels is continuing at a real pace. For this Sunday only I'm going to have to close to owners as there would be a risk to have so many people around. It should be a one off. Please call me if needed.

Drumcove sprints to debut success

Connections who snapped up Drumcove Lad off our blog and sale page got an instant reward this evening as he took the Maiden Sprint race at Nottingham. Drumcove pinged well from traps to lead all the way and take the contest by 2 1/2 lengths in a smart 18.10. A great start to his UK career. 

At Monmore this afternoon Gagsys Classic made it back to back wins when he took the A4 in 29.15, digging really deep on the run to the line.

St Leger pair progress

Both our St Leger challenged finished second at Wimbledon last night both progressing in to the second round draw. Skyline Amber ran on very strongly in Heat 1 in complete the 687 metres in 42.13. Head Iton Jason showed what a true professional he is, as he is still competing in a competition at Sheffield. He ran well to finish behind Fleeting Image in 42.43. 

TRAP draw for Friday's quarter-finals:
Heat one: 1 Head Iton Jason, 2 Fleeting Image, 3 Penskey John, 4 Capoley Ash (w), 5 Blonde Blitz (w), 6 Lemon Maldini (w).

Heat two: 1 Superstar Lily, 2 Reagrove Rachel, 3 Snowdon Flyer, 4 Blue Bee, 5 Skywalkershearer (m), 6 Droopys Greg (w).

Heat three: 1 Blonde Fletch, 2 Wise Totty, 3 Curragh Kewell, 4 Kielduff Merc, 5 Barefoot Machine (w), 6 Penskey Rain (w).

Heat four: 1 Skyline Amber, 2 Vacant, 3 Aero Majestic, 4 Bridge Diamond (m), 5 Mwebe Hilda (m), 6 Darts Wizard (w).

Crisp performance

Catherines Crisp recorded her first careen of what we hope will many at Monmore last night when she took the A8 in 29.25. She has taken her time to get off the mark with her the confidence increasing and a nice bit of early pace I'm sure she could have a few good months ahead.

Bawna is a gold mine

Bawna Antarctic made it 6 wins from just 18 starts on Friday as he continued to rise the Monmore grades. The 28.68 win by 2 3/4 lengths win will do doubt move him up to A2 however if he keeps produces the pace he is showing in his his races he could still keep improving.

The local punter were right when they sent of Galtee Adams 6/4 favourite for the A5 which she won smoothly by three lengths in 29.00.

Ace steals the headlines

It was great to see the coverage Ballymac Ace got in this mornings Racing Post. Top marks to Jonathan Kay and all the team there.

Romeo leads Monmore hatrick

Fatboyz Romeo made it two A1 wins in succession when recording a win by a deserved head on Thursday night in 28.33. Are We Dancers could be taking on Romeo in an A1 showdown as he took the A2 in 28.48. Our final winner of the evening came care of Gagsys Classic who won his second career race in 29.17. 

Ace is crowned East Anglian Derby King

Ballymac Ace returned to his brilliany best last night to launch us back to the top of the Trainers' Championship standings with victory in the £12,000 East Anglian Derby final over 462m at Yarmouth on Thursday.

Ace broke well and shrugged off early crowding to force himself to the front at the first bend. Setting sail for home from that point, he was tidily clear by the third bend but Scottish Derby winner Taylors Cruise suddenly emerged from the pack and made the winner work all the way to line before holding on for a three-parts of a length success in 27.89.

It's great to be back on top, and great for Ballymac Ace. This was his seventh Category One final and I don't think a lot of people appreciate that. I'm so proud of Ace, he ran a blinder. It is a very special win for his long standing owner Ted Megaw who we know is not in the best of health. I'm so pleased me and the staff could get Ace right on the night and put a smile back on Ted's face. Ted has put loads of money into the sport over the years and he is very passionate about his greyhounds. The retired Head professor at Birmingham University has supported me for many years and is a big reason in the success of West View Kennels. I would like to publicly thank him for the faith he had in me years back.

Finally I'd like the thank all my owners for the texts they sent me last night. Sorry I couldn't reply as the battery had gone flat !

Empire stikes in Derby Invitation

Brittons Empire kicked off a fantastic night for us at Yarmouth last night when he took the East Anglian Derby Invitation. Showing his rapid early pace he took advantage of the drawn in trap one to take the contest in 27.67 by three lengths. It was a great victory for us and owner Neil Britton who was there to collect the trophy.

One Step into another Final

Head Iton Jason sneaked into another Final last night when he snatched third place in the 3 Steps to Victory Semi Final at Sheffield. The race was very messy and in fact hot favourite Frisby Fonenblu was eliminated.


Draw for Tuesday’s £5,000 final (660m): 1 Magna Hawk, 2 Head Iton Jason, 3 Skywalker Louie, 4 Glenbane Mile, 5 Glenard Bound (m). 6 Kilmore Say Go (w)

Britton signs the Old Pro

We have added a fantastic old pro to the team today. Helmet Boy, one of the best stayers in Ireland, has joined West View Kennels. Helmet Boy who is nearly four years old has very little miles on the clock. He has raced just 25 times and ran only against the very best in Ireland. He could well give loyal owner Neil Britton and family a good 12 months of fun and man more "Fill ya Boots" comments on Sky.

In futher sale new I'd like to thank the Winter family for purchasing Newinn Diva. All the best of luck with her.

Plans ahead

Plenty of action ahead in coming days. Head iton Jason runs tonight in the 3 Steps to Victory Semi Final at Sheffield. Thursday will see us send a dogs to a Final at two different tracks. Ballymac Ace is in a very tough East Anglian Derby Final at Yarmouth whilst Freds Champ (pictured) has Trap 5 in the Northern Flat Championship Final at Belle Vue.

Great start to week

Two winners at Monmore and one at Nottingham started the week off well. At Monmore Skyline Bella took the A4 in 29.02, she stayed on nicely. Galtee Poppy was our second winner. Poppy's win was her third in sucession and I'm sure this 29.72 win in A8 could se her got up in grade once again.

Bolt Ya Rocket (pictured) recorded his 4th UK win up at Nottingham when he took the Stadium Bookmakers Trophy over 480 metres in 29.37. I felt Daughter of Peg was an unlucky third in the National Oaks. The way she is staying at the moment I'll give her to these stronger types of staying races rather than the sharp 450/60 type of races she liked when she was younger. The Northern Oaks will be Pegs next target.

Ace takes place in East Anglian Derby

Ballymac Ace rolled back the years yet again to qualify for the 65th Anglian Derby at Yarmouth last night. Ace was denied a victory by a short head in 28.25, Ace showed some awesome early pace and was only collared in the shadow off line. In the other Semi Final both Brittons Empire and Fifis Rockett were both eliminated after suffering trouble in running.

Go on Princess

Shiners Princess proved to be the kennels only winner on a busy competitive night of racing at Monmore. Princess took the Division 1 Maidens with a hard fought 1 1/2 length win. Princess was quickly away but had to escape early first bend trouble before taking the race by its neck to win in 28.72. 

Super Pup Sold

I'd like to offer a warm welcome to new owner Matthew Garnett who snapped up my Irish Puppy spot within an hour of posting him on the blog. He is a super addition for the kennel and I hope he gives Matthew some great nights out.

Emerald Isle Report - Serious Talent Spotted

In my travels last week to the Emerald Isle I watched a number of young pups put through their paces. One super pup emerged from all of this.

The pup is only 12 1/2 months old (whelped Aug 20th 2010) and is certainly classically bred (Ballymac Ruso x Little Diva). This pup is a brindle dog and 72lbs in weight.

His sire - Ballymac Ruso - was a complete champion - English & Irish Derby finalist - winner of the Olympic at Hove and also rroke the track record at Monmore - 27.79 for the 480 metres. This pups dam line is also pretty special - "Little Diva" is a proven major open class dam. She has already produced such open race talent as "Little Urge" - Romford puppy cup 2nd - clocked a brilliant 23.83 at Romford - Rated 119 and 118 on Greyhound data - went 2nd Fav for the William Hill oaks at Wimbledon until injury. "Jog on Barney" - 28.76 at Clonmel - 28.96 Enniscorthy in the £10,000 Future Champions Unraced stake - 24.01 Romford all opens.
 

This is also the exact same dam line as wonder dogs as "Slick Santiago" - 28.40 Wimbledon - the great bitch "Little Jig" - which won an endless amount of opens for us at Westview Kennels - including such category events as the Warwickshire Oaks and the Pride of the west at Swindon - she was also a finalist in the English Oaks. "Windy Millar" - winner of the Select Stakes at Nottingham. "Little sensation" - 28.10 Monmore - 15.17 Monmore - Broke track record at Peterborough - rated 125 on Greyhound data

As the above shows this wonder pup is undoubtedly classically bred
 

Last week -I watched this pup trial at Clonmel - only his 2nd time in the boxes - he recorded a 16.54 which to put it mildly it is simply a flying run for a pup of his age. To put this run into perspective The likes of "Slick Santiago" - "Little sensation were all recording the same times as this pup. They were all sold for massive five figure sums.

Please note the new wonder dog on the Irish racing scene "Milldean Phanther" - 28.13 Shelbourne Park - 100k refused was also produced by the same breeders.
 

Naturally all this pup can do is improve bundles - I saw a lot of dogs on my travels in Ireland but it was this classic pup with his breeding and the pace he showed me that stood out from the rest.

We have struck a deal with the owner and we are now able to offer him to our loyal owners.

He will be aimed at all the major category one events including the Midland Puppy Derby at Monmore in March £12,500 to winner.

If you are genuinely interested in this pup please call me straight away as he could well be sold very quickly.

All three progress at Yarmouth

It was a case of 1st, 2nd and 3rd at Yarmouth as they hosted the second round of the East Anglian Derby. Fifis Rocket lead all the way in Heat 3 to take the contest in 27.77. His early pace will be a treat for any dog in the Semi Final. Heat 4 contained both Ballymac Ace and Blue Riband winner Brittons Empire. Whilst either dog won the race both qualified for the Semi Final. Empire finishing second and Ace third. With Derby winners Taylors Sky eliminated in Heat 2 the competition is wide open. The Semi Finals take place this Saturday with Fifis Rocket (Trap 6) clashing with Brittons Empire (Trap 3) whilst Ballymac Ace has has Trap 3 in the second Semi Final.

Jason takes first steps to retain crown

Tonight saw first round heats of the Carling 3 Steps To Victory competition at Sheffield. The unique event for which the heats are run over the 480m trip, the semi-finals over 500m and the  £5,000 final will run over the 660m Stayers' course.


Defending Champion Head Iton Jason (3-1) pinged the lids and made the first bend infront. Jason then saw off a persistent challenge from Ballymac Xavi (forced to check third) and then held the late charge from  Kilmore Say Go by half-a-length in 28.05 .

Peg on song in National Oaks

Daughter of Peg took Heat 3 of the National Oaks at Nottingham on Monday. After coming our of the first corner in front she showed some super pace to win in 30.30 and seal a place in next weeks Final.

Green Green Grass

Here is a shot I took this morning on my phone of the new gallop. Lush green grass has come through the full length of the gallop. It's fully operational and we also have two hurdles which will help keep the dogs sharp. Wouldn't it be great to add a top class hurdler to team !

Monmore Treble

I was hopeful of a couple of winners last night at Monmore and so it proved. Bawna Antarctic got the ball rolling when he took the A3 in 28.63. This brave dog has now has had 16 races and only been out of the first three twice. Goodbye Mary recorded her second when when she took the A4 in 28.56, another rise in the grades will be given. Our final winner was Radnor Blue who got up in the last stride to take the S2 in 38.51.

Ace and Rocket enjoy the sea air

We returned home from Yamouth with a East Anglian 1st Round Double. Fifis Rocket beat kennelmate Brittons Empire by four lengths in Heat in 1 27.70. Rocket was very quickly into stride and was never headed. Kennel legend Ballymac Ace took Heat 3 with a very professional win by four lengths in 27.46, Bolt Ya Rocket was unplaced after suffering traffic problems. Freds Champ was sadly eliminated after finishing fourth to the hot favourite Taylors Sky who looks as ever the dog to beat.

History Page Updated

I've just added the first six months of 2011 to our website. As I've gone through the diary it makes you remember how many great afternoon and evenings we have had so far. Long may it continue. Thanks again to all my owners for their continued support.

Poppy is the one and only

It was great to see Galtee Poppy win her first race since since March on Thursday night at Monmore. Poppy got up in the very last stride to take the A9 contest by a neck in 29.50. Sadly we didn't score on Friday however I'm hopeful of a couple of big runs on Saturday.

Buying Mission

I'm currently in Ireland looking a number of pups trial up and down the country. Today I'm with King of the Ballymac's Liam Dowling hoping he might show me next year's Monmore Puppy Derby winner. If you are after a pup of any level or age please drop me a text and I'll let you know whats available.

Bread and Butter

It was back to normal graded racing on Monday afternoon after the recent Festival. We didn't have to wait long for a winner as Bawna Antarctic took the first race, an A5, in an impressive 28.53.  Gforce Direct made it four grading wins in succession when he took the A1 in 28.47.

Leaving Nottingham empty handed

It seemed like an extra long drive home from Nottingham on Monday night as both Maireads Hawk and Ballymac Park were both unplaced in the Puppy Classic Final at Nottingham. We need to remember these two pup are real babies and both with have many more similar opportunities in the future. Both did well to reach such a major Final at a young age.

Jason takes Ladbrokes Summer Classic

Head Iton Jason took the £5,000 Ladbrokes Summer Classic at Monmore on Friday to maintain our progress in the Trainers Championship. After some early scrimmaging Jason fought his way to the lead coming out the second bend and wasn't headed all the way to win by 2 3/4 lengths. The 37.84 win was his 14th win of 2011. 

In the other Finals I felt Freds Champ deserved better than his 3rd place in the Gold Cup and Fifis Rocket's chances ended at the first corner in the 416 final.