New Recruits

My owners have been putting their hands in their pockets again as I have received some super new dogs over the last few weeks. I'm sure they will support the Trainers Championship challenge this year and next. Phil Stead looks to have a nice prospect in Ballyneale Bull. Bull heads to Henlow for a trial on Saturday after flying round Monmore in 28.60 and 28.50. Ballymac Farrah purchased by Nigel Balderstone looks to be a ready made open racer whilst I'm sure Peter Symonds, Rob Bayliss and Paul Wilde will all be looking forward to see the well bred Bawna Delta hit the track. A dog I'm looking forward to see in action is Borna Claw now owned by John Hanna and Paul Boundy. Claw is from the same litter as Fatboyz Romeo, Borna Jessica and Andrees Diamond. Another two dogs that look set to win plenty of races are Fatboyz Tedbundy now owned by Matthew Skingle / Richard Hill and Killahagan Bound owned by Little Jigs owner Marie McClean. Finally I'm over the moon to train another dog for Rev Counter former owner Richard Wheeler. Rev Counter won us our first category one competition. Richard looks to have a smart prospect in Richster Corgan. Many thanks to the owners for their continued support.

Ivanovic news

I'm pleased to inform all our regular bloggers former kennel favourite Droopys Ivanovic (pictured) has whelped a litter of four pups. The Ted Megaw owned Ivanovic visited his own stud dog Burnpark Champ for her mating, who is still probably the fastest dog I put a lead on as a trainer. All the pups are doing well and I will honoured to train any of the litter in the future.

Dollars is Don bound

Ten Dollars More (pictured) will head to Wimbledon tomorrow for a trial ahead of an entry in the St Ledger. Dollars has be a model of consistancy and continues to thrive. He will be meeting all the leading staying dogs in the country however he form has deserved a crack at the countries leading staying event. 

Also tomorrow Fatboyz Romeo and Ballymac Ace will contest the Semi Finals of the Laurels at Belle Vue. Both have very difficult draws with no room for the smallest of errors. Only two qualify for each Semi Final.

Oh Hilary

Young bitch for sale Ballymac Hilary (pictured) made it two wins from from just four starts when taking yesterdays A9 in 29.50. This bitch would be a nice money spinner for any new owner. Another young puppy very much on the upgrade is Psychotic Silver who made it win number seven when taking the A3 in 28.89. Silver has now risen from A9 all to way to A3. Fatzboyz Murty finished 4th in the Maiden Final at Nottingham last night.

Trainers Championship Standings

I'm pleased to be able to display the latest Trainers Championship Standings kindly produced by Peter Meldrum. This was the position after racing on Friday evening. Charlie is making a charge in the Trainers Championship and has pushed ahead of us into third place.

Gallery Update

Our gallery pages are currently having some work done on them as we noticed some of dogs have changed and we also have new great new shots to add including some eye catchers from Steve Nash the Racing Post photographer. If you would like your dog photographed the next time the photographer is at kennels please drop me an email and I will forward it on.

Mixed Fortunes

It was a night of mixed fortunes for us last night with a couple of winners and a number of frustrating second places. Our only open race winner was Glenagower Champ who took the Division 2 630 in 38.99. The other open races at Monmore was very frustrating with Ballymac Celia 4th, Andrees Diamond 4th, Droppys Tajmahal 2nd, Ballymac Rumble 2nd, Borna Jessica 2nd, and finally Swift Tinto 2nd. Sandy Legend (pictured) made it two wins on the bounce in graded company when taking the evenings A2 in 28.74. Monmore kindly names a number of the races following recent achievements - Swift Tinto 3 wins in a row, Borna Jessica Bitch of the Month, Ballymac Celia 4 wins in a row and Gums N Plums 100 up. Sadly no success to report at Swindon as both Are We Dancers and Garrons Lass were both unplaced in the Pride of the West.

Saturday preview

It's certainly a night to go racing tonight at Monmore as tonights races are packed with quality. I'm very hopeful of a couple of winners. Ballymac Rumble will lock horns with 2009 English Derby Winner Kinda Ready over 480 metres. Also entered in open races are Andrees Diamond, Droopys Tajmahal, Borna Jessica, Swift Tinto and Glenagower Champ. The Pride of the West Stakes starts tonight at Swindon. We have done well in this competition in the past. I'm keen to support the event so we will be taking Garrons Lass and Are We Dancers, who is making his debut for new connections.

Puppy Cup 4th for Peg

Daughter of Peg finished a brave 4th to Rayvin Giovanni who duly landed his fourth puppy event when taking Friday’s Category One Coral Puppy Cup over 400m at Romford. In a final that looked far more difficult and competitive on paper than ever seemed likely when entries closed, Rayvin Giovanni rode first bend trouble well and kicked on for a convincing over six lengths win in 24.08. Daughter of Peg was the youngest dog to reach the final and this will no doubt be the last we see of her in finals. 

Laurels Semi Final Draw

Our Stanjames.com Laurels contenders both have tricky draws in next weeks Semi Finals. The full draw is detailed below:-

First 1 Cape Time, 2 Magna Buddy, 3 Jordan Light, 4 Ping The Lids (m), 5 November Weather (w), 6 Sunoak Crystal (w).
Second: 1 Bucks Yahoo, 2 Little Gaffer, 3 Judicial Pause, 4 Ballymac Ace, 5 Reluctant (m), 6 Yahoo Jamie (m).
Third: 1 Spinkys Nod, 2 Jolly Poacher, 3 Hello Dino, 4 Elwick Chris, 5 Fatboyz Romeo (m), 6 Target Brett (w).

Laurels Double

Our Laurels team got off to a flying start last night at Belle Vue. Ballymac Ace (pictured), the StanJames.com Pall Mall winner, got off to a winning start in this event when showing his heat four rivals a clean pair of heels to win in 27.56 by 1 1/2 lengths. That completed a double for us as Fatboyz Romeo took the opening heat in 27.66 by 1 1/2 lengths. The draw for the Semi Finals will be made on Friday.

Daisy Debut

Pony Daisy last night showed what a nice stayer she will be when staying on in terrific style to win last nights A5 in 28.90 at Monmore. After a slow start she worked her way through the field to get up by 1/2 length in the final strides of the race.

Sky Winners at Sheffield

We had a nice double on Tuesday at the Sky meeting at Sheffield, Ten Dollars More continues to develop into a smashing staying dog when winning impressively again at odds against! He clearly loves Sheffield and his time of 43.14 was again very pleasing. 


Borna Jessica transferred her excellent Monmore form to Sheffield (like many before her) when taking the 'Ladies Stakes' at the rewarding odds of 5/1in 28.25.

Videos of both dogs will be available soon in the video column on the right care of Dave Yanez. Many thanks. Please remember if would ever like a montage video (like Officer Donagh (right) putting together of for a special birthday or Christmas please drop the team a email as I'm sure they will be able to help.

Romford Final for Peg

Daughter of Peg (pictured) is in top form ahead of her return to Romford on Friday to contest the Romford Puppy Cup Final. Peg will take on one of the taking dogs of the country in Rayvin Giovanni but we has drawn the rails and will be doing our absolute best. I would love to win this Final for her connections.

Laurels Entries

This years Stan James Laurels looks at tough as any year and we will be taking both Ballymac Ace and Fatboyz Romeo to Belle Vue to represent the kennel. Our entries trialed against each other last week at the track with Ace beating Romeo 2 1/2 lengths in 27.72. I couldn't be happier with both dogs. Fingers crossed both dogs have trouble free runs in the opening round.

Murty Final Bound

Fatboyz Murty qualified for a small Final on Monday when he finished third in Heat 1 of the Stadium Bookmakers Maiden Standard Trophy at Nottingham. He could well improve on this run in next weeks Final.

Monday Master

Ballymac Master proved to be our only winner on Monday afternoons BAGS card. Master, a former Trainers Special, made it career win number 7 when taking the A6 in 29.11.

Kennel Celebrates

August proved to be a great month for the kennel all round. Just to top in off Borna Jessica (pictured) was named bitch of the month and Fatboyz Murty was named dog of the month. Jessica won two A1's at the start of the month and then finished third in the Ladbrokes August Puppy Final. Fatboyz Murty simply went through August unbeaten, 4 races 4 wins. Starting in A3 and concluded by winning two A1's. Well done to connections and the staff who are continuing to graft hard as try and retain our position in the Trainers Championship.

Rumbling four timer

Ballymac Rumble grounded out another tough performance on Saturday at Monmore when he recorded the fastest time of the night (28.46) when the Division 1 open race. This was his 10th career victory from just 33 starts, a fantastic dog to train. Another dog recording his 10th win was Swift Tinto who strutted his stuff in the Division 2 630 and ran out a 3/4 winner in 38.32. Sandy Legend (pictured) showed he a dog that will win plenty of races when landing the short odds of 5/4 when taking the A3 in 28.84 by a neck. Finally I keep telling you all about these Ballymac bitches and how they just need some time and experience. Ballymac Lucy made it back to back wins when taking the A9 in 29.38.

I've done a Harry..........

I managed to pull off a Harry Redknapp super transfer this morning when I secured Ard Blossom to join our kennel from Ireland. I had to beat off a number of top trainers to get her so was over joyed when the deal was completed. Ard Blossom set the tongues wagging on Thursday night when she recorded a 10 length win at Cork in 28.76. It was the fastest night of the night from the novice pup who is a February 2009. Her pedigree is absolute top class and is full of top class staying dogs and this bitch indicated that she will be another. Her dam Ard Flash has thrown some serious dogs including Local Knowledge, Bubbly Rambo, Ard Beauty and Irish Derby Finalist Barefooot Bullet ! This bitch is priced to sell, and will sell quickly. Please call me if you would like to own this bitch.

Peg is red hot at Romford

Daughter of Peg (pictured) last night reached the Romford Puppy Cup Final when taking the 2nd Semi-Final in a stunning 24.17. Peg pinged from traps and was never headed in the contest. Ballymac Celia was unplaced behind peg whilst Droppys Tajmahal was an unlucky third in the Final Semi Final just to miss out on a place in the Final. Hot favourite Rayvin Giovanni missed the kick and could only finish second to Bright Redcliffe in a very smart 23.79.

Draw for next Friday’s £8,000 final: 1 Daughter Of Peg, 2 Little Urge, 3 Bright Redcliffe, 4 Final Gold,5 Rayvin Giovanni (m), 6 Butterbridge Jen (m)

Thurlesbeg Flies

Thurlesbeg Final proved to be our winner on Friday afternoons grading card when he ended a run of six races without a win when taking the A5 in 29.40. A deserved win for a consistent dog.

Thursday Grading

Thursday night saw us record a good double at Monmore. Psychotic Silver recorded an impressive 29.20 win in the A4. Flashing out from traps he took care of the hotly fancied Highview Supreme by five lengths. Broad World (pictured) proved to be our second winner when taking advantage of the drop in grade to A3 when taking the contest in 29.15.

Webmaster Down

Sadly our constant flow of updates have not been available this week as our webmaster was rushed into hospital on Tuesday and has only just returned home. I'm sure he will try and catch up as soon as he can.

100 Not Out

Gums N Plums has been retired after completing his 100th race. The "Spud" Platt owned son of Flying Penske has been a firm favourite in the kennel since he joined us in the summer of 2007. Whilst Plums was no derby dog he gave his all in every race and managed to record 18 career victories at Monmore. I'm sure he will enjoy his retirement and will continue to give his owners at great deal of pleasure.

Three progress in Puppy Cup

Last night we headed to Romford rather Nottingham as they were hosting the six first round heats of their Puppy Cup and fastest qualifier going forward to Friday's semi-finals was, as expected, Seamus Cahill's Rayvin Giovanni. Giovanni looked like a serious machine as he scored by a staggering 13 1/2 lengths in 23.90sec.

Our own team all ran brilliantly and all qualified for the Semi Finals. Heat three went to Ballymac Celia who made all in a pleasing 24.69. It is easy to forget Celia started in A6 in February.

Our second victory of the evening came when Daughter Of Peg(pictured) (4-1) pinged out to make all in the penultimate heat clocking 24.39 while the closing qualifier went to Cotswold Hegarty who outstayed Oscars Blurr and our own Droopys Tajmahal to win going away in 24.68.

Draw for Friday's semi-finals:
1st semi: 1 Devastator, 2 Ballymac Denis, 3 Little Urge, 4 Final Gold, 5 Droopys Doctor (m), 6 Cotswold Hegarty (w).
2nd semi: 1 Ballymac Celia, 2 Oscars Blurr, 3 Daughter Of Peg, 4 Butterbridge Jen (m), 5 Astro Boy (m), 6 Archers Eagle (w).
3rd semi: 1 Flopsy Bunnytail, 2 Ballymac Louise, 3 Strattons Brett, 4 Bright Redcliffe, 5 Rayvin Giovanni (m), 6 Droopys Tajmahal (w)

Sun always shines

A tidy treble for us this afternoon at Monmore. Our first winner was Ballymac Lucy who recorded her first career victory in the A10 in 29.49. I had previously advised I thought Ballymac Sun (pictured) was going to be a another fast improving bitch and she took the A8 in 29.23 by 3 3/4 lengths ! This bitch is still currently for sale. Another easy winner was Sportium Pozuelo who simply came out under the traps to record a 5 length victory in 29.36 (A7).

Puppy Cup Entries

We will heading to Romford tomorrow as we have made three entries in the Romford Puppy Cup. Ballymac Celia, Daughter of Peg and Droopys Tajmahal (pictured). As always you get some very pacy dogs in the competition, so good luck to all connections.

Back with a bang

It was open race treble for us at Monmore last night. Garrons Lass landed another Racing Post NAP when recording her third win from four starts. Her 38.27 victory marks her down as one of the leading bitches at the track. Ballymac Rumble looked to enjoy his return to Monmore when taking a 480 Open in 28.32. Our final winner of the evening was Hollywood Idol (pictured) who got a deserved victory some some consistent good form when he took the Ladbrokes.com 480 in 28.87.

Four................

A massive four winners for us at Monmore this afternoon. Kicking us off was Ballymac Hilary who took the A10 in 29.72. Hilary and the Report Clean who took the next A10 in 29.62 as due to be added the sale page shortly. Both are young well bred pups that will both win plenty of races. The popular Dromani Lulu lead all the way in the S4 to win in 39.52. Our final winner of Friday afternoon was Miss Everdean who showed some nice early pace when taking the A4 in 29.05.

Jessica is queen of the Green

Borna Jessica (pictured) got just reward for three good runs when she took one of last nights A1's in 28.69. The 1 1/2 length victory and the way she stayed on was very pleasing. After a couple of quiet weeks on the grading front it was great to get among the winners. Direct Angie recorded another win despite being hiked two grades to A7. Remember Angie is currently for sale so the asking price now looks very reasonable after the 29.35 win. Son of Peg recorded his second win when he took the A5 in 28.92. A great night's racing.

Do you want a Sky Sports Sprinter ?

Fancy a few big night out on the TV ? If you do I have a I'm assembling a small select syndicate to own this top class sprinter. So Larry would join us as one of the leading sprinters in Ireland. A winner of 7 races he blasted out in his last race at Drumbo Park to beat Drumcrow Obama by 1/2 length. Obama was sold last week for £20,000. 1 Share SOLD 2 remaining @ £2,000. Please call for more information.

Walk along side the River

One of my best Irish contacts has this offered me a super bitch this afternoon called Riverside Ella. Bred Honcho Classic x Riverside Trixie is a March 2008 who has won 4 of her 18 races. Last time she won a top grade distance race at Cork by 5 1/2 lengths in 42.28. The connections wants £2,250 to let her go. She will win plenty of opens in the UK.

Ace Update

Ballymac Ace will trial at Belle Vue a week on Thursday ahead of a crack at the Laurels. Ace himself is in great form with himself and enjoying a few weeks off the track.

No luck Monday

Sadly we drew a blank at Monmore and at Nottingham last night. As always its a case of working hard today and ensure we are on the mark at the next opportunity. The main sites history pages has recently been updated.

Gforce.............

What a start for new owners, professional dart players Gary Andeerson, Gary Robson and Darrell Friton who own shares in wonder pup Gforce Direct. You can't start better than two wins from two starts.
Another new owner to the kennel is Len Timmins who also owns a share of the dog. Len is a very enthusatic owner and is great to have as part of the team.

I currently have a half share available in Borna Claw, a super dog who won Thurles in 29.00. He is litter brother to Fatboyz Romeo, Andrees Diamond and Borna Jessica, first come first served as always.

Monmore Puppy Derby Recruits

It is this time of year I start searching for pups with an eye on the Monmore Puppy Derby. I may well have uneathered the next Ballymac Ace and Rumble ! Step Inside and Direct Point have both just turned 12 months. They have just starting schooling and look out of this world. They are superbly well out of bred Ballymac Kewell x Ballyymac Peg. Please call me if you are interested in getting involved.

On the road again

We will be out doing the miles again this week as we continue to pursue a place in the Trainers Championship once again. Monday night will see us head to Nottingham with Mahogony Bolt (pictured) and Treacle Express. Sheffield have a nice staying competition starting on Tuesday so we have entered the on form Garrons Lass and Ten Dollars More. Thursday will see Droopys Tajmahal in action down at Romford.

Lass is the NAP

Garrons Lass landed the Racing Post NAP at Monmore last night when taking the Ladbrokes.com 630 by 2 lengths in 38.12. This is the bitches second race on the trot and I'm confident she will win many more races in 2010. Also Gforce Direct took the A3 in 28.77. Finally Ballymac Sun took her first race when taking an A9 contest in 29.54.

Anderson speaks

New videos have been embedded into the right side bar. I have included the Paul Anderson Sky interview from Tuesday evening. Just click any video to view.

Direct winner

Direct Angie rewarded her followers last night when recording her first victory. After three near misses she was upped in grade to A9 and was sent off a warm 4/4 favourite. After some early crowding she stretched out well to win by 2 1/2 lengths in 29.46.

Quinn Returns

Recent Sky winner Killough Quinn (pictured) returns to Monmore tomorrow as they host a a competitive evening of open races. Also entered is Garrons Lass, Hollywood Idol, Borna Jessica, Daughter of Peg and Fatboyz Murty who is bidding for 5 wins on the bounce.

Champion Stakes at Romford

Ballymac Rumble and Swift Tinto will be both contesting the third Semi Final of the Coral Champion Stakes at Romford. Only two will qualify and the heat looks very hot. Joining Rumble and Tinto on the van will be Droopys Edgar and Ballymac Dolores.