Monmore Puppy Derby takes centre stage

The whole industry will be watching at Monmore Green on Thursday as the country's leading puppies step forward to try and win one the countries most prestigious races. It's a race I would dearly love to win but the competition could not be any stiffer. I have had three accepted this year and all three go into the competition in great heart. Fingers crossed for debutant Express Shuttle (pictured), Tullna Rose and Yorkshire Lady. I'm pretty pleased looking a draws on paper. I'm just hoping all three get their chance to show their true running and come home safely. From the dogs from other kennels I would fear would be  Droopys Greg and Freedom Chief. Good luck to all. It would be great to see as many of you there as possible.

Celia makes Romford Final

Ballymac Celia (pictured) qualified for the Coral on TV Bitches Final tonight when she finished a close second beaten by just 3/4 in 24.51. Sadly Daughter of Peg could only finish third in her heat after a slow start.

Monday legend

Sandy Legend (pictured) provided us our only winner at Monmore this afternoon. Legend is a model of consistany and was rewarded with an impressive A1 win today in a pleasing 29.12.

A Superstar is born

This impeccably bred puppy has just become the talk of the greyhound world.

As usual , such is our contacts we are exclusively able to offer her to our loyal patrons of the kennel.

Making her racing debut at Clonmel, first time under lights and after seasonal break, she left seasoned racegoers marvelling with her stunning all round pace.She pulverised them for back straight pace to leave the field chasing shadows.Showing massive pace she won by 8 lengths in  a stunning time of 28.65, which is the fastest time of the year. To put this wonder pups time in to perspective, the brilliant Shaws Dilemma made her debut also at Clonmel and recorded 29.25 when winning by 11 lengths. She was subsequently sold for £25,000.

Make no mistake this classic pup is the 'real deal' - she has serious pace, great breeding lines and looks to match.Bred by the famed Dunphys ' Droopys academy' - she is bred by one of the worlds fastest greyhounds ever, the legendary 'College Causeway' - the Irish Derby winner, who won over £240,000 in prize money.

This Lady's litter brother is 'Droopys Tsonga' ( five figure purchase ) is  Seamus Cahills leading pup this year.For any greyhound enthusiast who is serious about having a classic open racer, who is ideal for all Cat ones and oaks comps,this pup is a must buy.

We had to beat off several leading trainers and owners in Ireland and the UK to bring her to Westview Kennels.

I would like to offer you EXCHANGE STUDENT, This stunning April 09 black bitch, bred College Causeway x Droopys June.

Please call me to avoid disappointment, this lady can be sold to one owner or I am willing to syndicate her, I am just over the moon to have her joining the kennel, she will of course make one serious brood when her racing career is over, but before that we will be looking forward in contesting the Irish and English oaks with her.

Hats in the ring

Two Puppy Trial Stake for the team last night. First to catch the eye was Yorkshire Lady who won the Division 4 by two lengths in 29.35. Then Tulna Rose, who was snapped up from the website, took Division 5 in 29.16. Both willl be hoping to be accepted in the big competition this week.

Dollars bounces in to 2011

Last night Ten Dollars More bounced in 2011 with 6 1/2 length win in the Oxford Stadium Bookmakers Stayers race. The 36.91 win was a very convincing win and an ideal pipe opener ahead of the Trainers Championship. Ballymac Ace suffered a defeat after being lead in the early stages and then could simply not pull back the deficit. Daughter of Peg finished a good second behind Rebel Ace, the winner taking the race in 27.06.

Graded round up

The graded winners have been rolling in over the last two days. Treacle Express was our first winner on Thursday evening when she showed some nice early pace when taking the A4 in 29.62. Homestead Speak confirmed her promise as a stayer with a big future when she made her debut over six bends a winning one when she ran away with the S3 in 40.06. On the final race of the night Ballymac Pact beat another debutant Jennas Pony by a length in 29.37. Today's card was very fruitful with us having three winners once again. Ballymac Sun (pictured) was first to oblige when she took the A5 in 29.63 at rewarding odds of 8/1. This was Sun's second win in her last three races. Gertys Pony stayed on very strong when she took the S2 in 39.28. Out final winner of the afternoon was Ballymac Cat who took the A5 in 29.82.

Saturday night entries

Pups from around the country head to Monmore on Saturday for a final run around the circuit before the Puppy Derby commences next Thursday. There is six trial stake races, we run Yorkshire Lady in Division 4 and Bawna Saphire in Division 6. 

In the supporting opens Fatboyz Romeo (pictured) clashes with Ballyneale Bull, whilst Derrynaflan Dude and Brittons Empire take their chance over 480 metres. In the races over 630 metres we run Glenagower Champ and Talk Bristol who ran much better than her finishing position suggested on Monday.

Bits and Bobs

We are heading to Oxford on Thursday where Ballymac Ace will try and capture the Oxford Stadium Bookmakers Oxfordshire Stakes Final over 450 metres. Daughter of Peg will run in the supporting 450 metre race whilst Ten Dollars More will make his seasonal reappearance over 595 metres.

I've got some good news about Fatboyz Slim (ex Seven Hill Lady). He has taken his time to settle with us since his big move from Ireland but is heading in right direction. Hopefully we will be able to get Anthony Cameron's new charge on the track very soon.

We have a couple of dogs on the sidelines at the moment. Townspark Eric, Ballymac Rumble and Bolt Ya Rocket have all suffered frustrating setbacks and will be out of action for 4 to 6 weeks.

Finally I'm heading out to Ireland for a quick visit to see Liam Dowling, King of the Ballymac's. Let's hope he has a new Ballymac Ace for us !!!!!!!!

Shuttle on course for Puppy Derby

Express Shuttle remains on course to make his debut in the Monmore Puppy Derby. Shuttle will have a 480 solo before racing on Friday as his final preparation. It would have been great to get a race in to him but with a date also in the Trainers Championship to try and also keep he will go in to the competition unraced in the UK. I couldn't have been more pleased with his trial around Wimbledon last week. His time was just three lengths off the highly touted Razldazl Jayfkay.

King Lee on the march

King Lee ran an awesome race on debut last night at Sheffield for his new owner Thomas Kelly from a difficult draw.King Lee finished 2nd beaten by just one length by course and distance specialist Magna Buddy. The inside draw was the deciding factor in the race and Lee will be hard to peg back next week in what promises to be a cracking final.

The £2,000 to-the-winner final takes place next Tuesday.

1 Jacks Black, 2 King Lee (m), 3 MagnaBuddy (m), 4 Brooklyn Bandit, 5 Peggys Way (m), 6 Target Brett (w).

Thomas and his family came down to the Midlands last weekend and had a great morning at the kennels and evening on the track. His young bitch just ran green on the evening but she will have made good nights ahead of her. Nice to see you all.

Kennel Hand Vacancy

I currently have a vacancy for an experienced kennel hand. I can offer a good rate of pay, accommodation and the chance to work with some top class dogs. Any one interested must be experienced in working in a big kennel, can drive, self motivated and work well in a team environment. If interested please call me.

Prize money increases at Monmore Green

Monmore Green General Manager confirmed to me today that Ladbrokes are set to increase the prize money at Monmore.

 

As from the 1st March they will be increasing the Prize Money by £10 per race, by adding £2 to every runner with exception of the winner.

 

I know this is not a massive increase but it all helps, and I would like to thank the management for the increase, with the current state of the sport an increase was a pleasant surprise.

 

This increase is a help for owners Kennel fees and proves that Ladbrokes are committed to greyhound racing by adding £40,000 to the prize money fund.

Prize Money

GRADE WIN   2ND  OTHERS

A1     £161    £47     £35

A2    £146    £37      £35

A3    £116   £35      £33

A4   £101    £35      £33

A5   £96     £35      £33

A6    £96   £35       £33

A7    £91   £35     £33

A8    £91   £35      £33

A9   £86   £32      £30

A10  £86  £32     £30

S1   £178  £47   £37

S2   £153  £47   £37

S3   £128  £47   £37

S4   £123  £37   £37

S5   £109  £37   £37

Transfer window closing

I have managed a last minute recruit into the kennel for the Trainers Championship. Westmead Grant has been added to our squad before the transfer window closes.

The ruling is all greyhounds have to be in your kennel 28 days prior to to the championship meeting, so we got Grant just in time. Westmead Grant has proven top class form and if he settles in and trials well, I have no doubt will be a big point scorer on 22nd March.

I would like to thank Nik Savva for letting us have the dog, With us having a few dogs going down with injuries a dog of this class is a boost for the kennel.

Jason is the Super Stayer

I hope you picked up on my thread of confidence as we headed off racing yesterday. Head Iton Jason (2-1JF) was an impressive winner of The Betfred Casino Stayers Trophy Final (680m) at Nottingham on Monday night.

Once again showing his trademark middle speed, the new intake had left the fourth bend three lengths off the lead but entered the fifth corner two lengths to the good and kept on gamely to beat Romeo In Oregan by 2 1/4L in 42.45. I've still got 50% of this lad for sale, please call me if interested.

Busy start to the week

After a busy afternoon at Monmore and trying to wrap up another Irish prospect to join the kennel we are off to Nottingham tonight with Head Iton Jason and Talk Bristol. Jason has been bouncing round the kennel in recent days and I'd love to see him come away well tonight. The Northern Sprint starts tomorrow at Sheffield and the competition will see King Lee make his debut for us along side So Larry.

Phil Donaldson calls in

The Racing Post's Phil Donaldson called by kennels yesterday to interview me ahead of the Trainers Championship. Phil was very easy to talk to and we enjoyed a chat about many subjects even ones away from greyhound racing. Ill let you know when the article is due to be published. I would urge you all to check out Phil's own blog "Keeping an eye on Sky" it's always worth a read. Enjoy!

Corgan takes leading role

Richter Corgan (pictured) proved to be the highlight of the afternoon at Monmore when he showed some real guts to take the A1 in 29.33 by 3/4 length. Corgan has been highly tried of late so I'm really please for his owners got a deserved A1 win.

Westmead Hawk tops the poll

23% of our blog readers voted Westmead Hawk as their current favourite sire. Hawk took the poll title after some late support of Droopys Maldini. Hawks has now over 2,500 off spring on the ground and has sired some fantastic dogs including Westmead Osprey, Lorry Options and Raving Black. Our leading Hawk dog is Head Iton Jason (50% available for sale).

Jessica leads the way

Borna Jessica proved to be our only winner at Monmore on a tough night of Open Racing at Monmore. Running in Division 3 of the 480 she pinged from traps to lead all the way to take the race in 28.54. Jessica has now won three of her last four races.

Joining us on Sky ?

Have you ever fancied having a runner in a race live on Sky ? Head Iton Jason will surely represent us in the staying race in the Trainers Championship at Wimbledon. 

 

The April 08 son of Westmead Hawk has some great lines of form over 4 and six bends, winning opens all over the country and running against the very best. Jason made his debut for us at Nottingham on Monday in a 680m competition running out a 1/2 length winner in 42.72.

A 50% share is available in this fellow for £3000.It's a great opportunity to own a dog to run in an instant Final and a dog that will have a great 2011.

Ace strikes at Oxford

Close finishes were the order of the day at Oxford with all three heats of the Stadium Bookmakers Oxfordshire Stakes over 450 metres. Quickest time of the round came from the John Mullins-trained Buzz Doc in heat two as the 10-1 chance overcame a slow start to reel in long-time leader Ballymac Denis by a short-head in 26.89 with Oaks winner Freedom Emma back in third after a troubled run. Pall Mall champion Ballymac Ace looked in need of his first run of the year in heat three, but the 4-5 chance had just enough in reserve to maintain an early advantage and hold off Danielles Shelly by a neck in 27.11. Daughter of Peg was back in 4th. Sleeping Urban looked to have won the opening heat from the front, but moved wide entering the home straight and Ernie Gaskin’s Perilous Guide seized the opportunity to go past for a neck victory in 27.40.

Draw for Thursday's £1,000 final (all railers): 1 Perilous Guide, 2 Ballymac Denis, 3 Ballymac Ace, 4 Danielles Shelly, 5 Sleeping Urban, 6 Buzz Doc.

Foursome anymore ?

Tullna Rose lead us to a foursome of winners at Monmore last night. Rose took the final race of the evening, an A4, in 29.00. This was Rose's first race for us and I'm sure will appear on the page many times to come. Sooty Runs Again recorded his second win when taking the A7 in 29.31. Cabra Dazzle he went off a warm 5/4 favourite for the A6 and didn't let the local punters down winning by a stunning six lengths in 29.09. Connections can expect another grade rise. Radnor Blue took the scalp of kennel mate Fatboyz Secret in the S3 winning in 38.13.

Hanna's Pups

Loyal owner John Hanna has two Westmead Joe x Borna Fence pups for sale. Borna Fence's first litter included Fatboyz Romeo, Borna Jessica and Andrees Diamond.If you would like more details please call John on 07767 664452.

Daughter aiming to peg back Ace

Thursday will see Ballymac Ace make is 2011 debut at Oxford. Ace will clash with our own Daughter of Peg in Heat 2 of the Stadium Bookmakers Oxfordshire Stakes over 450 metres.

Jason scores on debut

Head Iton Jason did the local punters a nice turn at Nottingham last night when taking Heat 1 of the Betfred Casino Stayers Trophy at Nottingham in 42.72. This was a great run on debut and he will have plenty on his plate in next weeks Final. Uncle Rico was beaten 1 1/2 in the Maiden competition by a well fancied Charlie Lister prospect whilst Townspark Eric has more traffic problems than the M6 which cost him his chance but he battled on well to finish third. His day will come. Our other runner Richster Corgan was 4th .

A Winters Tale

Andrew Winters Walkaway Tyson (pictured) recorded his first victory in just his second start when taking yesterdays A5 at Monmore in 29.16. Tyson's sister Galtee Adams was also on the mark when recorded 28.93 is the other A5. I've still have this bitch for sale ! There was also a win for Miss Everdean who showed some great early toe as she took the A4 in 28.61.

Nottingham Bound

We will be heading to Nottingham tomorrow evening for a good nights racing. Nottingham always hosts some great little competitions and the track is real test for a galloping dog. Tomorrow Uncle Rico, Townspark Eric and Richter Corgan will represent us in a 480 maiden competition whilst Head Iton Jason will make his debut for us in the 680 competition.

Jessica Impresses

Three winners for the team at our home track of Monmore last night. Borna Jessica took the scalp of the highly rated Rebellious Queen in a 480 Open. A quick break resulted her clearing the trouble and she stayed on well to win in 28.54. Yorkshire Lady was amazingly in a dead heat for the 2nd time in four races as she took the Puppy Open in 29.08. Talk Bristol seemed to appreciate the drop down to S2 as she took the contest by 4 1/2 lengths in 37.96.

3 Steps to Victory

I've been a busy wrapping up a deal all day today and I'm pleased to be able to offer you the 3 Steps to Victory winner of last year at Sheffield, live on Sky Head Iton Jason.

Jason is a great buy for the kennel and I have no doubt he will figure in our Trainers Championship Team. This April 08 son of Westmead Hawk has some great lines of form over 4 and six bends, winning opens all over the country and running against the very best.

Jason will make his debut for us at Nottingham on Monday in a 680m competition , and then will run on the support card live on Sky Juvenile night at Wimbledon on 1st March. He has already ran at Wimbledon, winning the first round of the St.Leger

A 50% share is available in this fellow for £3000

Don't miss out on this opportunity to own this dog who runs at Nottingham on Monday.

Sarah steals headlines again

Little Sarah took her 4th race on the trot this afternoon when taking the opening race on the card. In the A6 contest, she made up for missing the kick to stay on very strongly to take the contest in 29.26.

Out of sight

Cabra Dazzle (pictured) made it back to backs wins at Monmore last night. Despite a rise in grade to A7 he stormed to an amazing 8 1/2 length win in 28.94. I don't think he will get A7 next time !

Kelly for King

Sky Sprint winner King Lee was snapped up by myself on Tuesday when it was announced live on Sky that he was for sale. I dived in front of many others who tried to buy this great dog for Thomas Kelly. King Lee will be our No.1 sprinter for the Trainers Championship. A winner of 14 of his 41 starts he will be a great addition to the kennel and will become a standing dish in the Sky races.

Cove Syndicate eye up treasure

Barntick Cove was this sold this afternoon to select syndicate that I wish all the very best of luck to. The syndicate is made up of Will Adamson, Keth Inston, Mike Giles, Neil Britton and Len Timmins.

Clonmel Stake Finalist

I am pleased to offer you a serious early pace bitch, who in her short racing career has come up against the very best pups in Ireland.  She reached the Clonmel Unraced Stake Final last week.

 

Ballycasey Girl (Ballymac Meave x Slick Mona) is a August 2009 white and fawn eye catching bitch who has unreal early and back straight pace and has given the some of the best pups in Ireland a running lesson up to the last bend, where at the minute she is not staying the stiff Clonmel 480.

 

How good will this bitch be over a shorter trip ? I have no doubt this puppy will be ideal in races such as the Peterborough Puppy Derby 420, Romford Golden Sprint 400, Oxford Pall Mall 450.

 

This young lady will win many opens and I can offer you a 50 % share for £2000. If you are a lover of early pace don't miss out and give me a call.

The Dude is back

Derrynaflan Dude (pictured) proved he was ready to return to the open race scene after impressing in a workout at Monmore this morning. He simply flew round in 15.68 (-10). Bitch for sale, Galtee Kaz completed her grading in when staying on strongly in win her trial in 29.86 and will now start racing.

The Lady loves a Monday

The midweek BAGS meetings have not been particularly kind to us in 2011 so it was great to record a hatrick this afternoon. In the A3, Ard Blossom took the scalp of kennel mate Fatboyz Tedbundy by 1 1/2 lengths in 28.93. I'm convinced there are some nice races to win with this bitch. Ballymac Sun took the very next race which was an A6 in 29.30 which brought to an end a run of consistent runs without winning. Our third winner was in the A5 when the fast improving Yorkshire Lady (pictured) who made it two wins on the bounce when she strutted to a 4 1/2 length win in 29.06.

Puppy Oaks Prospect

A new superstar pup aged just 16 months has emerged on the Irish tracks. Barntick Cove, having won previously in 29.45, went up 5 grades and produced a brilliant display for one so young. Racing against 29.20 race winners some of which were 1 1/2 years older with a lot more experience, she flew out to make all and staying on strongly to win by 4 lengths in a top class time of 29.25. To put this in perspective the A1 race was won in 29.26 by a dog who had previously won in 28.82 at Tralee. 

This young pup is ideal for the Puppy Oaks and the Oaks proper. Her style of running suggests she will have no problem in staying 6 bends in time. Please bear in mind this bitch is only a September 2009 and she has already won two races in a row. She will easily do a sun 29.20 once she gets more schooling and is allowed to develop fully. 

Brilliantly bred out of Head Bound, who has produced the likes of Kildallon Bound who was sold for 29.81 after a rapid run of 29.91 at Mullingar. Head Bound has also produced the likes of Bar Blackstone the Irish St Ledger winner. 

If you interested in buying this bitch please call me straight away to avoid disappointment.

Idol leads the hatrick

Hollywood Idol (pictured) ran out a impressive 2 1/2 length win in last nights A2 in 28.99. This was Idol's first win since back in September and fingers crossed this will be the first of many wins in 2011. The evening started well when Gertys Pony took the opener ( A4) in a hard fought contest holding on by a neck in 29.30. Ballyneale Bull finally got a clear run and made the most of it as he took the Division 3 480 Open in 28.78.

3 in a row for Sarah

Little Sarah (pictured) proved to be our only winner in the last two graded meetings at Monmore.Sarah's A8 win was her third win on the bounce which has seen her rise from A10 to A8. The 1 1/2 length win in 29.57 indicate there is still more to come.

Sean off to the home of the Tigers

A lot of you see Sean my lad head off to his sports clubs of a weekend so I thought I'd let you know his team have progressed to a Regional Final and will now play at Welford Road, home of the Leicester Tigers.

New sale photos

I've updated three of the dogs photos on the sale pages. Please remember I do have to use file photos on occasions when I new dog arrives to be sold. I did have a recent case when a owner came to kennels to walk their new dog and when I got him out it was not the same dog as what they saw on the site !

New Recruits

I've added a new page to the website. The New Recruits page can be found at the bottom of the main gallery page. I've added the first dog tonight and I'll try and add some more over the week ahead.

Record Breaker

January brought us a new record. We recorded over 32,000 hits on the website for the calender month smashing the previous record set of 24,842 back in January 2010. Many thanks to all you regulars who keep coming back. I'm always welcome any feedback and ideas so if you have any please have a word when you see me. We also passsed 100 daily followers on Facebook. If you don't follow us then click on the link and sign up today.