Uncle Steve is King Domino

I'd like to congratulate my Uncle Steve Allsopp who won the 12th Bobby Allsopp Domino Competition today at our local pub. I know winning the competition meant so much to you in winning your late brothers competition. Over sixty regulars from the Royal Hotel Pub play in the annual event every year in memory of my Dad Bobby Allsopp and it was great to see my Uncle Steve lift the winners trophy today. He has joined other family members Carl and Paul who have previously won.

Merry Christmas to All

I would like to wish all our my owners, staff and supporters a very Merry Christmas. Hope you all have a wonderful day. Hopefully I'll see many of you track side on Boxing Day.

Scott's Pans seals it for Magnificent Monmore

Our home track of Monmore Green put a thrilling Bags Championship Grand Final on Friday afternoon when Pots And Pans sealed the fifth of the six legs, for pups, to seal the Championship for Monmore. After scoring steadily throughout, finishing no worse than third throughout,  that combination was enough to allow Monmore an unassailable advantage.

Kim Billingham, our team captain, accepted the extraordinarily large winning cup. Jim Woods, Racing Manager, said total team prizes of £9,000[£6,000 as champs, and £3,000 from the regional stage] would be equally divided among all 12 Monmore trainers. Monmore also get £12,500 to add to Bags prize-money next month.

Pots And Pans had to battle to see off a pacey Judys Bloom, and then held a running on Bonamassa Buddy by nearly two lengths in 28.70. Pots and Pans is owned by loyal owner Paul Scott. The event proved more nerve-wracking that a Category One, it’s been a fantastic year for us all, now for the track too.

Final scores Monmore 42, Hall Green 37, Romford 27, Hove 24 (fourth on wins count-back), Belle Vue 24, Newcastle 13

Special thanks to Dave Yanez  who got the photos to us so quickly for your viewing.

Kennels closed for next two Sundays

The kennels will be closed for the next two Sundays as this will enable me to give the hard working staff a few days off over the Christmas and New Year period. The kennel staff put in some extreme hours throughout the year and I'm sure you all will be fine with the decision. I have a couple of extra photos here from the owners morning.(Still more to post) I've posted loads of news in recent days so make sure you use the menu to make sure you haven't missed  anything.
1) Len on morning walks
2) Proud Berry
3) Skyline Syndicate

Christmas presents at Monmore

The last evening meeting at Monmore before Christmas was certainly kind to us as we recorded a fanatic six victories. Marazion Magic got the ball rolling when she took the A3 in 28.67, this was her second win in succession. Cooladerry Rise is in great heart at the moment as he recorded another great when took the S2 in 38.68. Gagsys Classic is one of the unsung stars of year and he added another win to his CV when he took the A2 in 28.53. I was really pleased the Skyline Syndicates Skyline Fleck won her first race which was an A6 in 29.18. Another nice dog for 2012 is New Boss, he showed his potential when taking the A5 on debut in 29.01. Our final winner of the evening was Bawna Major who took advantage of a drop in grade to record is first race, A7, in 29.17.

Bobby Allsopp Memorial Race

The Bobby Allsopp Memorial Race is being held on Boxing Day at Monmore. Maireads Hawk will represent us in the race and has drawn trap 1. Lets hope the Hawk can do the business and win my late fathers race.

Kirk wins the the Ninja Jamie x Cabra Fly Christmas pup

The winner of the 5 month pup is Kirk W. Congratulations. Please call me to arrange a time to select your pup.

Puppy Draw tonight at 7pm Trackside

All those have entered the raffle to win the 5 month old Ninja Jamie x Cabra Fly puppy will need to have everything crossed tonight as I'll be making the draw trackside tonight at 7pm. I'll post the name of the winner on the Facebook and blog as quickly as possible. Good Luck to every one !!

Serious Art from the Yan

Thought you all might like to see this image made by friend of the kennel Dave Yanez. The image is of former kennel superstar Mashed Potatoes. Mashed Potatoes was a serious race bitch who won the Ladbrokes Puppy and Bitches Final at Monmore. If you are looking for a a different type of image why not drop Dave a note as I'm sure he would be happy to help.

Jasons Hawk to join the team

I'm please to report that the eight time winning Jasons Hawk will be joining us from Ireland in the New Year. Hawk is now owned by Richard Wheeler who owned our first category one winner Rev Counter. Hawk has got some classy form on his card and should be a great addition to the team n 2012. Welcome back Whiskers !

Christmas Owners Morning - Part 3

Here are a few more photos from last Sunday


1) Daleroad Canter
2) Delightful Aine
3) Derrynaflan Dude
4) Direct Angie
5) Direct Pal
6) Galtee Judy
7) Stop and Pop & Galtee Petal

Final Summary

I've just been preparing for information for the website in the New Year and its been amazing how many Finals we have actually managed to win this year. I can remember only a few years ago how tough it was to win our first Final. Here is a list of those dogs who have win Finals. (Above Drumcove Lad in action on Monday winning the National Sprint)

January - Brittons Empire wins the Coral on TV Maidens Trophy Final at Romford. Category 3

February - Head Iton Jason wins the Betfred Casino Trophy at Nottingham. Category  3

March - So Larry wins the Ladbrokes Spring Festival 416 Final. Category  3

April - Express Shuttle wins the Betfair Blue Riband Final at Hall Green. Category  2

May - Fifis Rocket wins the Dave Lawrance Golden Crest Final at Poole. Category  2

Fatboyz Slim wins the Maiden Stayers Trophy at Nottingham. Category  3

June - Head Iton Jason wins the Ladbrokes Summer Classic at Monmore. Category 1

Brittons Empire wins the Betfair Pall Mall at Oxford. Category 1

July - Maireads Hawk wins the Coral Puppy Cup Final at Hove. Category 3

August - Head Iton Jason wins the Ladbrokes August Festival 630 final. Category  2

September - Ballymac Ace wins the 65th East Anglian Derby Final at Yarmouth. Category 1

Southern Dooey wins the Coral on TV Bitches Trophy Final at Romford. Category  3

October - Drumcove Lad wins the GRA Scurry Gold Cup Final. Category  2

Bolt Ya Rocket wins the Newcall Telecom RGT Final at Henlow. Category  3

 Jennas Pony wins the Coral on TV Maiden Final. Category 3

 Ballymac Ace wins the Joe Hardy Memorial Final at Sunderland. Category  2

November - Brittons Empire wins the Jem Racing Super Paws at Poole. Category 2

December - Drumcove Lad wins the Stadium Bookmakers National Sprint Final at Nottingham. Category  2

Summary

Won Three Category 1 Finals, Seven Category 2 Finals and Eight Category  3 Finals

Great night and lots of messages

It was a great night for every one last night connected with the kennel. The win pushes us 26 points clear in the Trainers Championship which should wrap it up all bar the shouting. On personal note I have a stinking cold to deal with with is not the best. I'd to thank every one for their texts, messages and phone calls. I'm still trying to keep up with those mixed in with the media requests. The title would not have been possible without my loyal owners, hard working staff and loving family.


I would like to acknowledge what a great race it has been for the title and it couldn't have such a great race without opposition. It's a great honour to up against Mark Wallis and Charlie Lister both are legends of the sport and they have set the level to what we all need to aim at the sport. I'm sure both with be as keen as ever to the title back next year.

Drumcove seals National Sprint and Championship

Drumcove Lad sealed his second big competition this evening when taking the Stadium Bookmakers National Sprint at Nottingham tonight in 17.91. I must thank the winning owners of Will Adamson (pictured with Drumcove Lad yesterday), Neil Britton and James Edwards for buying this dog for me to train as hopefully this win has sealed our mission to win the Trainers Championship.


Lad pinged from traps only to see Outbound Conka push through to take the lead, however as in the Semi Final, Lad fought back up to home straight to take the £2,000 prize by 1/2 length with Fifis Rocket running a stormer to take third place.


The win will hopefully push Drumcove Lads credentials towards a nomination for Sprinter of Year as he have now taken the two biggest sprint competitions of the year. More reaction tomorrow. 

12 Point Lead in Trainers Championship

Following last nights racing at Sittingbourne we have a twelve point lead going into tonight racing at Nottingham where we have Fifis Rocket and Drumcove Lad in the National Sprint Final. We will pick up another 10 points even if both finish unplaced but lets hope for even better. Both dogs are in great form with themselves and either could win given a sharp break. Regarding the dangers Trap 1 looked to be a fast improving sprinter whilst Magna Buddy has a handy draw in trap 4.

Christmas Owners Morning Photos - Part 2

We now have 22 teams left in the draw for the Puppy. I will be making the draw live at Monmore on Thursday night. Please call to ensure one of the final teams.

Christmas Puppy Raffle

I've still got 27 spaces to sell on the Football/Raffle card to win the Ninja Jamie x Cabra Fly puppy. The five month old litter were certainly catching a few peoples eye today. You can pick any one of the five dogs in the litter that are unsold. If you would like a go please call me and you can settle up with me at the track. Tickets are £20 each. The pup will be reared to 12 months as part of the prize.


The teams remaining are Wimbledon, Milwall, Blackpool, Sunderland, C Palace, Fulham, Charlton, Chester, Fulham, Exeter, Bury, Bristol Rovers, Doncaster, Blackburn, Watford, Oldham, Brighton,, Hibbs, Motherwell, Derby, Preston, Peterborough, Southend, York, Grimbsy, Bradford and Chesterfield.

Stunning turnout for Christmas Owners Morning

I hope all those came to our third Christmas Owners Morning today had a fantastic time. Despite it being cold, the forecast showers stayed away to enable over 100 owners and family come up to Westview Kennels to enjoy some seasonal hospitality. All the dogs enjoyed their walks and treats almost as much as the owners enjoyed the hot breakfast sandwiches ! On behalf of the staff I'd like to thank all owners for their cards and gifts. I also like to thank my army of volunteers who always come out and help on the morning and finally magic man Paul Stevenson who went down a storm with everyone.

I know a number of you asked for the photographers contact details. Please feel free to drop him an email ndugganisrm@hotmail.com . 8x6 Prints are £5 , 10x8 £10 and larger poster prints can be arranged by request. All the photos will be added the blog over the coming days.

Pans and George set for BAGS Championship Final

It was great to hear that we will have two representatives in the Monmore team for the BAGS Championship next Friday. Pots and Pans will represent Monmore in the Bitches races with Borna George will be out to keep his amazing run going in the Puppy race. Good to to Kim Billingham and all the Monmore team.

Hawk swoops to glory

Maireads Hawk took the scalp of the highly rated Longwood Fantasy last night when taking the Ladbrokes.com 480 in a very tidy 28.19. This dog is a serious greyhound and just needs a bit of luck going round the first bend of a race. Fingers crossed this victory will get him back on track to his very best.


Our first winner of the night was Sids Champ who was well supported by his connections as he took the A4 in 28.54. No doubt the 4 3/4 winning margin will result with a move up the grades. They can't be many better starts to careers at Monmore than Doobys Gone West. Doobys made it three wins from his first three starts as he showed some rapid early pace to take the second A4 in 28.70.


Despite not winning on her first three starts Solid Merlot didn't let the step up to A5 stop her recording her first victory. She was quickly away from traps and took the contest in 28.88. 

@Ballymac Ace passes 100 followers

Ballymac Ace achieved a new milestone for the kennel this week when he past the 100 followers on Twitter ! If you are not one of his followers it might be worth it as the old boys seems to have the inside track on the kennels news. He often has some good banter with @JKgrehounds (Jonathan Kay of Racing Post) and has many high profile followers including the gorgeous Julie Collier from Sky Sports, Robert Morton and many other greyhounds (less famous of course) !