Kurious Mondays

We continue to struggle for winners on the BAGS meetings at Monmore. Today we recorded just the one winner care of Kurious Instinct who recorded her second career win when taking the afternoons A8 in a very pleasing 29.26 by 2 3/4 lengths.

Scouting Mission

As promised here is an update from last weeks scouting mission to the Emerald Isle to look at some young pups trial.

I watched several trials some I felt were not good enough, However one dog that got me very excited was a young Aug 2011 pup. (14 months old) whose sire won the £25,000 Produce stakes at Clonmel in a brilliant 28.38. This young pup has only been in the traps 3 times.

His dam has already bred 28.60 race winners at Shelbourne Park.

Racing in a 2 dog sprint he did not rocket out of traps but once he got into stride he showed fantastic all round pace to win by 5 lengths in 16.38 for the 300 yards at Clonmel. His time of 16.38 was simply fantastic for a 14 month old puppy. He will easily do a 16.20 run which is major open class.

To put his time into perspective  the likes of "Express Shuttle" recorded 16.53 at Clonmel for the 300 yards before he was sold for a five figure sum to Westview Kennels. He went on to win the Blue Riband at Hall Green before finishing second in the 2011 Midland Puppy Derby (beaten 3/4 a length in the Final)

All this young 14 months old puppy can do is improve , once he gets more schooling and is allowed to develop. He will not be seen at his best until he goes over the 480metres distance . We have had to act fast to secure his services as a lot of trainers in Ireland & England were looking to purchase him.

Please phone me direct to discuss this highly exciting young puppy further .

Turning on the style

Peggys Style (pictured) recorded an all the way victory at Coventry yesterday as they trialed a late morning meeting at our local track. Peggys was quickly in charge as soon as the traps rose and she didn't let another dog pass her as she took the open race over the extended 672 metres in 42.01 by a comfortable 2 3/4 lengths.

Monmore puts on a great show for TV

Updates have had to take a back seat for a short period with me on the scouting mission to Ireland and also our web man broadband has gone AWOL. Normal service will be resumed as quickly as possible.

Our home track of Monmore hosted a great televised meeting on Thursday featuring the TV Trophy. Sadly we were not among the winners on this occasion. 

Driving Force (pictured) was our only winner on the Friday afternoon meeting when he took the A2 by a convincing three lengths in 38.28. 

Our fortunes were better on Saturday when Miss Capulet took the A10 to get us off the mark winning in 29.30. This was her second career win. The very promising young bitch Droopys Julie recorded her maiden success when taking the A3 by a hard fought short head in 28.83. There is a lot more to come from this bitch and I'm expected this victory will be the first of many. 

Twirling to success

Ferndale Twirl (pictured) twirled to her second success on the bounce on Sunday with a hard fought win at Coventry. Twirl took the Division 3 Open race in 29.74 but was made to work all the way. This improving bitch is very much on the update and one to follow.

Positive news for owners

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has announced that greyhound registration fees (£26 each) will be waived until December 31st, a saving of approximately £50,000 for all owners and trainers. The decision follows the news in July this year that the governing body had waived the £26 transfer of ownership fee from 1st August to year-end, representing a further saving of approximately £25,000.

Barry Faulkner, GBGB Chief Executive said:

“The GBGB is aware that for many in the sport, times are difficult. Greyhound racing is not immune   from the effects of the double-dip recession but we hope that by bearing some of these administrative costs, a potential barrier to both getting involved with and continuing greyhound ownership is removed.”

Fees for greyhounds that have been registered with the GBGB from 1st October will be refunded to allow three months of savings. Please note that this does not affect fees payable for registering greyhounds or transfer of ownership in the relevant Stud Book (Greyhound Stud Book/Irish Coursing Club).

For further information please contact GBGB Licensing and Registry Department on 020 7421 3770.

Heading to Ireland

The plane seemed a little odd this afternoon as I boarded to Ireland on a scouting mission. I have a session booked to see a handful of promising pups trial on the hope a couple will be suitable for Monmore Puppy Derby. If you are looking for a serious Monmore Puppy Derby please call me. 

Turbo lands SiS 500 Final

Current dog for sale Farloe Turbo landed the SiS 500 A5 Final at Monmore yesterday. Turbo needed to do it the hard way by battling through the field, once clear with the trouble behind he was romped to a 2 1/4 length win in 29.01 to land the £500 first prize. 

Shiners Princess took of advantage of the graders generosity to keep him in A2 despite last weeks win by taking the contest in 28.60. Princess will have the kennel bragging rights as Start Itup Sooty was back in second.

Venus stays on best

Atouchofvenus (pictured) gave the kennel the only highlight on a overall disappointing evening at Monmore. We suffered from traffic problems in a number of races which ended chances to run on TV Trophy Final night.

Atouchofvenus stormed home by running on very strong in Heat 1 of the Bitches competition. After a slow start it looked liked she had left herself to much to do but the gutsy bitch got up to win by 1/2 length in 28.77.

Billy the Kid to land at Westview for sale

I am pleased to offer Farloe Thekid for sale. This good looking black June 2011 pup is bred Tyrur Lee x Farloe Reserve.

The dam Farloe Reserve has thrown some great dogs in previous litters including Farloe Skywalker, Tico, Iceman, Ironman, Razl and many more.

This young pup has just had one sprint race in Ireland and was badly impeded at the first bend.

Thekid recently had a trial around Derry and flew round in a 28.50. This young dog with some race experience and maturity really could be anything.

Bargain £2,000 - This lad will sell very quickly please call if interested.

Ace is the Daddy !

I've have some great breeding news to report, Pat Curtins brood bitch Paradise Digicom has just had 5 bitches and 2 dogs to our very own Ballymac Ace.

Southern Dooey and Raynes Park are also heavily in pup to the Ace and are due very soon. More news soon.

Senor George catches the eye

Irish import Senor George recorded a seriously pleasing 15.96 on his first trial on Sunday evening at Coventry. The son of Ace Hi Rumble x Hondo on Air will continue is introduction to the UK racing scene next week.

Girls rising through the grades

Lynns Blackie (pictured) continued her rise through the grades when landing the afternoons A4 in 28.86. After missing her break Blackie was quickly on terms and once getting in front she was never headed to win by 3 lengths.

Rosmult Plover took advantage of a drop in grade when she took the A8 by a convincing 3 1/4 lengths in 29.48.

Sidelight and Patsy score at Monmore

The promising youngster Sidelight took advantage of a drop back to graded company last night when taking the A1 by a hard fought head in 28.27.

Proud Patsy recorded his 31st career victory in his typical blast away from traps and dig deep off the last bend. Patsy once again battled hard to win by a head in 28.69. This was his 98th career race who has been a great servant to his connections. I'm sure when his 100th race is over a nice warm sofa will be waiting for him.

Nicholls off the mark with Turbo

I'm very pleased Roy Nicholls had his first winner for us last night at Monmore when Farloe Turbo took the A6 in 29.14. This will be the first of many winners I'll be training for Roy as he has invested in some serious talent for me to train.

This dog Farloe Turbo is only a March 2011 and will win plenty of more races. He is for sale and on the Sale page. He will run until sold, ideal for someone wanting some instant fun.

There was also a nice win on the card for El Poacher who stayed on very well to take the A3 in 29.08 by 2 lengths. This was the Pochers first win and I fully expect the son of Crash x Manderville Black to go past the post in front again very soon.

We did suffer disappointment in the A1 Owners Series Final with Westmead Athena (3rd) and Vedfield Sold (4th). 

McCarthy extends string

Dara McCarthy has added Farloe Rihanna to his team of dogs today. Dara is having a great run with his team at the moment and Shades of Zeta completed another grade promotion when taking last nights A2 in 28.84. She must to one of the most improved bitches at the track at the moment.

Joscar and Flame reach Northern Puppy Derby Final

Joscar and Express Flame will both be in next weeks Northern Puppy Derby after finishing second and third in tonights first Semi Final. In a very competitive race the rain unfolded in the final straight with Jaytee Hellcat staying on best to take the race in 28.75.

Young well bred pups available for sale

Lot 1 - Jessies Gold

Big strong 10 month old sapling. Black dog, Ballymac Ruso x Borna Jessica, Dec 2011 

On looks this big lad will win the Derby.

£1750

Lot 2- Pinky Promise

14 month old pup, just started schooling.W/Bk Dog Thurlesbeg Joker x Galtee Minnie 

Aug 2011

Could be anything.

£1500

Lot 3- Moshi Monster (litter brother of Pinky Promise)

Bred out of Galtee Minnie who has thrown track record holder Welton Arthur and the great Thurlesbeg Joker

£1500

Lot 4- Direct Lady

14 month old puppy just starting schooling.W/Blue Bitch, Duke Special x Lightfoot Lady

Lovely looking bitch, would be bought on looks alone

£1000

Lot 5- Smash Williams

13 month old Black Dog. Bred of Ballymac breeding, Ballymac Bull x Pony Sheila

Could be a real star.

Will be priced soon

Update

Farloe Rihanna 29.56 in her 2nd ever 480 today, coming from well behind looks like she will make a nice stayer.

2 new litter sisters for sale both had there first trials at Monmore today.

Catsrock Impact 29.43 today and Catsrock Lucy 29.45 today,

These March 2010, Black bitches bred Royal Impact x Noreview Kitty will both stay the 630 at Monmore and will give there new owners some great nights out.

Bargain £500 each

Please call me if interested. All the above will sell quickly as always.

Hats off to Blanco as Dave battles hard

Sometimes you have to step back and applaud performances that you see. One in that category was Loughteen Blanco win in the Henlow Derby last night live on Sky. The race line up was seriously top class and our own classy Ballycowen Dave was sent off at a huge 16/1. 

Dave was outpaced to the first bend but the race was won when Loughteen Bandit cut inside from a great start to build up a lead that was never closed upon. Ballycowen Dave battled hard but could only finish 5th. 

Monday blues continue

I'm not sure what we need to do on a Monday to record more than a single winner in a meeting. Monday and Friday BAGS meetings have not been kind to us in recent weeks. 

Shiners Princess took the honour to be yesterdays winner when he made it back to back wins when taking the A2 in 28.99 by two lengths. 

Flame on fire at Newcastle on a evening of traffic problems

Express Flame proved to be our only winner on the long trip to Newcastle. Flame took Heat 4 of the Northern Puppy Derby when proving quickest away from traps to lead all the way in 28.56. Joscar finished third in Heat 2, Kinloch Tiger in Heat 4, whilst Express Rover and Sidelight suffered traffic problems which ended their chances.

Our entries in the All England Cup proved disappointing with Farloe Luigi finishing 5th and Rusheen Major 3rd. 

Sooty sweeps to another victory

Start Itup Sooty continued his rise up the grades at Monmore when taking last nights A3. Sooty stayed on very strongly to sail past the opposition on the home straight to win by 1 3/4 lengths in 28.72. Head Iton Woodie added yet another S1 to his impressive record when running out a 1/2 length winner in 38.50. Woodie has now won 12 for his 67 races. 

Judy is Friday winner

Galtee Judy was our only winner on Friday afternoon at Monmore as we seem to be struggling to land winners on the Monday and Friday BAGS meetings.

Judy made it two wins of her last three starts when taking the S2 by short head in 38.92. Judy stole an early lead in the race but needed to hang on very bravely to record her 7th career win.

Team to be doubled handed in Owners Series Final

We will be double handed in next weeks A1 Owners Series Final after some fantastic performances at Monmore. Vedfield Solid was first to strike when he dug deep to win by a short head in 28.82. Solid will have to handle Westmead Athena in the Final as she continued her amazing start to her career with us when she took Heat 2 in 28.43 by 2 1/2 lengths. 

Waycross Nelly made it 2 wins from 3 starts from she stepped up to A5 by taking the contest in 29.19 by 2 lengths. No doubt she might have to cope with another rise in grade next time out. 

Ballycowen reachs Henlow Final but Fifis is denied

Ballycowen Dave reached his second big Sky Final of the year when finishing second to Taylors Sky in last nights Henlow Derby Semi Final. After some early battles on the first corner both Fifis Rocket and Ballycowen Dave were poised to challenge the leader Westmead Shaw. On the final bend our boys pushed past the leader but saw an unbelievable late run from Taylors Sky to deny them. Hats off to Charlie Listers dogs it was a fantastic run but I was gutted for Fifis Legend after he had run so well.

Draw for Tuesday’s £10,000 Primus Telecom Derby final (live on Sky Sports): 1 Be Real, 2 Farloe Warhawk, 3 Taylors Sky, 4 Loughteen Blanco (m), 5 Ballycowen Dave (w), 6 Guinness Dusty (w)

Drumcove Lad kicks start at the Zoo

Drumcove Lad started the defence of his Scurry Sprint title with a dead heat victory at Belle Vue last night. In a some what messy race Drumcove had to share the spoils with Skate on. The race was full of bumps and bashes with thankfully Drumcove is in that draw for the Semi Finals that will be made today.

New look for our home page

We have just given our home page a new look. Hope you can recognise your favourite ?

Kennel Closed 14th October

Once again the Coventry Half Marathon will be taking place on the lanes around kennels on Sunday 14th October. The kennels will be closed on this day for owners as most of the local lanes will be closed. Apologies  for any inconvenience caused.

Fill Yer Boots Britton

Neil Britton has now been added to the staff page of the website. Make sure you give him plenty of stick about some of those answers!

Latest Trainers Championship Standings

It's been a quiet day or so at the kennels so no big news to blog I'm afraid. You will have to settle for the latest Trainers Championship Standings where we lie a comfortable third behind Paul Young and Mark Wallis.

Drumcove Lad ready for Scurry repeat

This week will see 2011 Sprinter of the Year Drumcove Lad (pictured) bid to retain his Showsec Scurry Sprint title on Thursday. This years competition is a 36 dog event and Drumcove has trap two in the opening heat. The dog is very well in himself and we are very hopeful of another big competition from him.

Also on Thursday it's the Primus Telecom Henlow Derby Semi Finals. Our two runners, Fifis Legend and Ballycowen Dave will need to do everything right to get of of the two qualifying places in each Semi Final.

We will end the week with runners in the All England Cup at Newcastle. Entries are still to be confirmed.

Giles seals the deal with Daisy

Mick Giles quickly dived in to purchase the promising Matildas Daisy over the weekend and it will be another smart recruit for the kennel. Many thanks Mick for your continued support.

We all the additional land we have at the kennels we are now starting to breed a few more litters per year. So more pups will be available to everyone. Over the years we have only reared one litter per year  and have produced some really nice pups including Fatboyz Romeo, Fatboyz Eagle, Andrees Diamond, Start Itup Sweep and recently Sidelight. I know many of you like to come and see the pups every Sunday so please keeping checking the blog for more details.