Proud Berry heads to early retirement

Sad news to report this evening. After nine months of recovery from a broken hock, Proud Berry had a hand slip on Tuesday and went round ok although he was a little sore the following morning.

His proud owner John Nokes decided to retire his stunning looking dog as he didn't want to risk the dog picking up another injury. This fantastic animal was unbeaten in his career winning all four of his races before sadly breaking his hock in a trial preparing for the Gymcrack.

This son of Crash who in his short career beat Ballymac Eske, Blonde Regan, Westmead Bertie, Westmead Sramble, and Ballymac Wander. He will now go up to Merefield Stud to have some frozen semen taken and could stand there at stud.

Dolan and Adamson hit the bulls eye

Brendan Dolan, one of our professional dart playing owners, got some compensation from his defeat to Micheal Van Gerwin in Sundays Final at Crawley by winning today's A6 with Farloe thekid in partnership with long time owner Will Adamson. The boys duly weighted in at 2/1 to back their new recruit into 7/4 favourite. After some early race bumping the Kid bound clear to win by a huge 4 3/4 lengths in a time of 28.98. 

Takemybreathaway recorded her third win of 2013 when she showed some superb pace to take the days A5 by 2 1/2 lengths in 29.13. Another bitch winning her third race of tear was Westmead Sheba who stayed on superbly to take the A6 in 29.48. Will be interesting to see how this bitch matures and whether she will improve when stepped up in trip. 

Dave gets just rewards

Ballycowen Dave got just reward for his efforts at Nottingham when he put in a stunning run in last nights Division 3 Open at Coventry. In truth Dave was never headed in the contest and he fought off the last challenge of Swords Brett to win by 1/2 length in 29.34. 

New arrivals strengthen team

I'd like to offer a warm welcome to a couple of new owners to Westview Kennels.

Paul Oliver has sent me the proven Kokoro and an unraced puppy called Borna Hiker. Kokoro has some very smart Irish form with wins at Shelbourne Park and Tralee. I'm hoping he settles in quickly and he gives Paul a great start with his ownership with us.

David Torjussen has snapped up the highly talented Chevy Blazer and a unraced pup called Roseville Plover. 

In a final bit of news Bill Walsh has moved Ballymac Thirsty to join us. This striking brindle/white son of Westmead Hawk x Ballymac Dot will hopefully have a great career with us.

I'd like to wish all the above the very best of luck with their new recruits. Lets hope we can all share plenty of winners and great nights in 2013.

Friday Feast

Four winners for the team on Friday across the cards of Monmore and Romford. Proud Darkie got us up and going as he recorded his third career win when taking the A6 in 29.68. Darkie is slowly creeping up the grades and it will be interesting how much improvement there is to come. Direct Hit landed the odds for the local favourite backers as she took the S3 by a huge five length margin to win in 38.99. Mays Stopgoback hung on where it mattered most in the S2 to deny kennel mate Paidis Peata by a short head to win in 39.35. 

I was over the moon to see Sids Ninja win his first open race down at Romford. This early paced son of  Ninja Jamie x Cabra Fly has some genuine pace when he get a clear run. Ninja was smartly away from traps to lead all the way to take the 400 metre contest in 24.30. Westmead Athena could only finish third in the Coral on TV Bitches Final, sadly a poor break ended her changes of winning but she did battle all the way to to line. 

On Sunday evening we head to Coventry whilst we are at Nottingham on Monday. 

Sweep storms home

Start Itup Sweep recorded his 5th career win at Monmore last night when impressing at Monmore. Sweeps performance was very gutsy as he showed some real courage after being caught up in traffic problems before forcing his way through the field to storm to a A2 success in 29.17.

Athena heading to TV Final

The stunning and ultra consistent Westmead Athena took to Romford beautifully on Monday evening as she blasted from the traps to win by 4 1/4 lengths and qualify for Fridays Coral on TV Bitches final over 400 metres live on Racing Post TV. The winning time of 24.12 gives her a bit to find in the Final but with a good break it could be a great result. 

Goa Leprechaun broke her open race maiden tag up at Nottingham when she stayed on best over 680 metres to take the race by 3/4 length in 42.27.

Ballycowen Dave was within a length of taking the category three William Hill 480 Trophy on the same card. Dave lead through out the race and was only caught in the shadow of the line. The winning time of 28.47 was a great time and I'm sure Dave will be bringing home another Final to Westview very soon. 

Lightning strikes three times

Lightning Sky did the local punters a favour this afternoon after being sent off a warm 7/4 favourite in today's A3. Quickly into stride from trap 5, he quickened well to win by 3/4 length in 29.08. 

Bradgate Star recorded an over due win in the A5 contest. Star has being running well but keeps finding one to good for him. Today he hung on well where it mattered most to win in 29.50 by a short head. 

Our third winner to report on is Farloe Rihanna who put her run of bad luck behind her as she finally took the A8 by 2 1/2 lengths in 29.52. 

Adamson syndicate move in for bargain

The loyal syndicate managed by the Cleveland Arms very own Will Adamson have stepped in to purchase Farloethekid. Many thanks boys for your continued support lets hope he hits the bulls eye for you all.

Clydagh Mickey was also snapped up off the blog in quick time and I'd think to thank the new connections for that purchase. Lets hope he has a great 2013.

Strategic Review lays down Derby claims

Strategic Review put himself in contention for the Monmore Puppy Derby last night when leading from the moments the traps rose to take the Division 6 Puppy Trial Stake. The blue son of Ninja Jamie x Cabra Fly has suffered traffic problems in his last three runs after his debut win, but today he was away and gone to win by two lengths in 28.73.

The ultra game Goa Getta (pictured) recorded his first win of 2013 when he took the Banks Bitter Stakes Open over 416 metres in 25.01. When this lad breaks as he can he can lead up most dogs, lets hope he has many more wins in 2013.

Catching up with Rachel

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Thought our readers might like to catch up for former kennel hand Rachel Wheeler who Red Mills caught up as part of their kennel tour. That's some strange accent she is developing ! Well done Rachel lets hope your winners keep flowing.

Win 14 for Super Woodie

Old boy Head Iton Woodie made it win number 14 in his career this afternoon when taking the advantage of a rare drop in grade to S2. Woodie had to work hard for this win as after a slow start he fought his way through the field and to get up to win in the final stages taking the race by a neck in 39.49. 

Top class stayer needed

If anyone out there has a top class stayer for sale or would like me to train for them please call me. I'm looking to recruit a quality stayer to strengthen our team for 2013.

Injury blows

Sadly one of our leading hopes for the Monmore Puppy Derby were dashed yesterday as Phoenix Bolt suffered an injury which will keep him on the sidelines for a while. 

Peggys Style, our Doncaster St Leger winner, has been retired and gone back to the breeding paddocks in Ireland after she suffered a bone injury in the heats of the Golden Jacket at Crayford last week. Peggys Style was a honour to train and she will be missed by all the staff a Westview. It would be nice to train her offspring in the future.

Our final bit of bad news concerns Tae Mills who ruptured an FCU tendon which is a serious career threatening injury.

Some days are very hard in our great sport.

Sidelight fears nobody

The ever improving brindle Sidelight took the scalp of the highly rated Fear Emoski last night at Nottingham when taking the Stadium Bookmakers Puppy 480 Open race. Sidelight took advantage of an opening on the first bend to force his way clear and then go on to win by 3/4 length in 28.84. The son of Hondo Black x Borna Fence has now won 8 of his 21 starts.

Hey Mickey to join Westview

We are constantly looking for emerging young talent on the Irish racing scene. Down through the years we have purchased some top class open racers from Galway including the likes of Burnpark Champ (Fastest dog ever at Westview), the top class Brittons Empire (Pall Mall winner) and Rosshill View one of the best marathon open runners in her day.

Over the last few weeks we have been watching with interest the progress of a young pup called 'Clydagh Mickey'. He is only and April 2011 pup. He has the exact same sire as 'Brittons Empire' (Hades Rocket) which has made us attracted to him. This pup has been competing in a £1,000 competition.

In the heats he was racing against some highly regarded opponents including dogs who are advertised on greyhound data for £8,000. This pup in his Semi Final showed excellent early and left his field chasing shadows as he cruisied home to win in a fast 29.24, which was the fastest time of the night.

In the Final held last Friday 'Mickey' rocketed from traps to record a flying 3.23 sectional. Down the back stretch he quickly had his rivals triailing in his slip tream with his powerful all round pace. (Watch igb video) Up the long run in this pups stride shortened and he was caught on the line to be beaten a short head in a brilliant time of 29.00, which was easily the fastest time of the night.

           ****1st in 29.24 525 yards race Galway****

                 (fastest time of the night)

           ***2nd in 29.00 525 yards race Galway****

                  (Fastest time of the night)£1,000 Final. (btn a shd)

 This pups estimated time in the final was 29.01 which is simply flying - (The dog that caught him on the line is a staying puppy (they want 8k for him)  please note that Galway track would be rated one of the slower running tracks in Ireland.

It would be rated .30 -.40 spots slower than the likes of Limerick or Shelbourne Park (Please check) only last week, we were asked £20,000 for an April pup from one of these tracks! (Ballymac Maeve pup 28.74 - 28.68 Shelbourne)

This pup will not cost anything near that , we have secured him for what we believe to be a very reasonable price and are glad he will be joining us here. With his all round pace combined with his ability to stay 480 metres he will win numerous top open class races. His 1st major big competition will be the upcoming £12,500 Midland Puppy derby at our home track Monmore.

Please phone me direct to discuss this pup further. As always it will be a case of first come first served.

Ten to follow 2013

After a heartbreaking start to last year, with fatal, and career ending injuries to our up and coming stars, I have been reluctant to put out 10 stars to follow in 2013, as I don't want to put a jinx on them.

The year ended much better winning two Cat 1 finals and some smaller finals as well, and finishing 4th in the country was a massive achievement after the start we had. Once again I'm very proud we won Monmore Trainer of the year for the sixth year running.

With the arrival of Paul Sallis I think we will not have it our own way and it will be a tough challenge to hold the title in 2013, But if anyone knows me, I love a challenge so bring it on Sallis !!!

My Ten To Follow For 2013 -

Please do not be offended if your greyhound is not on the list below,I could put another 10 or more dogs to follow as my kennel strength is fantastic and improving daily.

Express Flame (Hondo Black x Express Mist) This lovely fawn bitch will play a massive part in all the major bitch competitions.

Cluxtons Free (Ballymac Maeve x Park Halo) Big brindle dog has it all pace/power possible Derby dog.

Chevy Blazer  (Crash x Lemon Rita, July 2011) She has real class and he breeding suggests she could be a superstar over 6 bends.

Srategic Review (Ninja Jamie x Cabra Fly, July 2011) This big blue home reared could really be anything, as he has had very little schooling done.

Senor George (Ace Hi Rumble x Hondo on Air) An absoulote machine of a dog, with a bit of luck, he could go to the very top.

Phoenix Bolt (Year Man x Droopys Marcia, May 2011) Usain has landed, early pace to die for. A 28.74 debut win at Clonmel marks his down a serious pup in the making.

Larky Ego (Express Ego x Moneygall Larky) Won by 12 on debut at Limerick, very young bitch pup, looks real class.

Baileys Quest (Scolari My Daddy x Slaneyside Kelly, February 2011) Has the potential to take on and beat the best. Had a slight set back after joining us from Ireland where he impress at Thurles.

Express Rover (Hondo Black x Express Mist, November 2010) The 2012 Romford puppy cup finalist has more to come and has a big 2013 ahead of him.

Joscar (Kinloch Brae x Jeffrys Brindle, January 2011) You will see this studding brindle fellow win many more races this year now he has been stepped up in distance.

Flaming hot !!

Express Flame scored on her come back run last night at Monmore by taking the Ladbrokes 480 for bitches. Flame lead up early with Jaytee Cuba trying to match strides but Flame quickened well round the first the bends to build a lead which could not be pulled back. Flame took the race in 28.21 by 2 1/2 lengths. 

It was a welcome relief to get the pictured Smart Bid back to winning ways. Bid hung on well when under severe pressure in the closing stages to take the Division 1 416 open race by one length in 24.68. 

Trainers Championship heads to Yarmouth

This years Trainers Championship heads to Yarmouth on 27th March kindly sponsored by Ladbrokes. The last two years we have come within one race of sealing the Championship and I'm keen to strengthen our team in the next two weeks.

If any owner out there would like a runner of one of the biggest nights of the year in sport and is looking to purchase some new stock then please call me today.

Kara and Blackie record Friday wins

All the team are grafting really hard at the moment as we build up the team for the year ahead.  Its great our hard work is being rewarded with a steady flow of winners, that's not always the case. (Many thanks to Dave Yanez for the quick photos)

Shades of Kara took today's A3 with a very polished performance. Storming from the boxes she never saw another dog in the contest taking the race by three lengths in 29.03. The consistant Lynns Blackie recordef her first win of the new year when taking the second A3 in 28.58. Perhaps Kara and Blackie will clash next time out in an A2.

Pixie leads team to hatrick

New owner James Chalkey was celebrating his third success with the young bitch Ballymac Pixie last night when she improved yet again to take last nights A4 by three lengths in 28.84. Whilst this bitch keeps getting good inside draws she will continue to use her rapid early pace.

The syndicate of Mick Giles, Phil Stead and Peter Symonds recorded a double care of Kinloch Tiger and Proud Pigalle. Proud Pigalle took the A3 with a gutsy effort and staying on well to win by two lengths in 28.82. Kincloch Tiger made it back to back wins as he took the race of the night. The tough looking A1 was very hard to call the winner but Tiger broke well and after getting clear coming out of the second bend went on to win in 28.39. 

The Clonmel Boys

We have landed at Powercourt, Clonmel once again for our annual pilgrimage to the Coursing Festival. The very best coursing dogs have gathered to be cheered on by huge groups who like an odd pint and a gamble ! Evenings are followed up scouting for new dogs, sealing deals and even more drinking ! 

No stopping when upped two grades

Takemybreathaway is certainly living up to her name at the moment as she stunned everyone on Friday at Monmore by defieing a two grade hike to A6 to storm to another 4 1/2 length win in 28.63. This was the bitches 4th career win from ten starts and she is starting to show some of her mother pace who was the great Droopys Ivanovic that I trained a good few years ago for great old Ted. A brilliant win and I'm sure connections are over the moon as this bitch started in A10 ! More to come hopefully.........

Joscar seals teams first Final win of 2013

With three runners in the Coral on TV Maiden Stayers Final we were always hopeful of landing our first Final of 2013 at Romford. Slick Saleen was the rightful favourite but he was always up against it after a rapid break from the traps from Joscar left the field scrimmaging for places behind. There was trouble on the first bend and third of which Sharp Bullet came off worse. Sidelight chased Joscar hard but could never get on terms with the brindle son of Kinloch Brae. Joscar took the race in 35.49 by 2 1/2 lengths.

Tiger is winter hot pot

Kinloch Tiger was the star performer for the team last night at Monmore last night. Tiger recorded his first win of 2013 when he took last nights A2 with a very polished performance. He was quickly away from traps and was never headed in the 28.55 win by 1 3/4 lengths.