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College Causeway - He is the greatest
If College Causeway could speak, like Ali, he too would be shouting from the roof tops. "I am the greatest!" The star tracker has put up some breathtaking displays over the past couple of years. But his performance in the Paddypower.com Irish Greyhound Derby final at Shelbourne Park last Saturday was his best - bar none. Many great canines have ended their career having failed to win the Irish Greyhound Derby. Tyrur Ted is one who springs to mind. A sensational tracker who won nearly everything there was to win except the Irish Derby. Late Late Show was another hugely popular star who looked destined for Derby success during his career. He came within a short head of completing the dream for his connections. Greyhounds such as Spiral Nikita, Droopys Maldini and Premier Fantasy were other superb trackers who many believed deserved to win an Irish Derby but never did.Going into last Saturday's Irish Derby final, even the most optimistic of College Causeway fans felt that their star was going to join that elite list of the 'nearly men'. On the night when it mattered most, it appeared as though the draw had done the 'People's Champion'. And that was after an undefeated path to the final.But then again, College Causeway tends to enjoy doing things the hard way. And when he doesn't, he then goes and breaks track records. His first round demolition is a prime example of that when he smashed the seven years standing track record at headquarters.As good as that first round exhibition was though, Derby final night will go down as one of the most memorable in the history of Shelbourne Park. And that's coming from people who have been going to the Derby twice as long as I have.In a race which so many different outcomes looked possible, nearly everything went wrong for College Causeway. He broke nearly too well. That meant squeezing between Cashen Legend and Shaneboy Lee followed. He then was sandwiched going into the dreaded opening bend. Now he was last heading down the back straight. Even the great College Causeway couldn't pull this one off.But as soon as some started to right him off, up went the customary College roar. He'd found a gap. He'd got himself back into this Derby. Within a matter of strides, he had moved himself into third. Oran Classic was the clear leader but everybody knew he wasn't the greatest of stayers. Sure hadn't 'College' overhauled him a week earlier in the semis.Cashen Legend was the next to be passed by 'College'. It was now a two dog race. And with 'The Causeway', as he was described in commentary, going faster than ever before, it was only a matter of time. In Grand National terminology, Crisp was tiring and Red Rum had him covered.Around the final bend and 'College' drew upsides. A quick glance across to say, 'it's me again' and off he went. The place went wild. The roof had finally come off Shelbourne Park. The 'People's Champion' had got his just reward.It's not often that greyhound racing gets to witness such a star. But he's more than that. As Sea The Stars is to the horse racing public, College Causeway is Ireland's champion. In fact, he belongs to us. And the best part about it all is that he's not finished yet either! Latest News - Nottingham Open Races cancelled - 4th, 11th and 18th January
Please note, the following open races due to take place at Nottingham on the 4th, 11th and 18th January 2010 and advertised in GBGB Calendar no 25 have been cancelled.4th JanuaryThe January Restaurant Offers on 0115 910 33 33 0115 910 33 33 StandardThe January Restaurant Offers on 0115 910 33 33 0115 910 33 33 SprintThe Stadium Bookmakers Maiden 480mThe Stadium Bookmakers Super Stayers11th JanuaryThe January Restaurant Offers on 0115 910 33 33 0115 910 33 33 SprintThe Caffreys Futurity Puppy Cup Trial stakesCategory ThreeThe January Restaurant Offers on 0115 910 33 33 0115 910 33 33 StandardHeats 11th Jan Final 18th Jan Swansea closes after owner guilty of illtreating dogs
Swansea dog track in South Wales closed on November 7th, less thantwo weeks after the owner, Eric Short, was fined £250 for keepinggreyhounds in poor conditions.Council inspectors found dogs kept on soiled bedding and kennelssmelling of urine at the greyhound stadium.There were wheelbarrows full of excrement outside the kennels andfood waste lying around.One greyhound had an open cut on the tail, which a vet thought wasover a week old, and there was blood smeared across the kennel wall,magistrates in the city heard.Other dogs were roaming looseand there was an open bin bagand a block of frozen meatdumped on the floor.Kelly Byrne, prosecuting onbehalf of Swansea Council, toldthe court that environmentalhealth officers visited the stadium on March 5th and found thegreyhound kennels were of a "very poor standard” and badly lit,with “some in complete darkness".Above and left – Greyhound Action’s first ever demo was held outsideSwansea Greyhound Stadium in July 1999The stadium closed after the owners failed to obtain a new long leasewith the Council.John Rabbaiotti, race manager at the stadium, said: “The track needs£30,000 of investment and we can’t risk spending that kind of money withthe risk of losing it in a year.”The track's closure leaves just one greyhound stadium in Wales, whereat one time there were at least half a dozen.Although Swansea wasone of Britain's smaller,independent tracks, weestimate that its existencewas nevertheless responsible for the putting to deathof dozens of greyhounds every year, so its closure isa cause for celebration and yet another victory in thestruggle for greyhound protection.The slaughter of greyhounds in South Wales wasbrought to public attention five years ago when local"greyhound executioner" Andrew Gough wassentenced to six months imprisonment for themutilation of an ex-racing dog called Rusty. Latest News - Coventry Open Race notices
Latest News - Coventry Open Race notices - Sunday 1st November cancellation and Friday 13th November closing date change 23/10/2009All Open Races scheduled at Coventry on Sunday, 1st November (as advertised in Issues 20 and 21 of the GBGB Calendar) have been cancelled. This is due to a number of firework displays taking place in close proximity to the stadium.The Autumn 480 at Coventry, starting on Friday 13th November closes to entries on Monday 9th November and not Saturday 7th November as advertised in Issue 21 of the GBGB Calendar. Rocky trialling
18 Sept, 2009.WITH the Youngs Guns series at Rockhampton looming, club officials want to remind visiting trainers of their trialling times.Major works are being carried out on the thoroughbred racetrack and confirmation of dates and times should be made through Ray Pike on 07 49362107 07 49362107.Trials (except fightbacks) will be held at Rockhampton after racedays on Saturday Sept 19 and 26, Wednesday Sept 23, and Tuesday Sept 29 and Oct 6 from 5.30pm Magna Flintoff - son Brett Lee - aiming for victory on Sky Sports31
Brett Lee has registered almost 3,500 offspring and like their father, they are notorious for their pace.Champion Aussie greyhound Brett Lee has been as useful off the track as he was on it, and he has firmly established himself as an international super-sire, producing stars of the track in Britain, Ireland, and the US as well as his native Australia, and Magna Flintoff looks likely to be his latest son to leave a big impression on the sport.Winner of six of his eleven British starts, Magna Flintoff looks like a chip off the old block, and lines up as second favourite for next Tuesday’s final of the Category 1 William Hill Steel City Cup at Sheffield stadium (live on Sky Sports). Dave Perry at the Owlerton Stadium said:“The competition has been running since 1970. The original trophy was lost until the other week when we found it in an old safe so it’ll be on display this Tuesday. Magna Flintoff is a powerful, pacey athlete much like Freddie and comes from a litter of pups all named after cricketers including Magna Botham, Magna Boycott, Mayna Truman and Magna Gough!”Trained in Rotherham by Barrie Draper, and owned by father Albert, the two and a half year old black dog has already hit the bookies hard in winning his heat and semi-final as an odds-on favourite; and unlike his namesake his career is only just beginning. Boulevard Stadium in Hull holds final meeting
The Boulevard Stadium in Hull held it's final meeting on Saturday 27th June. Speaking prior to the track's closure Ian Taylor, GBGB Chief Executive, commented:“It is regrettable to learn of the closure of the Boulevard Stadium in Hull.“Despite the industry providing considerable support to the stadium since it recommenced racing in October 2007 it is saddening to hear that lease holder Dave Marshall has been unable to realise the aspirations he held for the track.“GBGB will be working with all relevant stakeholders, including the Retired Greyhound Trust, to make arrangements to ensure the welfare of Hull greyhounds and trainers.” Microchipping moves to Monmore15
THE GBGB's pilot project to evaluate microchipping as a permanent method of greyhound identification has entered its second stage with chipping due to commence at a second GBGB-licensed track.So far, 491 greyhounds at Crayford Stadium have been implanted with a microchip that has generally performed well, with only a very small number of cases of migration reported. With the vast majority of the Kent track’s racing strength now chipped, and the supporting hardware currently in the final stages of development, the second phase of the trial is about to start at Monmore Stadium.Welfare Manager Peter Laurie explained:"We are still at the trial stage but Government is already proposing that all racing greyhounds be chipped under their Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations due to come into force in 2010.'The results so far from Crayford have been pleasing and now the supporting hardware is in place, trainers and stadium staff that have seen it in operation are excited by what the technology offers. The chips have all been implanted by a trained Paddock Steward and the process is very quick and pain-free to the greyhounds. Importantly, there do not appear to be any adverse affects of microchipping on greyhound welfare or race performance. In fact, quite a few greyhounds representing a variety of trainers have won first time out after being chipped!" Latest News - It’s time for a “Hare” of The Dog at Pelaw Gr...
Stadium07/04/2009“Hunny Bunny” will be giving “Old Growler” a run for it’s money at the 5th Annual Beer Festival at Pelaw Grange Stadium. The Houston Breweries “Hunny Bunny Ale” and Nethergate Breweries “Old Growler” are just two of the greyhound themed tipples available trackside from Thursday 9th April at 6.30pm until Monday 13th April.Jeff McKenna, stadium owner said: “Pelaw Grange is the only greyhound stadium in the country to hold a beer festival. After the tremendous success of previous years we decided to run the Festival as an annual Easter Weekend event.”There will be about a dozen different cask conditioned beers on offer from various breweries throughout the country. The greyhound theme runs throughout the festival with beers such as Wold Top Breweries “A4 Amber Ale”, Saltaire Breweries “Trio Pale” on offer.“It’s a great chance to sample something different to your ‘usual’ and with greyhound racing on the Friday afternoon, Saturday night, and Monday afternoon to keep you occupied, what more for the discerning drinker ask for?”For more information contact Jeff McKenna at Pelaw Grange Stadium on 0191 4102141 UKAS bid on course as Greyhound Board appoints Director of Accreditation
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has appointed John Blake as its first Director of Accreditation. The former chief executive of The Jockeys’ Association is tasked with managing the process of the GBGB becoming UKAS accredited.The United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services.Speaking on his appointment, John Blake said:“When GBGB achieves UKAS accreditation as a certification body, a key element in the process of maintaining self-regulation with oversight from an independent organisation will be in place.‘Although not mandated by Government, the successful completion of this programme is clearly in step with the industry’s ambition for a transparent and modern sport with welfare objectives at its heart. To communicate the rationale and direct benefits of this project to all involved in greyhound racing will be a key task in underpinning its success.”Blake has direct industry expertise working as racing and greyhound editor with Teletext Ltd. In addition to this he has held managerial positions within horseracing and football with British Telecom, Ladbrokes and Racecall.Ian Taylor, GBGB Chief Executive, commented:“I am pleased John has joined the Greyhound Board, his ability to communicate and implement a structured change management program working co-operatively and in unison with our key stakeholders in Licensed Greyhound Racing will be instrumental in achieving a significant landmark. UKAS Accreditation is fundamental to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, and I am delighted that somebody with John's knowledge and ability has taken on this exciting challenge. John has significant regulatory experience and a sound understanding of the standards we are working towards as well as a wealth of racing industry experience.‘It is the intention and a clear ambition to achieve and maintain this initial accreditation in the next 12 months approx. to fall in line with the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act in April 2010.”John Blake will work with the Greyhound Regulatory Board at the GBGB’s Holborn headquarters. The Rules of Racing Committee has met for the first time at the Greyhound Boa...
The standing committee forms part of the Greyhound Regulatory Board and is independently chaired by Non Executive Director, Steve Winfield. Committee members include Gordon Bissett, representing the Racecourse Promoters’ Association and Norah McEllistrim, Chair of the Greyhound Trainers’ Association. Declan Donnelly, Director of Regulation, Deputy Registrar Paul Illingworth and Stipendiary Steward Colin Betteridge, all of the GBGB complete the six strong team.Committee members are undertaking a review of the Rules of Racing, the regulations that set parameters for licensed greyhound racing in Great Britain. Bissett and McEllistrim are consulting their respective associations and members to ensure as wide a range of views are obtained on what the future Rules of Racing should contain. The first meeting of the committee agreed the importance of the rulebook being founded on inclusivity and fairness. A process will be developed to ensure that all those not represented on the committee will be able to offer suggestions for its future direction. The present rulebook was last reviewed in December 2008 and is currently under revision to incorporate language consistent with the new Greyhound Board of Great Britain. The amended version will be published in March 2009.More fundamentally it is intended thereafter to consult on an industry wide basis before producing efficient and manageable Rules that are acknowledged as fair and effective.Steve Winfield, Non-Executive Director of the Greyhound Regulatory Board, speaking after the meeting said:“The first meeting was very encouraging showing a deep commitment to making the review of its rules a success. It is very important that the review process allows everybody the opportunity to contribute to what, after all, is their rule book.‘Our intention is to produce a new set of rules which are clear, precise and unambiguous and which make it as easy as possible to comply. The process will assist our intention to become UKAS accredited and that also brings us into line with BERR guidelines (Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform).”Feedback and comment on the Rules of Racing Review is welcomed. Please contact rulesofracingcommittee@gbgb.org.uk GBGB APPOINTS DIRECTOR OF REGULATION
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) is delighted to announce the appointment of Declan Donnelly as Director of Regulation.Mr Donnelly will join the GBGB on 1st January 2009 and will be based in the organisation’s new, central London office. His work will include overseeing the work of the GBGB regulatory staff and licensing department. He will report to both the Chief Executive of the GBGB, Ian Taylor, and the Greyhound Regulatory Board, chaired by Dr Ian Reynolds.Donnelly recently retired from the Metropolitan Police Service after thirty two years service, during which he represented the force both nationally and internationally. He spent the last five years within the professional standards department as a Detective Superintendent and was a member of the Metropolitan Police Project Board for the national Taylor Reforms. In early 2008 he was seconded to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service to review and make recommendations for change to their approach to professional standards.Responding to his appointment, he said:“I am looking forward immensely to working with colleagues, stakeholders and those involved in the sport to deliver a service that not only aspires to the reforms advocated in Lord Donoughue’s review but also reflects the principles advocated within the Government’s, ‘Better Regulation’ document.“I do not underestimate the challenges that such changes present to us all. At the heart of this modernising process are both the welfare of the greyhound and integrity of the sport. These paramount principles were recognised by Lord Donoughue and I am sure that this view will be shared by many who have the interest of the greyhound and greyhound racing at heart. It is with this in mind that I see my role as pivotal now and in the future to ensure that regulation is both impartial and equitable.”GBGB Chief Executive Ian Taylor was delighted to secure Declan for the role. He added:“I am very pleased that we have been able to attract such a high calibre regulator for this new and vitally important role.“Declan brings tremendous experience, but also a thorough understanding of how modern day regulation should be conducted. I know he will be a tremendous asset to the organisation and to greyhound racing as a whole.” BGRB COMPLETES 2008 TRACK SAFETY PROGRAMME
The BGRB is close to completing its 2008 programme of track safety improvement projects. Thanks to funding provided from the board’s Welfare Budget, projects have been completed at 21 stadia across the country. Trainers, owners and punters should notice improved drainage at Crayford, Hove, Hull, Kinsley, Newcastle, Sheffield and Sunderland and new inner running rails installed at Crayford, Hall Green, Monmore, Nottingham, Perry Barr, Shawfield, Sittingbourne and Yarmouth. A number of tracks have had their cambers adjusted, including at Henlow, Hove, Sittingbourne and Swindon. Safety curtains have been installed at Monmore, Newcastle, Romford, Sunderland and Yarmouth, whilst Harlow, Henlow and Hull have all taken delivery of new track preparation equipment. The programme of installing bore holes at tracks that require them to allow year-round watering has now been completed, following drilling at Doncaster, Newcastle, Shawfield and Sunderland in 2008. The BGRB also oversaw and part-funded the relaying of the running surface at Sheffield. John Haynes, who chairs the BGRB Welfare Committee said: “By the end of the year we will have spent a quarter of a million pounds on improvement projects nationwide, and that follows a half a million pound investment in 2007. I really hope stakeholders are noticing the benefits; our aim is to reduce injuries and extend racing careers as best we can. “In 2009 we will be continuing with our work, and will be providing more training to ground staff to ensure all are well versed in preparation and maintenance best practice.” Meanwhile, the BGRB’s testing of Viscoride, a potential alternative surface material to sand, has recently reached its conclusion. Haynes added: “The Track Safety Committee has been conducting trials on the Viscoride surface laid on a schooling track in Brands Hatch, Kent, since March of this year. The trials themselves have actually gone quite well; we have collected a lot of data and the number of injuries recorded by vet Richard Payne (who has attended all trial sessions) has been low, including a complete absence of sand burns and split webs. “However, it has proved more difficult to maintain the track than expected and, despite a range of equipment being sourced and used, it has been very time consuming and labour intensive to prepare a consistent surface suitable for greyhound racing in all weathers. “In 2009 attention will therefore turn to the development of a hybrid material that is likely to combine the beneficial properties of sand and Viscoride that we have identified. Research to find any safer and more easily maintained alternative to wet sand that may exist has been a fundamental part of our welfare work and one that I am pleased that the GBGB is keen to continue.” GREYHOUND OF THE YEAR AWARDS - DETAILS ANNOUNCED
As excitement mounts over the destination of the Greyhound of the Year title for 2008, the BGRB in association with GBGB is pleased to announce that the popular Annual Awards Dinner will take place at the Hilton London Metropole on the evening of Sunday 25th January 2009.GBGB you ask? Yes, the single new industry body, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain is effective January 1st 2009 and will be masterminding this event.The magnificent occasion is being organised for the second time by Amanda Duplock who said:“In what is the most exciting period of change for the greyhound racing industry I am very confident about the prospect of an even bigger and better event at a very impressive new central London venue. Having previously hosted events such as the Empire Film Awards, the Hilton Metropole certainly knows how to look after guests and put on a show!”“We also want to make the event affordable and accessible for the whole of the greyhound racing industry and I am very pleased that, for the third year running, we have been able to maintain the ticket price at £50 per person or £500 for a table of ten. A discounted room rate at the hotel has also been secured at just £99 per room to include an expansive buffet breakfast. "“With top class performances from so many different greyhounds this year, the awards demonstrate the dedication, commitment and excitement of the British greyhound racing industry. I am sure that many people from across the sport will want to attend. Both tickets and hotel rooms are expected to sell out so early booking is strongly advised.” TRACKS REPRESENTED AT ANNUAL SEMINAR
Last week’s Track Preparation and Maintenance seminar at Nottingham Stadium has been hailed a success by Welfare Committee chairman John Haynes:“This was the fourth year we have run the event and my thanks to Nottingham for hosting it this time. I was very pleased with the turnout; we had over 40 staff representing most of the tracks.“Track safety is a fundamental part of our welfare strategy and ensuring those working on the tracks receive regular training and information is very important. These seminars provide a great opportunity for track staff to come together to share experiences and best practice, ask questions and find out about the latest equipment and research.”Speakers at the event included consultant minerals engineer and greyhound enthusiast Dr Terry Veasey who reported on his work developing a database of sands used at every track. In recent years Terry has helped several stadia improve their running surfaces by blending sands or identifying local alternatives to the traditionally used sands.Bill Glass, Operations Director of Gaming International spoke on the influence of track design and the ongoing work in this area whilst John Haynes reviewed the regular maintenance required to keep a track in tip-top order, particularly with winter approaching. He also discussed the range of plant and equipment now available and a demonstration of the Nottingham track equipment was provided.Meanwhile, the BGRB continues to fund track safety improvement projects at stadia across the country. Haynes added:“So far this year almost twenty projects have been completed, and there are another dozen in progress. The projects have included improvements to drainage, alterations to cambers, drilling bore holes, installation of new running rails and safety curtains plus the supply of new track maintenance equipment such as SISIS quadraplays. I know that trainers and owners are noticing the improvements.” More information:Peter Laurie, BGRB Spokesman 0207 808 7722
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