Dog Tales: Adam Deadman

Dog Tales / Editor / 27 November 2007 / Leave a Comment

Betfair's new Wimbledon expert introduces himself with his views on the game...

How did you get into the sport?

I went to the track with my parents when I was young with my little brother and sister. My sister wanted to go stock car racing but my brother and I wanted to go to the dogs. In the end, the dogs were a regular family outing once a week.

What has been your proudest moment?

I have had several proud moments to be honest, having a kennel hand license means you feel part of the team within the kennel. It's also great to have a winner, a dog of which I owned a share in, Gortown Grand, won on his debut in Open Race company at 4/1 when the whole syndicate were on. When my bitch Staley Star won last year at Wimbledon, I told all my friends, family, work colleagues and anyone else in my phone book to back her, so it was a huge buzz to see her duly oblige, she won a lot of people a lot of money.

...and your lowest?

One of my friends had a dog that we had at the kennel. He won his race but broke his hock on the way to the pick up. It was such a devastating swing of emotions to go from having the winner to putting the dog down in no time at all.

Greyhound racing is better than horseracing because...

Greyhounds are the most wonderful animals. They are extremely kind natured and loyal, you can't help falling for them every time.

What are the three most important factors to consider before backing a dog?

The draw is crucial - it can cost you a race in a split second. Early pace, as I would prefer a non-stayer over a dog that has to weave through traffic and look out for a going bias, I can never be confident of backing a dog that's running on the disadvantageous part of the track.

What must the sport do to attract more investment and interest from Joe Public?

The sport needs more coverage, more column inches and it has to start being positive. 99% of people in the game put welfare first, and this has to be put across to the general public. Ownership needs to be more affordable. Prize money cuts but increase in dog prices and training fees don't level out.
Also, I feel the Government need to step in. Grants get given out to all sorts of leisure activities, but people that like greyhound racing pay taxes too and I would like to see some investment from them to keep tracks open and people employed.

Who is the best trainer around at the moment? And who is the greatest ever?

Nick Savva for me. The man is a phenomenon and there is nothing this man doesn't know. It would be nice to see him honoured at some point, what he has done for British breeding and the last three Derby winners is sensational.

Who is your best mate within greyhound racing and why?

My best mate Dave, we have been best mates since pre-school days and to be honest he was the first to crack with this greyhound bug.

Which is your favourite-ever dog?

Westmead Hawk, and that semi-final on the run to his second crown has to be the best race I have ever seen. Fully 10 lengths behind at the second turn, its amazing he got up on the line.
Graded wise, it has to be my dog, Staley Star. I punted her heavily six times, she won five of those races. She was incredibly consistent and she was an absolute stunner; a right beautiful little thing.

Which is your favourite track?

Wimbledon, although I am sad to say, it's being run into the ground and is in severe need of investment.

What one piece of advice would you give someone starting out in the industry?

There is so much to look at for a race, you need to really specialise at one track, get to know the dogs to the extent you could almost price the race up without looking at the form. You shouldn't be tucking in heavily otherwise, as, with current percentages, you will do very well to break level, although there is superb value out there with Betfair.

Do you ever read the Betfair forum?

Most days

And finally give us a tip for next year's Derby...

Westmead Keawn, Nick Savva has the breeding game by the scruff of the neck, and has won it the last 3 times. They are all bred from the same bitch, Mega Delight, and I cannot help thinking this is the latest of the Westmead Superstars. 50's ought to be taken now, can't be more than 20's if it reaches the Derby.