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Dog Tales: Jim Reynolds

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Top trainer and chairman of Greyhound Trainers' Association gives us his insight on the game...

Describe your role within the greyhound world...

Professional greyhound trainer attached to Romford stadium and chairman of the Greyhound Trainers Association.

How did you get into the sport?

I went to school with the local bookmakers' son; he whelped, reared, schooled and raced his own greyhounds. It was a great introduction to the sport; it taught me proper procedures from an early age.

What has been your proudest moment?

Winning any race gives me a buzz, but highlights include the first pup I reared and schooled winning his first race at Romford in 1980. Our group 1 winners Fat boy Slim, Bold Mossy, Four Handed and Horseshoe Ping, and now our April 2006 litter of pups from Maxie Rumble x Faking It that are learning their trade at Romford at the moment.

...and your lowest?

Any greyhound getting injured; Pams Silver had just won the Peterborough Puppy Derby and he broke his front leg next time out at Peterborough. This knocks the stuffing out of everyone at the kennels.

Greyhound racing is better than horseracing because...

Horseracing is very well organized; there is always a good atmosphere when we go to the Newmarket Friday meetings during the summer. The food and drink stalls set up always gives you great choice but when it comes to watching the races horses cannot compete with greyhound racing; you see the final furlong at Newmarket and you end up just watching the TV monitors. At greyhound tracks the race unfolds before you; you see every step of the way and with a race every 15 minutes it keeps you on your toes throughout the meeting.

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

Age: the most improvement that you get from greyhounds is between 15 months and 2 years of age. At our kennels we always have young pups coming through the grades. Look at the form of Fat Boy Slim, Borna Sailor and Horseshoe Ping, they all stared their careers at bottom grade winning through to top grade then top class open races.
Trouble-free runs: As with any athlete confidence dictates how they will perform; if a greyhound has been knocked about in its races you will get a dip in form.
The Trainer: Bet a Nick Savva, Barry Draper or David Pruhs greyhound and you will always get a good run for your money.

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

There is too much doom and gloom regarding track closures. I am of the mind that there will always be greyhound racing even if it is two greyhounds racing down a field. We have got to look at the positive aspects of our sport; we work in a sport that is successful world wide. Where else can you take your friends and family out for the evening in a safe friendly environment?

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

Nick Savva has taken British breeding to new levels; he must be the most successful greyhound breeder in the world. Nick has an attention to detail when training his greyhounds and is a perfectionist when preparing his greyhounds for racing.
Leslie Reynolds set the standard when winning the greyhound Derby five times, this was a fantastic feat and it would be interesting to see if Nick keeps going to emulate this.

Who is your best mate within greyhound racing and why?

My wife Sue. It has been a long hard road coming through the grades to our current position. Working as kennel hands, head staff, training at Shawfield and Rye House was not jobs paved with gold. We are fortunate that our choices and decisions at certain times were the right ones that allowed us to continue to do the best job in the world.

Which is your favourite ever dog?

My next winner is always my favourite dog!! The hair on the back of my neck still stands on end when watching Westmead Hawk running at Wimbledon in his Derby wins; the manner of his victories was awesome.

Which is your favourite track?

I loved the atmosphere at Powderhall during the Edinburgh cup, watching Ted Dixon's Linacre beat a quality field was instrumental in me moving south to work full time in the greyhound game.

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

Take your time and understand what the game is all about, don't clock watch; it is a 24/7 job and try to get a job in a reputable greyhound kennel where you will learn the right way. Be prepared for long hours and low wages.

Do you ever read the Betfair forum?

Yes

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

It's a long way off but Sam Poots' kennel are purchasing greyhounds that tick all the right boxes and both Charlie Lister and Nick Savva will have quality dogs coming through. We always have one or two greyhounds that are capable of winning Open races; we reached the quarter-final of the Derby twice so we are hoping that some of our pups coming through will be capable of competing next year. Barnfield on Air is the dog that is doing everything right just now.