Dog Tales / Editor / 06 February 2009 / 1 Comments

It's the return of a very occasional series - Dog Tales, the column that gives you a space to talk greyhounds - here, betting.betfair.com reader Neil Duggan fills us in on the sport. You can feature on Dog Tales by emailing us your answers and a picture to copy@betfair.com.

How did you get into the sport?

I used to go to Hall Green with a few friends from college originally. Our pup quiz team then asked me to organise a syndicate to buy a cheap grader. Imagine our surprise when Comical Raffles won his first race in A2 in 28.88 and then followed that up with a win in A1 the following week. We moved to Monmore as the track suited the dog more and we have been there since. I have written a blog (http://zigzagwookie.blogspot.com)for a number of years which attracts a good readership and records all news for the syndicate members of our runners on the track or pups in Ireland and few general views and opinion. I also design and update a few greyhound websites part-time including the below.
http://www.callsopp4racing.co.uk/
http://www.icemanracing.co.uk/
http://www.martinburtracing.co.uk/

What has been your proudest moment?

I love every winner; I find you always remember the ones when there is a big crowd of you at the track. Our current dog Lisas Invader has managed to win over 20 races for co-owner Ray and I. He may not be winning the St Ledger but its shows how you can have great fun with a grader.

...and your lowest?

We had a very well bred bitch off the Perry Pusher dam line that unfortunately died in a fire. That was seriously heart breaking.

Greyhound racing is better than horseracing because...

The big difference for me is you are a lot closer to the action. Your dogs run very often and by visiting them weekly at the kennels you get to know them personally.

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

I generally like to play on ante-post market competitions to small stakes. You can get some great value if you do your research. I've had some nice touches like this, one that sticks in the memory is Ballymac Pires who won the Monmore Puppy Derby. We had the dog backed at 20/1 and 16/, he was a very fast dog. When I go to Monmore I look for an improving pup, early pace or a Martin Burt special!

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

Unless the prizemoney situation is addressed the sport is going nowhere. There are very few new owners coming into the sport and who can blame they when the prizemoney is as little as £30 for a win at some tracks. I'm very thankful that is not the situation at Monmore Green.
Our track facilities are sadly way below the high standards in Ireland. Shelbourne Park and Cork are amazing stadiums that are seen by young people as great places to socialise. We must try and invest in these areas to increase attendances.

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

I've not had many trainers as I've always found Martin Burt's knowledge top-class. He won numerous big races years ago but sadly doesn't have the same fire power but is still highly rated. New trainers on the scene who work very hard are Lance Burford and Chris Allsopp. Both leave no stone unturned to get a winner. It would be great for some of the bigger owners to give these guys a serious dog rather than always go to Charlie Lister or Mark Wallis.
With seven Derby wins Charlie will go down a one of the best ever. How he gets them to come away consistently in big Finals is amazing.

Who is your best mate within greyhound racing and why?

I met Ray Allen from Lixnaw, County Kerry when Droopys Scholes won the Derby at Wimbledon. Since that day we are always in touch by phone and email. He always has the inside news on the Irish track and coursing scene. As a rule we try and have a leg of each others dogs. Rob Silver Fox is my Monmore buddy and well known for his long odds tote touches whilst Dave Yanez (who owned Amarillo Slim) is a partner with two pups off our retired Blue Amarillo.

Which is your favourite-ever dog and why?

It must be Westmead Hawk; I stood on the terraces to see him win two Derbys. Totally amazing. Watching the video now still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

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

Not very qualified to pass an opinion but I know those who work in the industry work very hard for little reward.

Do you ever read the Betfair forum?

Of course, I think you need to stay in touch with other peoples opinion.

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

You have to try and work out which of the Irish dogs may be coming. Of the English dogs I've had an interest on Ninja Jamie at 40/1. I'll be looking to build up a little portfolio ahead of the competition. Mountjoy Gold looks like a dog that we lead for a few rounds and is perhaps one to take a big price on now and trade back after a couple of rounds.