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Dog Tales: Ryan Corrie

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Romford lover and Betfair punter talks greyhounds in our Q&A...

Describe your role within the greyhound world...

Genuine fan, punter, regular race goer and I preview Romford's card on a Friday night for the Daily Dogs website.

How did you get into the sport?

I was a bit of a late starter to be honest. One of my best friends Baz was massively into the game and he along with his dad and granddad owned runners at Romford. I started to go over there when I was about 18 to watch their dogs run, got the bug and next thing you know I'm turning 30 and still in love with the game!

What has been your proudest moment?

Without a doubt the first time I met the three dogs ('Millions') I've been involved with this year. I may only have had a small share but it was a first for me and taking them out for a walk and seeing them at Nicks kennels was a real thrill and a day I'll not forget.

...and your lowest?

I've been at the track when some of our canine stars have had their careers ended by injury and that's never a good time but when we were told that one of ours had done her hock and was being retired rates as low as any I've experienced.

Greyhound racing is better than horseracing because...

You get to see your favourites run more often, it's not as bent and it's more affordable in all aspects!

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

Its draw
Can it get a run?
Is the price right?

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

Great question but to attract more investment will probably mean investing in the first place to improve the stadia across the country and invest in more publicity for the sport. I see Joe Public like this: the majority consists of the once-a-year-out-on-a-beano types and then you've got the proper dog fans. What do those on a knees-up want from a dog track? Top quality racing? I think not, they couldn't give a monkeys about Barnfield On Air doing the clock while they sit down six packing it up...all they need is a good bar, good service, competitive prices, good facilities, decent munch and an entertaining evening. What you need to do is give them something to remember to draw them back another time. The Stow has the right idea with its Gala evenings. A mix of greyhounds, Afghans and Shetland pony racing provides entertainment...chuck in a few celebs and last night's do at the dogs is the talk of the office for Mandy at work the next day. I don't think it'll be long before we see greyhound tracks incorporating some other form of entertainment at the venue. As for the greyhound fans - less six packers! Lol. No, jokes aside we want to see the best take on the best so perhaps a look at the grade one schedule to prevent event clashes and an increase in prize money is an obvious one! For the punters, make sure those lovely bookie chaps don't take the michael with their percentages!!!

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

Charlie(Lister) and Mr Savva...their records speak for themselves. Top class.

Who is your best mate within greyhound racing and why?

My mate Baz. Known him since I was five and he's to blame for me being into this game in the first place. We love our Friday's over Romford.

Which is your favourite-ever dog and why?

No Can Waltz, top draw over 640 the Stow. I absolutely loved this dog and knew the owners who were top guys. Such good early and so exciting to follow. Won me a good few quid too!!!

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

For owners? Enjoy it as a hobby...so many think it's an avenue to financial gain which sees them setting unrealistic targets and expectations. You need a lot of luck and of course a really good dog to reap the top end rewards of this game. Look after your dogs, have fun and treat your trainers well.
For a punter? All about discipline. If you don't have that you'll struggle I'm afraid. Do your homework, make your own tissue and bet within your limits.

Do you ever read the Betfair forum?

Yeah I do, not as much as I did as I think it's gone downhill as far as decent/interesting content goes. There are certain people I look out for on there and I've got to know a few decent dog guys via the forum.

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

I think this Barnfield On Air dog looks quite useful, he'll do for me!