Greyhound Betting: The 2008 review

General / Darrell Williams / 30 December 2008 / Leave a Comment

The end of Walthamstow, the future of Wimbledon and some stellar stars on the track. Darrell Williams reflects on 12 months of greyhound racing and wonders what we can expect in 2009...

As John Lennon famously sang 'Another year over, and a new one just begun', but what will 2008 be remembered for in greyhound terms?

Sadly, the loss of Walthamstow has to top the list. How could we have let it happen? Ricky Holloway and his team did a great job with their SOS campaign, but one of the nation's most influential tracks is no more. Surely one of the first targets for the incoming GBGB hierarchy is to ensure steps are taken to safeguard the future of Wimbledon, at least for the next five years.

Thankfully the stars on the track keep this great game going, and what a delight it was to see Loyal Honcho for the highly respected Seamus Graham walk off with the Derby, an honour few would have begrudged either. On a personal note the Derby has proved a tremendous punting race in recent years - I highlighted Loyal Honcho here last Christmas - and I strongly hope Boherna Best or Wise Thought, my 2009 ante post picks, as posted in October, and both still backable at [24.0] will be in the reckoning come late May.

Before that Boherna Best will battle for the Greyhound of the Year crown ([1.68] currently) where Lenson Joker and Bubbly Totti could end up sharing the stayers' vote, which ultimately might do either no favours. All three had brilliant years, although Boherna Best's defeat of Dotland Hit Man in the All England Cup was something particularly special. Mind you Flying Winner's Regency wasn't half bad either, and the hitherto TV Trophy heroine has her own claims in the battle to be 'top dog'.

But who will be the stars of 2009? Fear Zafonic has been posting the fast times and will have his own Derby shouts for the still big race king, Charlie Lister. Droopys Quinta, who seems to have been around for ages, must surely pick up a big prize somewhere, while Ted Soppitt will fancy Droopys Kez to win something decent. And surely Midway Skipper must have a great chance in the Golden Jacket.

On a personal note my wish list for the coming year would like to see a more structured Open race programme - haven't we been saying that for years? After the introduction of Greyhound of the Month, why not a 'Race of the Month'? It would need a snappy title - but let's highlight the most significant race, be that the Derby, Oaks, Leger or TV Trophy and give it the absolute maximum in terms of publicity, so everyone knows when it is and what it is. Let's make it a decent winner's purse (10k at least) and sell it like we've never sold the sport before. Easier said than done I know, but promoting a race a month to the outside world must be achievable.

I'd also like a Loyalty Scheme to reward regular racegoers, rather than make them feel like mugs when the first-timers get all the offers and freebies; a tie in with horse-racing to promote neighbouring tracks and provide reciprocal deals; oh, and the resurgence of good quality hurdle racing. Well done to Henlow's efforts on the last named. But in all honesty I'd settle for just one of my wishes. Happy New Year!