The kennel hands let their hair down and King Viper reveals his fangs
Wimbledon Racing
/ Darrell Williams / 04 October 2007 / Leave a comment
Darrell Williams gives us the rundown on another week in the world of greyhound racing
No one group probably works harder in the greyhound industry than kennelhands - long hours, early starts, and of course, late finishes, and often for relatively meagre rewards. Therefore it's always cheery to hear about good news heading their way, and the annual kennelhands' dinner dance is just that. Organised by the Greyhound Trainers' Association, it's a night when the kennel staff are able to kick back, relax and enjoy themselves, while others around them do all the work. This year's event is being staged at Harlow Stadium on 2 December and promises to be a great night, with dinner, disco and cabaret all thrown in for just a fiver (kennelhands only!).
As part of the fund raising for the night, Wimbledon trainer John Simpson organised a benefit meeting at Wimbledon last Tuesday, with all the races sponsored and nominated. John has been involved in the event for many years but as he told me this is the first year he has taken charge of the organising and was delighted with the interest shown by everyone he approached. Generous sponsorship from bookmakers, tracks and trainers, plus a donation from Betfair, meant over £7000 was raised. Comedian Jimmy Jones, who will headline the cabaret on the night, was also at Wimbledon, and presented a number of trophies, as did Simpson's owner, former footballer Les Allen, a member of Tottenham's double winning side of the early sixties. All were entertained in Wimbledon's executive suites which had kindly been given over by the track for the night. Simpson however almost missed the gig as bad traffic on the A2 delayed his arrival and that of his runners until less than an hour before the first race.
King Viper made a highly pleasing debut at Wimbledon last Saturday night, clocking 2743, albeit on a track considered 25 spots fast, when scoring by over three lengths in A1 company, a time bettered this season only by Express Ego when winning the Racing Post Juvenile. Tony Taylor's Aug 2005 whelp had shown reasonable form in graded races in Ireland, and according to his owner is up for sale.
The closing date has now passed for applications for a new trainer at Wimbledon, although it is understood the post attracted relatively few candidates. A decision is expected shortly.
Keep an eye out for Shell To Sea who gained a first win (A6) at the track last Tuesday. Tony Taylor's youngster is impeccably bred, by Droopys Vieri out of useful bitch Olybean and looks sure to improve markedly on his 2840 winning time. The only winner from trap one on a night when middle runners dominated, he showed early pace, before keeping on in good style down the inside fence.
Just two grade one races take place this weekend with Next Goal taken to win the A1 on Friday (9.45). Norah Mc Ellistrim's bitch should lead up fellow wide runner Pagoda Tarbert, before resisting strong finisher and old adversary Allenbuild Flyer. The pair are meeting for the third time in less than a month and are evenly matched with the score one a piece, but the selection could just secure a big enough advantage this time. On Saturday Did She can claim the S1 six bend feature at 10.l5 against five rivals who all ran in the same race last weekend. On that occasion Coolagorna Furyk, successfully tipped up here, came out an easy winner, but Did She was a classy bitch before her recent absence and looks a step ahead of her opponents.
How to claim your free £25 bet:
1. Open your account (3 mins)
2. Make a deposit into your account and place your bets
3. If you lose any of your bets, we'll cover you up to £25
Free £25 Sports Bet, Join Today
Get $600 Free for all new players. Just register a credit card to claim.
Join today and get your $600 Free at Betfair Poker
100% deposit bonus up to £50 for all new casino players. Just join and play to claim.
Join Today. Click here to claim your £50 Casino Bonus
Earn substantial rewards every time you introduce someone new to Betfair, Betfair Poker, Betfair Casino or Betfair Games
Refer and Earn Today
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007


