2005
In order to watch or listen to Sid's races LIVE please click on the link below
UNFORTUNATELY CORAL HAVE TOLD HOVE TO TURN OFF THE WEBCASTING SERVICE FOR THE TIME BEING.
Visit this new web site to see action shots
of Greyhounds racing at Hove
New photos are being added regularly
31st December
It's the last day of the year and I would just Like to wish everyone
A HAPPY NEW YEAR
29th December
I can not say a lot about Sid's last race on Wednesday, apart from I was not too impressed with it, and a very bad time to go with it. The only good thing that should come out of it is that if Sid has not gone lame then The racing manager should drop him a grade to A5, but we will have to wait and see about that. Sid open up 15/8 Fav but then drifted out to 7/2.
27th December
Sid's next race is on Wednesday afternoon, he is running in the 4th race at 3.07pm. It is an A4 graded race over 515m and Sid is in trap 1. and it is a BAGS Meeting
There is not a lot between these dogs and Sid has run against 3 of them recently. Sid just caught T6 last time out for 2nd place and the 6 dog did get knocked about a bit. in that race, So Sid will have to improve on his last run if he is going to beat T6 again.
Last time T4 ran, it just held off Sid for 2nd place by 1/4L but the time was not brilliant and I know Sid can do better than that.
T3 is the other one that has run against Sid recently it was Sid's first run back from lameness and also his best run so far, and Sid was 9L clear of this one. But it has recently clocked 30.35 last time out and has lots of early pace.
So I think it will be a 6-1-3 finish
once again you should be able to listen to the race at William Hill , then click on Greyhounds Live. and once again I will be hoping that Sid can win.
24th December
well Sid run his usual race, last away but staying on strongly and then going past them all after the line. He was 9/4 Fav. but got beat 1 3/4L Click here to see race result
Derek told me he will give Sid a trial over 6 bends at the next trial session. which I believe will be Monday 9th January 2006 .
Today is xmas eve so I would like to wish everyone a very happy xmas and a fantastic new year, and to thank you for visiting Sid's web site. Lets hope next year provides us with a few more wins. All the best from Graham and Sid.
20th December
Sid's next race is on Thursday and I think they have finally put him in a race were he has a very good chance of winning.
There is a very nice pup in T6 which I had the opportunity to buy for £1,500 when he was just 13 months old. He was then called Droopys Booster, but I could not get the cash together so missed out on a good little pup . but saying that he has been of lame a couple of times and is not running as well as he was.
Sid is running from T1 in the 12th race at 10.20 pm. it is an A4 graded race over 515m and I think it is another trophy race.
The only dangers for Sid in this race as far a I can see is T4 who has been dropped a grade after he came 3rd last time out in A3 company and T6 Emporio Panther who when at his best would win this race Quite comfortably. The early leader should be T3 but he will not be able to hold on to his lead.
18th December
well a 3, 2, 1 Finish it was and the trio paid £15.20, but 30.58 is not the best of times and once again Sid came from last to 3rd beaten just 1 length. I will ask Derek to put him over 6 bends because its a waste of time running him over 4 bend, as he is not catching them until after the line.
16th December
On Sunday, Sid was so far behind the leader by the 2nd bend that it was obvious he was not going to win that time, but he did do very well to only get beat 1.25L at the finish. the winning distances were SH, NK, SH, 1/2L, 1/2L. so the grader would of been very happy with that race.
Sid is racing again on Saturday night, and it is a trophy race so all connections will be hoping that their dog will win. I think if Sid could run as well as he did 3 runs ago, then he could win another trophy for me, fingers crossed.
Sid is in race 11, at 10.06 pm and he is running from trap 1. It is an A4 graded race over 515m.
Its not an easy race for Sid as T2 has been running in A3 company and has been dropped a grade to a much easier A4, he has also done a 30.29 in a trial. T3 has been of lame but done a 30,09 in a solo trial. T4 seems to have a bit to do in order to win this. T5 BASS LAKE ROBBIE is one of my favorites at hove and he is running well at the moment and is in with a shout. T6 I think has also been given a bit much to do here, but he is a youngster and always open to some improvement.
So I think it will be 3, 2, 1, finish but good luck to Sid anyway and I will be there this time to cheer him on.
10th December
Another Sunday race for Sid.
well Sid did not run as well as I was hoping last Sunday, I was hoping for a bit of improvement but he went a bit slower, there could be a number of reasons for this so I will let him off this time. LOL. He still came from last to 4th and only got beat 3L.
Click here to see race result Sid is running again this Sunday, He is in the 6th race at 12.44 an A4 grade over 515m and he is running from Trap 1
T5 is going for a 3 wins in a row and T4 has been racing in A3 company.
once again you should be able to listen to the race at William Hill , then click on Greyhounds Live. and once again I will be hoping for a win.
2nd December
Sid is racing again on Sunday.
It is a BAGS card so will be live in the betting shops, and it might be possible to hear the commentary for the race at William Hill , then click on Greyhounds Live.
Sid is in race 13, at 2.28 pm and he is running from trap 1. It is an A4 graded race over 515m.
I believe that if Sid gets a clear run and with slight improvement, he is capable of winning this race. But the 2 & 5 dogs are the main dangers. trap 2 has been dropped in grade and with his early pace could run a good race here. Trap 5 has a similar style of running to Sid runs on well and has a 30.33 time to his credit. Trap 6 did a reasonable trial clocking 30.36 on the 6th September, but has not done so well in races.
So I think it will be a close finish between 1, 2 & 6.
Fingers crossed that Sid will win this one. He has had 4 wins, 4 2nd's and 3 3rd's out of his 15 races to date.
30th November
Sid runs a cracker. After that very long lay off, Sid comes back to finish 2nd beaten only a length in the fastest race of the night. The winner clocked 30.23 and Sid's time of 30.30 would have been good enough to win any of the other races that night. He even lead from the traps. By the time he got to the pick up Sid was well clear of the rest. It was a fantastic run for a dog who has been of the track for almost 6 months.
I have just got off the phone to the kennels and have been told that Sid has come off sound after his race last night.
So I am now looking forward to Sid's next race and maybe next time a win.
25th November
Sid has his first race in almost 6 months.
At last little Sid is going to race again, he will be running in the 5th race at 8.34pm on Tuesday November 29th. It is an A4 graded race over 515m and Sid will be running from trap 1.
Looking at the race, I would of said Sid had a good chance of winning, if he was 100 percent fit, but he's not. So I am just hoping he runs a good race, stays on well and comes off sound.
If I was to have a bet in the race I would of said that the 6 dog looks pretty good, bags of early pace and good enough times to match. But it does run wide, so if Sid is anywhere near it rounding the last 2 bends I will start cheering him on as loud as I can.
Traps 4 & 5 could also be a danger if running at their best. also trap 2 seems to have the same sectional times as Sid, so If Sid doesn't lead it around the first bend he might find it a bit of a job getting past it as it is also a railer. the 2 dog is also only a pup and is open to improvement.
Sid is also open to improvement after such a long time off so here's hoping for the best.
21st November
Sid had his second solo trial today at Hove over 515m and he improved on his last run by nearly 2L and clocked 30.54 on a track running 10 fast.
Hopefully that will be good enough to see Sid back on the race card, where he will have his first race since the 9th June, nearly 6 months ago.
On that time and the fact that Sid has been off for so long, I would like to see him in an A5 or A6 grade, but I would not be surprised to see him put in an A4, which is the grade he was in before he went lame.
49 Dogs trialed over the 515m trip today, out of which 24 got under 31.00 sec, and 11 were faster than Sid.
The top 3 times were 30.06 Holmes Becky
30.19 Oscar Jay
4 Dogs did 30.32 Cooly Calista
Babbling Brook
Mahogany Zig Zag
Kings and Clowns
15th November
Finally got Sid's trial time for Monday, after the wrong trial sheet was sent to the web site, that's the one without the results on it.
Sid clocked 30.69 for the 515m trip, and I am very pleased with that effort.
I am now of to work in a very good mood. And look forward to going to see Sid on Sunday and give him a good old fuss.
13th November
I went to see Sid today, and Derek said Sid will have a trial tomorrow over 515m.
Derek also said they have done all they can treatment wise and we now have to wait and see how he runs the bends tomorrow. we are not expecting a fast time just hoping he runs ok.
So I will update on how he went tomorrow evening.
26th October
Sid went to see the vet last Wednesday, and was found to have a couple of sore places on his n/f shoulder, also his o/h whip muscle was sore.
I have been told that they are using the ultrasound on these spots as much as possible. and the vet said Sid will need 3 weeks off in total.
I have been asked to do overtime at work due to staff shortage, so I was not able to see Sid last Sunday, and it has also put me behind with updating the web site, SORRY.
At least the extra money will help towards Sid's kennel bill.
Lets hope this was the reason for Sid's poor trial times.
18th October
I went to see Sid on Sunday, and Derek said he was not happy with the way the dog was running the track at Hove. Derek said that Sid is running the straights ok but is not handling the bends at all, and he feels there is defiantly something wrong somewhere.
So sometime this week Sid will be going up to Colchester to see a specialist, and will have a complete check over. Derek said he will phone to let me know what they say about Sid.
So I will update at the end off the week.
10th October
31.24, Not the best he can do, I know, but so long as he has come off sound it is acceptable for now. The going was +10.
52 Dogs trialed over the 515m trip today, out of which 23 got under 31.00 sec, and 37 were faster than Sid. He has only twice out of 7 trials got under 31.00, and does seem to try harder in his races.
The top 3 times were 29.69 Kylegrove flight ----- Open Racer
30.06 Battle ground -------- X Lame
30.20 Borna Quest ---------- Irish
Hopefully Sid will have a mixed trial over 515m next Monday, and go a little bit faster please.
9th October
It's a nice sunny morning today, after last nights rain. So off to see Sid again I go. And it looks as though he has come off sound after last weeks sprint trial.
I gave him a quick walk around the field and a couple of salmon fillets. Then its a very quick drive back home in order to get back in time for that horrible four letter word, WORK.
Sid is having a 515m trial tomorrow, and although I would like to see him clock somewhere close to 30.50 seconds, I honestly believe that after such a long lay off that his time will probably be nearer to 30.90, fingers crossed he will come off sound.
I will update tomorrow with his time and how he ran.
3rd October
Not the fastest time of the day, but not the slowest either, Sid clocked 17.35 for the 285m trip, after he pecked at the start. That's not too far of his last trial time of 17.22 for that distance and he has done absolutely nothing for 2 months.
The fastest time over that trip was 16.48 by Daves Havana. The slowest was 18.01 by Ivy Farm Barney who is a novice and very green.
I am hoping that Sid will have a 515m trial next Monday.
2nd October
Well here we are, October already and now we have the wet & cold weather to look forward to when we rise from are nice warm beds in the morning. Where did the summer go?. Roll on May, my favorite month of the year, and the start of the nice warm sunny days.
Sid is now back at Derek Knight's Kennels and will be having a 285m Solo trial on Monday. Lets hope he runs OK.
I will be updating tomorrow when I get the trial results.
11th September
Hello again, I have been having trouble updating the web site recently and that is why there was such a long gap between reports last month. Also last month I forgot to mention that Sid has been move to another kennel, a Rest Kennels for lame dogs.
The reason for the move was because it is a lot cheaper than what I have to pay Hove. But Sid will be going back to Derek just as soon as he has recovered from his injury, and that should be the beginning of October.
4th September
Well, There's another month gone and not much to report about Sid. I went to see him today and he looks really well but Derek has told me he is going to give Sid a full 2 months off in order to make sure he makes a full recovery. So that's another 4 weeks to go before he has a trial ( 3rd October Hopefully ? ).
Sid's last race was almost 3 months ago on the 9th June when he finished 2nd clocking 30.26 . No owner likes to see their dog on the sick list for such a long time, but I have seen some career ending injuries recently a suppose I should count myself lucky that Sid will eventually return to racing.
3rd August
Poor Sid's gone Lame, again. He has a slight shoulder injury again, only this time in the other shoulder, so he should be off for another 4 to 6 weeks. Very frustrating but these things happen.
1st August
Sid had a 515m solo trial at Hove today. I was hoping for a little bit quicker than last week, but he decided to go a little bit slower instead. he clocked 31.28 on normal going, which isn't good for Sid. I haven't heard anything from Derek his trainer, so I am hoping he has come off sound.
The little bitch he beat last week also had a solo trial today and she clocked 30.47.
I have a new link on my links page for Chris's Greyhounds. Which I believe is well worth a look at, It's nice to see where some of the Greyhounds go after their racing days are over.
25th July
Sid had a 515m trial at Hove today. He managed to lead for a few strides but was overtaken well before he reached the first bend. By the time he got to the second bend he was about 5L adrift, but Sid stayed on strong enough to catch the leader by the winning line to win by 1L, in a time of 31.02. The track was running 10 slow so Sid did a calculated 30.92. Sid was about 6L in front at the pickup.
18th July
I have just been on the Hove owners web site to check how well Sid went in his trial today and I am pleased to say he ran as I expected, unfortunately not under 17 sec, but not too far off.
Actually Sid clocked 17.22 and the going was -10 so that gives him a calculated time of 17.12 which I am more than happy with, considering Sid has been off for 5 1/2 weeks.
Hopefully If Sid has come off sound he will be having a 515m Trial next Monday.
11th July
I went to see Sid on Sunday and I was told that because he has not been allowed out into the paddock for 4 weeks and has only been walked on the lead, he will be having a solo sprint trial over 285m next Monday. Then if all goes well Sid will have a four bend trial the following week.
Now I do like trying to predict Sid's trial times and for the two bend sprint trial I will be hoping for a time just under 17.00 sec. a good sprinter should do 16.50 or faster, but Sid is no sprinter as we all know but his sectional times have improved from a slowest 04.56 to a best 04.25 . Now we have to take into consideration the fact that Sid has done nothing for the past four weeks, so I suppose I should be happy with a time between 17.20 & 17.30 so it's wait and see time.
28th June
On my visit to the kennels on Sunday I was told that Sid is responding well to treatment. What the treatment was exactly I forgot to ask, as Sid was jumping about on his lead, and I was trying to keep control of the scatty little bugger.
The weather has been very hot recently almost 30 degrees that's too hot for the dogs really and I am quite happy that Sid is resting at the moment , unfortunately that doesn't leave much to write about so I will stick in a couple of photos that I took on Sunday. Sid has had almost 3 weeks rest So hopefully it will not be too long now before he has a trial.
13th June
KENNEL REST FOR SID. I went to see Sid on Sunday and was told by Maria ( Assistant Trainer ) That Sid has a slight shoulder injury, and will need a 4 week kennel rest.After his rest period he will have to trial back in, then if he trials in OK there will be about a week to 10 days before he will appear on the card.
Now I make that a return to the track round about the last 2 weeks in July, which is when I am due to go on Holiday, so I might not even see him run then. But never mind. ( unless I ask Derek if Sid can have a 6 week rest ? )
At this rate who knows when Sid will get a 6 bend graded race.
GET WELL SOON SID
10th June
In Sid's case, everything went to plan on Thursday, he did a nice 4.29 sectional and got to the first bend level with trap 2, and went on to have a clear run all the way round. Unfortunately he couldn't catch the early leader, who clocking a winning time of 30.10, beating Sid by 2L. Sid's time was a very pleasant 30.26.I am still waiting to see if the racing manager is going use Sid for a six bend graded race. And if so The lower the grade the better, S2 or S3 would be nice. But unfortunately they don't have many graded race's over six bends at hove.
8th June
After having a good look at the form for Sid's race, It looks like it could be a very close finish, with all 6 greyhounds in with a shout. As it should be in a graded race.Trap 3 is a very young pup who is improving with every race and has clocked 30 34 which is a good time for a 16 month old puppy, and is one to keep your eye on. Trap 6 looks like it could get a nice run round the outside, and could lead all the way if making one of her faster breaks from the traps. She should be followed round the first bend by traps 3,4&5 in a line. Now for Sid, there is not a lot between Sid in trap 1 and the 2 dog on sectional times, and if Sid makes one of his better breaks and the 2 dog one of her slower breaks, then Sid might lead the 2 dog round the first bend. If this is the case on the night, then Sid should get a clear run all the way round on the rails. But if it goes the other way and trap 2 gets round the first bend before Sid, then Sid will get held up when trying to make a run, and that will cost him the race. Fingers crossed. GO ON SID.
6th June
Sid's out again on Thursday and its another trophy race, all the owners like to see their dogs in the trophy races, as it makes you feel really proud of your Greyhound if they win, and receiving the trophy at the presentation and having your photos taken puts you on a high for the rest of the week. Its also nice to look back on when your pride and joy retires after what is a very short career, 3 years + if your lucky. I have all Sid's races on video, because I know that in 5 years time when he is curled up on the settee at home, that I will want to dig them out and watch them all again.I have only had a very quick look at the race card and Sid is running from trap 1, in the 7th race at 9.07pm, and he has as good a chance as last time, so long as he doesn't get held up, fingers crossed we might have another trophy to put in his trophy cabinet.
5th June
I went to watch Sid run yesterday, but unfortunately he got held up a little bit by trap 3, which was enough to cost him the race, as he got beat by a head at 9/4 Fav. I had had a few quid on him to win, so as he didn't win I wasn't able to go and visit him at the kennels today, due to the fact that I have no money left for the petrol. Silly me.I must admit I am getting a bit feed up seeing the same old comment in the race card ( Slow away, Crowded 3rd, Run on. ) But Sid's a funny old dog and there's not a lot you can do about it. He just hasn't got any early pace at all, and you just have to hope that the gaps open up for him.
3rd June
Sid's next race is on Saturday. He is running in the 6th race, ( The Phil Whipp Birthday Trophy ) at 8.57, It's over 515m and he is running from trap 2.Sid has been dropped a grade to A4, so he has a better chance of winning although he will still have to try and get past the early leaders traps 1,3, who are both railers & 5. If Sid gets a clear run I am sure he can do a good enough time to win the race and then be returned back to A3 grade next time.
29th May
Sid ran well last night, after being baulked & checked at the first bend he ran on well to finish 5th. there was not a lot between the last 5 greyhounds, about 2L in all, and I believe that if Sid had got round the 1st bend OK he would of finished 2nd. As expected no one was going to beat trap 3, who won by 6 1/4L in a flying time of 29.58. That time is more than good enough for a derby dog, let alone an A3 Graded race. The only good news is that we will not have to race against it again.
On Friday, I was so pissed off when I saw that Sid had been put in the same race as the 3 dog. That I arranged to move Sid to another track. Then all over the weekend I was regretting I had bothered. and it was only because of Derek being such a nice bloke, that I was allowed to change my mind and keep him at Hove. Any other trainer would of said sling your hook.
27th May
I am not sure what to say about Sid's last race on Tuesday. He managed to record his slowest ever sectional time of 4.49, was at the back of the field all the way round and then ran on for 3rd place beaten 2.5L by the Fav, who clocked 30.17. Sid's time was 30.36 which is consistent with what he has been clocking recently. But I was surprised that Sid couldn't manage to get any closer to the winner by the pick up, he looked totally knackered.Sid is out again on Saturday, he is running in the 11th race at 10.18 which is an A3 graded race over 515m. Sid is running from trap 1 and in my opinion has not got a hope in hell of winning.
23rd May
Well, I did go to the Stow on Saturday Evening, It's only 24 miles away and takes 35 minutes to get there. You could do it in 1/2 hour if it wasn't for all those speed cameras along the way. I might of got done by one actually because I was looking in my mirror to see if anything was coming up beside me before I pulled out to overtake the car in front, and when I looked back there's a bloody speed camera right in front of me. There was no time to hit the breaks so I just shut me eyes and hoped it had run out of film.As for the Stow Its a nice track but those bends still look very tight to me. I didn't see any trouble at the bends during racing and Sid might run the track OK after a few looks around it. But for now he will be staying at Hove. I just hope we start getting a few more runs, or better still Sid manages to improve enough to start going open racing.
I went to see Sid on Sunday and gave him some steak & kidney, Then I whispered in his ear that if he wanted some more next week then he better try and win on Tuesday as I am running short of money. So come on Sid get out a bit quicker on Tuesday.
21st May
Sid's next race is on Tuesday. He is running in the 10th race at 9.57 It is an A3 graded race over 515m and he is running from trap 1.After having a quick look at the race I would say that trap 2 should win this race But should the 2 dog miss the break, then Sid will certainly give him a something to do.
The way I see the race being run is that trap 3 will lead but he doesn't stay that well and he will be fading up the home straight, he will be followed round the first bend by trap 2 and next will come traps 5 & 6 who both run wide. Sid should hopefully reach the first bend in 5th position. I expect Sid to make up ground down the back straight to be in 3rd position by the 3rd bend. Then I expect Sid to finish well up the run in to beat trap 3 for second place But I will be very surprised if Sid catches the 2 dog.
I will be there this time to cheer Sid on and then I will go straight to work hopefully I will not be more that 2 hours late.
I have been thinking of moving Sid to Walthamstow recently as he just isn't getting enough runs for my liking at Hove. I have always thought the Stow to be a hard track to run The bends look a bit tight Although they have spent a lot of money recently on re shaping the bends and also have a new hare ( the sealey hare ) I will be going to the Stow tonight to watch a few 6 bend races and to see what I think of the new racing layout.
If I do decide to move Sid I will be very sorry to take him away from Derek Knight as he really has done a good job with Sid, also Hove is such a nice big galloping track which is ideal for Sid.
13th May
Before racing last night, Sid had a solo trial over 695m, I didn't go to see it but I have been told he clocked 42.36 on a track running 30 slow, which gives Sid a calc time of 42.06. That's not a bad time so hopefully Sid might be considered for an S2 graded race soon.5th May
I didn't manage to see or hear the race so I don't know how well Sid ran on Tuesday, but after looking at the result sheet, it appears that Sid run on well from last place to finish 4th beaten 2.5L.The winner was Claude's dog in trap 4 who won at 5/2fav, the winners time was 30.13 on normal going, Sid's time was 30.33.
When I have had a chance to see the video of the race, I will leave an update on how he ran.
I am still hoping that Derek will give Sid a solo trial over 695m on Monday or one evening before racing, as I am sure that Sid is more than capable of winning a graded race over that trip.
30th April
Sid's next race is on Tuesday. He is in the last race at 10.30pm an A3 grade over 515m and he is running from trap 2.This is the first time that I will not be able to go and watch Sid run, due to me starting night work this week. Tuesday night is the only race night that I work.
Looking at the race card trap 3 should lead up although sometimes she does miss the break, trap 3 should be followed up by trap 1. then 5 & 6 who both run wide. this leave Sid and trap 4 which is Claude's dog that Sid ran against last week and was only 1/2L behind Sid in 3rd place after he took a bump at the first bend. Sid and trap 4 will be running on strong at the end of the race and whoever gets the clearest of runs between those two could win.
27th April
A good run by Sid last night, he just failed by a short head to catch the early leader but was about 4L in front at the pick up. Claude's dog in trap 4, who has been running very well over 6 bends ran on well to get third place 3/4L behind Sid.Once again Sid ran like a 6 bend dog, which is really frustrating as he has not run very well at all in the two races he has had over that trip to date.
I did ask his trainer, Derek if he could give Sid a solo trial over the 6 bends just so we could see what sort of time Sid is capable of doing with a clear run. But I didn't get a yes or a no.
Hove do have a few graded races over 6 bends and also handicaps and I mentioned to Derek that I wouldn't mind if the racing manager wanted to use Sid in those races, Provided he had done a respectable time in his trial.
23rd April
Hello again. Sid's next race is on Tuesday, it's the 9th race at 9.41 and he is running from trap 1 in an A3 over 515m.Derek Knight, Sid's trainer has two dogs in the race and he probably thinks that his other runner in trap 2 has a better chance of winning, although I have not had a chance to speak with Derek yet.
Having said that Brian Clemenson has a newcomer in trap 3 who has clocked 28.81 at Limerick and as his dogs nearly always manage to improve by at least 30 spots on their previous best, that would mean the dog could be capable of doing under 30 sec. As I have mentioned before Sid's litter brother ( who is much faster than Sid ) also clocked 28.80 around Limerick and he was sold for £20,000 so we will have to watch this one very carefully.
Claude Gardiner has a dog running from trap 4 who has been running very well over six bends and also ran a good race behind Restless Lad over 515m back in march when he clocked 30.28.
Sid has beaten both traps 5 & 6 in previous races. So I think Sid will probably finish 3rd or 4th, as I believe this will be a very hard race for Sid to win.
20th April
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SID
2 YEARS OLD TODAY
17th April
Well Sid could not lead trap 2 to the first bend, as it done a 4.15 sectional time which is way too fast for Sid, it also went on to win in a time of 29.95 which is an improvement on its best time ( since coming back from seasonal rest ) of 48 spots or 6L. Although she had clocked a 30.13 back in November.No excuses for Sid but he is always going to find it hard to come from behind to catch any leaders that are capable off clocking faster times than 30.20 at the moment.
Still the good news is that Sid seems to have came off sound.
I went to the kennels today and gave him some cooked chicken and a good fuss, I also picked up his trophy that he won for winning three in a row.
Below is a photo of my daughter with Sid.
13th April
Sid's next long awaited race is on Saturday, he runs from trap 1 in the 10th race at 10.02pm which is an A3 graded race over 515m.It is quite an interesting race, with traps 5,4&6 the obvious dangers but I fill that if Sid can lead the 2&3 dog to the first bend then he could have a chance to win the race. But he will have to produce one of his best sectional times and get a clear run, because once you get to A3 grade or above you will always find yourself up against some really good dogs.
As usual I will be there to cheer him on, as I still believe that Sid is a good genuine honest little dog, who is not really two years old until April 20th. And I will also be popping down to see him at the kennels on Sunday.
10th April
Nothing to report on Sid at the moment but I am hoping he will be on the card either Wednesday or Thursday.So I thought I would update you on the rest of the litter.
Smooth Drumsna the white & black dog was sold for £20,000 then went lame in a trial. I believe he chipped a bone in his wrist.
Smooth Performer the blue brindle bitch had her 8th race and her first win at Limerick, in Ireland, over 700yrds. Congratulation to her connections. Click here to see Result
Torphin Ray the blue dog had his 5th race at Reading and was disqualified for fighting near the winning line.
Well that's all for now thanks for visiting Sid's web site.
Regards Graham & Sid
3rd April
Sid had a trial on Saturday, due to his poor run last time out. It was a solo over 515m, and he clocked 30.78 on a track running 20 Slow. That's not a very fast time so hopefully Sid will be dropped a grade to A4 for his next race.My next visit to the kennels, to see Sid will be on the 17 April. So long as he is not racing on that day. As from next month I should be able to visit Sid every Sunday due to changing my contracted hours at work. Yippee.
27th March
It was a very disappointing run by Sid today. He had everything in his favour but ran an absolute pig of a race. He missed the break and then ran into the back of any greyhound that was in front of him, he finally finished last beaten 11.5L, Sid's SP was 4/5Fav.Derek was not happy with Sid's run and said that Sid will not be running over 6 bends again, he said that Sid ran so bad you wouldn't believe it was the same dog.
Sid's Sectional time was actually 40 spots or 5L quicker than his first 6 bend race but his race time was 12 spots or 1.5L slower on a track racing +30.
The winner, trap 3 Casino Wizard Improved on his previous best by 53 spots or 6.5L which seems to have come from his sectional time which was also 53 spots quicker.
As for Sid, he will be kept to 4 bend graded races for now and I will be watching to see how he performs.
26th March
I have just found out that although the Sunday Hove meeting is a BAGS meeting, the last two races are not on the BAGS card so will not be live in the betting shops. Unfortunately Sid is in the last race so will not be shown in the betting shops.23rd March
Sid's next race is on Sunday. He will be running in the 10th race at 2.45pm, I believe it is a BAGS meeting so if anyone would like to see the race, then pop into your local betting shop and help me cheer him on.It's another stayers maiden open race over 695m and this time Sid has got trap 1, Yippee. The obvious danger is trap 3 who has done a 42.17 in a trial over the distance and also trap 6 who has a decent bit of early pace but does run wide. This time I am hoping that Sid will lead all the way and I will be having a small bet on him.
The 6 dog ran tonight at Swindon in an open race over 685m and he lead some good dogs round the first 2 bends and finished 3rd, he was beaten by his kennel mate Fuengirola who won at 9/4 and I had a few quid on him at 5/2.
Fuengirola was the greyhound that easily beat Sid in his first open race.
20th March
Sid finished 5th last night but all in all I was more than happy with that run. The race was an A3 Grade and as expected Sid was left behind by the other greyhounds at the start of the race, having said that Sid produced his fastest sectional time to date of 4.25sec. As Sid came off the second bend he must have been at least 6L off the leader, but I might have to correct that when I have had a chance to see the video as it might of been more than that. Sid started to get closer rounding the 3rd & 4th bends but by now they were beginning to bunch up and there was nowhere for Sid to go until they entered the home straight Sid tried his best to catch the Leaders but failed by 1.5L the winners time was 30.09. Sid's SP was 9/4Fav.Getting beat by 1.5L is not the end of the world, as you can not expect to win every time. Sid has run to the best of his ability and that is all you can ask of him and I look forward to his next race.
17th March
Sid's next race is on Saturday, up another grade to A3. Sid will be running from trap 2 in the 11th Race at 10.18pmAll the dogs in this race have done a sectional time of between 4.16 & 4.23, as you would expect in this grade. Sid's best was 4.30 last time out so it looks like he will have to follow them around the first two bends and then try to pick them off one by one. But traps 5 & 6 both finish well, so will Sid be fast enough to catch them and then pass them before the winning line, we will have to wait and see.
I will be there as usual to cheer him on, but I do not expect to get back home until after midnight, so I will not be looking forward to getting up at 5am for work the next morning. I will probably be Mr. grumpy for most of the morning, unless Sid should happen to win of course.
9th March
It's getting tougher but Sid wins again but only just this time by a neck from Brian Clemenson's trap 4 dog who ran a very good race first time out. Sid's SP was 2/1 Fav and I will be taking him a little treat on Sunday.Click here to see race result.
8th March
Sid is running in the 9th race at 9.41pm on Tuesday, an A4 graded race over 515m. and he will be running from trap 1. I believe the main dangers are the two Brian Clemenson trained dogs in traps 2 & 4. The 2 dog had been running in A2 grade and the 4 dog has clocked 29.24 when winning a race at Tralee in Ireland by 2.5L when he was 4/5 Fav. In order for Sid to win this Race I feel that he will need to improve by at least 3L which means he will have to dip under 30 seconds, can he do it, we will have to wait and see.
What a surprise I received my copy of the Greyhound Monthly magazine and found a small article on NEVER SAY LUCKY under the dogs to follow column. there was also a nice photo of the trainer Derek smiling, and I've never seen him doing that before.
26th February
As promised here are the two photo's of Sid, when he won on trophy night, which was only his second race.With kind permission from Paul Fletcher of Zenith Photographic.
If anyone would like an action photo of their greyhound racing at Hove, I would highly recommend Paul. the photos cost just £7.50
All you have to do is have the greyhounds name, race Number. & trap Number written on a piece of paper, then hand it to Paul and he will do his best to get you a good action photo of your dog.
25th February
Sid finished 3rd in his first open race beaten 17.5L if you didn't see the race you would probably think Sid ran a bad race as both his sectional time of 14.76 & race time of 42.43 were slow.In the race Sid was quite well away he reached the bend in 3rd position level with traps 4 & 5, as he went for the rails one of the inside runners caught his back leg and as his back went down another runner trod all over his back legs this left Traps 4 & 5 with a clear run on the outside and consequently a nice long lead, coming of the second bend Sid was now in 5th position but he managed to stay on well enough to get up by 0.75L for 3rd place.
Click here to see race result.
Even without the trouble in the race I don't think Sid could have caught the winner, the winning time of 41.06 is a very fast time for a maiden race. Recent maiden races have been won in times of between 41.70 & 42.40 so to expect Sid to do a 41.06 first time over the trip and in only his 4th race of his career is expecting a bit much.
I feel that at this moment in time, with a clear run, that Sid is capable of doing a sectional time of 14.30, and a race time of 41 80.
I will be going to see Sid on Sunday and hopefully he has come off sound and can try again another day.
I managed to have a chat with Paul the photographer at Hove and he has given me permission to put the photos of Sid's trophy presentation and action shot on the web site, I will do this hopefully by Sunday evening at the latest.
21st February
Sid's next race is on Thursday. He has been entered for a maiden stayers Open race over 695m. ( six bends )Well this is what I have been waiting for, as you probably Know when I bought Sid as a puppy I was hoping for a stayer so on Thursday evening I will finally find out if I have one.
Sid is running from trap 3 and it is a short run up to the first bend, which does worry me slightly as Traps 1,2 & 3 all have similar sectional times over the 515m trip. I suppose I would like to see Sid slow away ( but not too slow ) and then tucked in behind the 1 dog going round the first bend in order to miss any trouble and also so he doesn't get knocked about. I will be there again to cheer him on weather permitting, as we have been forecast heavy snow for this week.
I have recently heard that Sid's litter brother, that's the white & black pup in the photo on the home page, who's racing name is Smooth Drumsna, was allegedly sold for a price of £20,000 after winning a heat of the Clonmel unraced stakes in Ireland.
20th February
Well I'll be. Sid wins again. what can I say, he is doing so well at Hove, better than I ever had imagined. That's three wins from three races and I believe he gets another trophy for that achievement from the BGOA. Sid was a bit closer to the leaders at the first bend this time, although his sectional time was slower, he took a bump at the first bend but ran the rails very well. he then showed his usual back straight pace to take the lead at the half way mark, he then went on to win by 3L in a time of 30.21, the going = 10 fast. his SP was 6/4F.Once again thanks to everyone who sent us their congratulations. I do like receiving your e mail and I will reply to you all eventually. Many thanks from Graham & Sid.
17th February
Sid's next race is on Saturday and he has gone up another grade to A5 . He will be running from Trap 1 and I believe that trap 4 will be the Fav as he did a 30.26 on the 5th Feb in an A7. Then ran in an Open race on the 12th Feb finishing 4th. Trap 4 also has the fastest sectional time in the race of 04.23. Trap 5 could also be one to worry about.I still have not seen Paul the Photographer yet for permission to put the photos of Sid's presentation & action shot from his last race on the web site, but I will keep trying.
12th February
Sid wins again. Although we had felt that Sid had been given a little bit to do in order to win this race, it turned out that the 4 & 5 dogs ran more middle than rails, and Sid won the race well at 9/2.Sid won by 2.75L clocked 30.58 on a track rated 20 slow, so that gave Sid a calculated time of 30.38, which is an improvement of 41 spots on his last calculated time, which is 5L in distance.
Thanks to Sid I now have a nice trophy to put on my bookcase, and some nice photos of him at the presentation & in action.
On Sunday when I pick up the photos from Hove stadium, I am going to ask for permission to put them on the web site.
9th February
Sid is running tomorrow evening in the 9th race, an A6, that's up one grade from last week, And all races are trophy races provided by the BGOA. Two of the runners are ex lame / in season that were running A3 previously and are capable of doing 30.30 I Believe that Sid will have to improve by at least 3 Lengths on his last run in order to have any chance of winning the race, also as he will obviously have to come from behind, being one of five railers is not going to make it any easier for him.Why Hove Not Romford
I Have had a few enquiries asking me why I am not racing Sid at Romford as first noted on the web site. I know that when I first started this web site I said I wanted a Greyhound that I could race at my local Track, Romford and being just 20 minutes drive away is a lot easier to get to but I have always believed that Sid must start to do well over four bends before he is stepped up to six bends, and as I fill that Sid would never win a four bend race at Romford, being only 400 metres and quite a tight little track to run, I decided to start Sid's racing career at Hove, a nice big galloping track where four bends = 515 metres and believe me Sid needs every metre. It Takes me 1 hour 20 minutes to get to Hove and its about 85 miles compared to about 10 miles to Romford.
2nd February
Well where do I start. I went to see Sid have his very first race at Hove last night, I was not expecting him to win so I only had a £5 place Bet on the tote. Silly me. Sid run a blinder, and with him being so close to the leaders at the second bend, I bet they could hear me cheering Sid on miles away. He won by just over 2L clocking 30.49 at an SP of 12/1 , I bet he won't be that price again for some time.I would like to say a big thank you to all who sent their congratulations to me via text and e mails.
And especially to Derek Knight and his hard working kennel staff for helping Sid settle into his new surroundings and having him fit enough to run as well as he did on the night. Sid came out on parade wagging his tail and he was still wagging it at the pick up.
And not forgetting the little champion himself. WELL DONE SID.
29th January
Sid has got his first race at Hove on Tuesday. I was hoping for an A10 grade but he is in an A7, so I do not think he will be winning. Nevertheless I will be there to cheer him on.28th January
P W has asked to see more photos of little Sid. This is the only photo I have been able to take of Sid since he moved into Derek Knight's Kennels, I was using a digital camera That I had bought my wife for Xmas and after one exposure the batteries died. There will be more photos of Sid When he starts racing.
25th January
I am a bit late updating Sid's progress this time but I have had to work extra hours in order to pay his first kennel bill. I am expecting it to arrive any day now and I believe it will come to around £400, but that includes NGRC registration fee & inoculations plus £150 deposit to Corals which is refunded when the Greyhound is taken away from Hove, for what ever reason.
I have received a letter from the NGRC congratulating me on registering Never Say Lucky with them and they also sent me a complimentary copy of the NGRC rules of racing
Sid had a 3 dog trial before racing on Thursday 20th Jan. He came last beaten 5 1/2L and recorded a time of 31.42 on a track rated 20 Slow. Because of working extra hours I was not able to see him trial that evening or visit on Sunday, so I have not had a chance to speak to Derek for his opinion on that trial. I will have to keep an eye on the Hove owners forum web site to see if Sid has made it onto the race card, I just hope his not racing on Saturday as I am working that evening.
16th January
It's Sunday again so off I go on a 75 mile drive to see Sid, and I am glad to say there wasn't any road delays today.I found out today that a greyhound does not actually have to win any of his mixed trials in order to be available for racing, so long as he does a grading time.
Sid has been marked up for his NGRC Identification book, and has had his inoculations. Sid will not be able to have his second mixed trial until the NGRC send his book back to Hove.
Derek had gone racing this morning but I was told by Maria his assistant Trainer That Sid ran on well and made up a lot of ground in his trial last Monday, And more importantly he seems to have come off sound.
10th January
I was unable to see Sid trial today due to Tesco deciding to have a barbecue over the weekend. The fire brigade said the warehouse is likely to burn for another 3 days. And because of the smoke blowing across the Queen Elizabeth bridge and the Dartford tunnel crossing only two lanes on the bridge and one tunnel where open. The result being the A13 & M25 coming to a stand still & one very unhappy owner.
While visiting the Hove owners forum web site I found that Sid had a 3 dog trial and finished 2nd beaten 2 3/4 L The comments read slow away, crowded 1/4, ran on, his time was 31.31 and the going was 10 slow. The dog that came 3rd might of finished lame as he was beaten 17L after leading.
I will be going to see Sid on Sunday and hopefully Derek will tell me how he thought Sid went in his trial.
2nd January
Another Sunday visit to see Sid and to check that he has come off OK after the trial he had on Saturday evening. And I am happy to say Sid is Fine.As for his trial he clocked 31.86 on a track rated 40 slow. So his calculated time was 31.46. Derek told me that the grading time for pups is 31.80 but Sid must have two mixed trials of which he must win at least one before he can start racing. Sid's sectional time was 04.56 again slow but then again Sid is not a dog who possesses bags of early pace. and I was happy with the way he stayed on all the way to the pick up.
Sid's next trial should be on Monday 10th January and should be a mixed trial.