LATEST NEWS

2007

 View My Guest book

                         Sign My Guest book --- Please.

28th December

I was right about Sid not getting a run before Xmas, but I did not expect to have to wait until the new year for a run, so that means Sid only got 2 races in the whole of December, not good.

Sids next race is on the 1st January 2008 and after the trainer having a word with the racing manager about Sid getting an inside draw for a change, like trap 1 or 2, Sid will be running from trap 4, lol, well I suppose it is inside of traps 5 and 6, well done.

unfortunately again Sid is running in the last race on Tuesday night, and as I have to work, once again I will not be able to go and watch him run.

It makes me wonder if it is all worth the money, this dog game.  You pay a thousand pounds for your dog, and you pay £200 a month kennel bill, and all I get in return is Sid racing on a Tuesday night, which is the only race night that I can't get to the track, running from trap 4, when he really needs 1 or 2, and they put him in races with odds on favourites that he can't possibly beat, and if he doesn't finish in the first 2 home, then he only gets £24 run money. Pathetic.

5 SLICK SOPHIA (W)             Steven Willey(Unatt)    Best recent times are 15.00 Sec    41.58  was off the track for a long time, but will have to improve a lot in order to reverse the form with Sid from last time out.

6 COOL NELLY (W)                Graham Sharp    Best recent times are 14.98 Sec    40.54  well this has a bit of funny form, Off from the 7th June until the 11th Oct, where it has a race over 475m and finishes 4th beaten by nearly 8L, then it is off until the 1st Dec, when it runs in an open over 835m and finishes 2nd beaten by 1 1/4L. last run yesterday in an S2, where it was beaten 2 1/4L by Leaha Chuita, who beat Sid by 4L in an S2 a few runs back, and now has been dropped a grade to this S3.

With traps 1, 2, 5 and 6 all likely to go around the first bend in front of Sid, it looks as if, at best, it will be another 2nd for Sid. trap 6 has got the best draw as well as being dropped a grade and should win this easy enough.

20th December

I could not go to watch Sid run on Tuesday night, due to it being the busiest week of the year where I work, and with no commentary available on the internet, I decided to see how the betting went for the race.

I was very pleased to see that trap 6 had been withdrawn from the race and Sid had been made the 5/4Fav for a 5 dog race, but things didn't go as well as I had hoped.

Sid Managed to lead from the traps, albeit only by a neck, lol, for about two strides, so it was traps 1, Sid and 5 heading for the first bend in a line, trap 3 was slow away.

As they went around the first bend, trap 5 went on by a length as trap 3 improved on the outside, to get level with Sid and T1, as they come off the 2nd bend, trap 1 took up the lead and trap 3 went 2nd as trap 5 run wide and Sid checked in behind trap 1 to get on the rails and ended up in 4th position.

As they past the post for the first time around, Sid was about 2L behind the leader, and that's not too bad.

But as they rounded the 3rd bend, Sid found a lot of trouble, with T2 trying to get up his inside and squashing him against T5 on his outside, this let both traps 1 and 3 to go down the back straight with an 8L lead over Sid in 4th. 

Even at the 2nd last bend, Sid was still a good 7 lengths off the 1 dog who had drawn about 4L clear of the now fading 3 dog

Sid tried hard to catch the leaders, but could only finish 2nd beaten 5 3/4L by T1.    To see the result click here.

The trainer said that Sid was very unlucky and that he will have a word with the racing manager about giving Sid an inside trap draw like 1 or 2.

I should not think Sid will run again before Christmas, So I would like to wish everyone a very HAPPY XMAS and a fantastic NEW YEAR.

15th December

Sids next race is on Tuesday night, he is running from T4, in the 7th race at 9.03pm, and he has been dropped a grade to an S3.

I am not sure if Sid will win, but he wont get a much better chance than this, trap 6 finished 1 3/4L in front of Sid in their last race, after taking a bump at the 3rd bend, but Sid was also held up going around bends 3 and 4.

5 SLICK SOPHIA (W)                 Steven Willey(Unatt)     Best recent times are 14.75 Sec    40.93 in a trial, lead but faded, has been off since July, and has not won a race since 21st Oct 06.

6 BORN FOR GLORY (W)           Kelly Mullins             Best recent times are 14.89 Sec    40.47  with a clear run must be in with a good chance going on last week run.

When I first see the runners, I thought it was between T6 and Sid, but after looking at the form, trap 2 is a young one who can only improve as he gets older and trap 5 has been given a nice low grade for its comeback race, and then I find that Sid has got an early pace dog on his inside. not as easy as it first looked.

Nickray rings a bell, I remember they bought one of the Magicgreyhounds bitches, Elbony Bella.

I still think Born For Glory will win, because it's too good for S3 grade and its got a great trap draw, unlike Sid.

12th December

Oh well, what can I say about Sids race, apart from the fact that he was well beaten again and only managed to finish 5th.

Trap 5 was the odds on 1/2 Fav. Trap 5 wins the race very very easily indeed. Trap 5 improves on its trial time by over 1/2 second. 51 spots to be precise.        To see the result click here.

What should we make the going for tonight ?, how does +15 sound

Will anything be said about it, of course not.  I remember sending an E mail to channel 425, asking Jim Reynolds why so many dogs at Walthamstow were being found to have positive sample results, at that particular time, it must of been about 2 years ago now.

Channel 425 were broadcasting from the Stow at the time, but needless to say they didn't read it out on air. I was not actually complaining that they had been found positive, I was just asking what the trainers were hoping to gain by giving them what ever it was they gave. was it a pain killer, or was it something to slow the dog down, or was it a steroid, If I remember rightly most of the trainer who had the inquiry at the NGRC were Walthamstow trainers, but I am not 100 per cent sure on that, and I would be surprised if they have still got the findings on the NGRC web site, too many new enquiries to put on there, lol.

I have just read the comments on the Walthamstow race results sheet, it reads, NEVER SAY LUCKY --- Every chance.

Every chance to do what ?, grow wings, god he makes me laugh, he needs dropping a grade just to get anywhere near the leaders

God give me strength - - -  Please

11th December

I had a quick look at the Racing Post while standing in the queue at the post office, and then put it back as I left, as I can't afford to buy it this week, lol.

Unfortunately it only confirmed my thoughts on the race. I believe it is Tony Bullen who is the racing post correspondent at the Stow, and his opinion is that Sid has no chance at all in winning the race, as he didn't mention Sid at all in the paper, and tips traps 5, 1 ,and 2, If I remember rightly.

He said that T5 did a good trial over 475m, after its tumble last week, I think it clocked something like a 29.18, Sid did a 29.62 in a trial, which is only 5 1/2L slower, lol. so much for the favor we were going to get, lol.

OK, lets look at the race positively from Sids point of view. Trap 2 will lead and Sid will have to beat T1 to the bend to give Sid the best possible chance of getting a clear run, Sid can do it if he pings the lids.

T5 can do a sectional time of 14.66  compared to Sids best of 14.79, that's a fraction over 1 1/2L differance.

Now for some good news for Sid, trap 4 is Sids kennel mate and every Sunday I walk her when I walk Sid, and the trainer has told me that although she has not got a great deal of early pace, she is usually a fast trapper and being a wide runner will turn right straight from leaving the traps. ha ha,

With a little bit of team work she could definitely hamper the 5 dog for the first 50 meters of the race, and would cost it the 1 1/2L advantage that it would of had in the sectional part of the race, then its race on.

We all know that the 5 dog runs on well over 475m but then so does Sid, obviously if the 5 dog finds a lot of time on its trial time, for example a 30 spot improvement would give him a win time of 40.18 which is far too fast for Sid to win.

At worst I am expecting Sid to finish 2nd or 3rd, but I am praying for a win so he can at last pay his own kennel bill for a change.

8th December

Sid did not run this week, but the dog that finished 2nd in Sids last race did run on Thursday, it was dropped a grade to an S3 where it was sent off the even money Fav and won by over 6L.

So you would of hoped that Sid, who was a further 3 1/2L behind that dog in his last race, would also be dropped a grade, as he found no trouble at all in the race but was still well beaten.

But no such luck, once again he is in trap 3 in the last race on Tuesday night, which is an S2, and I haven't even looked at how good the other runners are yet, so here goes.

4 SLIPONEIN (W)                  Chris Cronin(Unatt)    Best recent times are 14.89 Sec    40.72 when winning an S3 at the beginning of Nov.

5 DUBAI ADVENTURE (W)     John Coleman    Best recent times is 14.66 Sec    40.48 when winning a trial by over 13L.  Was 6/4fav last time out, which was its first time over 640m. it must of been a funny old race, because I can't make head nor tail out of the race comments, click here to see for yourself. According to the result, it sectional time was 2 seconds slower than trap 2, that's 25 lengths, lol,  the 2 dog then got knocked over at the 3rd bend and then somehow DUBAI ADVENTURE and don't forget he is 25L behind the 2 dog, managed to trip over it. I just wish I had seen the race because it's hard to believe that a dog that far behind could not miss trouble, I could understand it if the dog fell over a couple of lengths in front of it, but 25L, it must of been something else. Anyway, be careful about this one, as it was the Fav in the race and there must of been a reason for that.

6 BORN FOR GLORY (W)      Kelly Mullins    Best recent times are 14.89 Sec    40.47 Should be in with a chance in this race, although his 750m race at Romford was nothing special.

Sid has a better chance to gain his first win at the Stow, but I am very very worried about what the 5 dog is really capable of doing, it has won races in Ireland and is better suited to 6 bend races. We are talking about a dog who can do a 5.03 sectional time over 475m, but then manages to find itself 28L adrift of the leader after just 235m, looks iffy to me, but what do I know.

These are my thoughts after the race, but before I spoke to the trainer on Sunday 30th Nov. And as you can probably tell, they are from the mind of a very pissed off owner

28th November

Well another pathetic graded race by the Walthamstow racing office, just goes to show that last weeks race was not a mistake, but they are just crap at their job. Below is a list of the opening show and the final SP, and I would like you to try and guess which dog won the race, before I give you the result.

4 CENTAUR IRIS (M)                  6/1                      6/1

5 GENESIS SISTER (W)             4/6                      4/6

6 SPARKYS STAG (W)               6/1                     12/1

If your answer was T5, then congratulations, you should apply to be a tipster in the racing post, lol.

  To see the result click here.

The trainer told me that Sid was not originally down to run in the race, but after a dog was withdrawn, the racing office phoned Chris and asked if they could use Sid, Chris then told me that even though he cant win, at least you get some run money towards the bill which is better than no run at all.  The idea being that as we done them a favor they might do us one by putting Sid in a race, that he has half a chance of winning.

We will see

28th November

Sids next race is on Thursday night, and yes it is the last race at 10.30pm. it's an S2 and for the moment Sid is in T3.

I found out, on Sunday, that the owners can park for free at the back of the stadium. But I have been paying to use the car park at the front of the stadium, just to see the last race at the stow when Sid has run. even though I asked the man in the car park, do I have to pay just to park here to watch the last race, Yes he said give me your money, but I only came to watch my dog run, you still have to pay he said. Wanker, I will pay him in another way when I see him on Thursday I can tell ya. Toss pot. I will set fire to his hut so he has to sit in the rain, lol  Just in case someone does set his hut alight, I was only Joking and it was not me, lol.

Now for a quick look at Sids race.

4 CENTAUR IRIS (M)                  Mark Wallis    Capable of doing a 14.70 sect and with a best recent time of 40.11, Has beat both T2 and Snappy Girl by over 4L not long back. Snappy Girl being the one who beat Sid last time out by over 10L and has won Marathon opens too.

5 GENESIS SISTER (W)              Mark Wallis    Capable of doing a 14.49 sect and with a best recent time of 40.17

6 SPARKYS STAG (W)               Gary Baggs    Capable of doing a 14.36 sect and with a best recent time of 40.45

I can't see Sid winning this race without some sort of trouble in the race, as you can clearly see that even Sids best sectional time is 5 1/2L slower than the 6 dog and 3L slower than the 5 dog, and even the slow coach in the race T4, who stays on really well to win S1's and opens is over a length quicker Than Sid, This will very likely be Sids last race at the Stow as it was not my intention for him to race there in the first place.

With traps 1, 2 & 3 likely to get in each others way during the course of the race, and although T4 is seeded middle it will more than likely cut in to the rails rounding the bends, it is very unlikely Sid will get any sort of run in this race. it looks to me to be between traps 4 & 5. I expect T5 to have the lead before the 2nd last bend and then it will be a matter of whether T4 can catch it before the winning line.

On the other hand, if Sid makes one of his quicker exits from the traps, then I can only see a hell of a lot of trouble at the first bend with T4 & T5 getting the worst of it.  Good luck Sid, you need it.

23rd November

In the end, my daughter persuaded me to go and watch Sids race, ha ha, and what a piss take it was. Trap 6 pinged the lids and lead all the way, eventually winning by 8 1/2L, and some nice big bets were also placed, it ended up going off at 4/5F. Is the grader at Walthamstow really that stupid, or did he just need a bit of extra cash for Christmas, lol.               To see the result click here.

This is the 3rd time now were Sid has been put in a graded race, that only one dog could possibly win. first it was Hove and Shelbourne poopa, then there was the new boy Gaskin race at Romford, and now this one at the Stow.

The whole idea of a graded race, is to have a race where if everything goes right for the greyhounds in that race, then they all should have an equal chance of winning.

There will always be races where the winning margin is by 8 to 12L, but it would usually be because there has been a lot of trouble in the race for the other greyhounds, not in a clean run race, unless it was an open.

Walthamstow stadium might be short of 6 bend dogs, but if they go on like this they will end up with none at all, I mean, how do they think the owners of the other dogs feel, when they see their dogs in a race that they can't possibly win, and I don't mean just one outsider that's been put up a couple of grades for a better than average win last time out. I mean all five can't possibly win.

22nd November

Oh well, it's all change in Sids race now, and only for the worst in Sids case.

Trap 6 has been taken out of the race, so they replace it with a railer and put it in trap 1, moving all the other runners out by one trap. So now Sid is in T4, and the one that I think has been gifted the race is now in T6, with only one other wide runner, which is in T5, and is the racing post tip for the race.

20th November

19 days since Sids last raced, that's nearly 3 weeks, and Sid finally gets another run.

Sid is running from T3 in the last race at 10.30pm on Thursday night.

4     DROOPYS DELIA (W)    Gary Baggs                             I think this one came in season 18 weeks ago and should improve on her time of 40.72 that she did last time out when stepping back up to 640m.  Another one who got a run during the Festival.

5     SNAPPY GIRL (W)         Mark Wallis                             What this is doing in this race I just don't know, only 5 months back it did a sec time of 14.48 and won in a time of 39.78, and last year it did the track record at Harlow over 769m it usually runs over 8 bens so is hardly going to be fading of the last bend. Why don't they just write him out the cheque now and save us all the trouble of traveling cost and the worry of injuries in a race you have no hope of winning.

6     SCOOTER MAN (W)    N-R  Paul Garland                            Has not got a hope in hell, won an S3 in 40.80, lol only a second slower than the 5

It was looking like a well graded race until they stuck the 5 dog in the race, T5 has done a 39.78 and the best the rest can do is 40. 30, and with the 5 dog capable of doing a sectional time 3L quicker than the rest, and the fact that it has been running over 8 bends, I really do think they are taking the piss. I certainly wont be going all that way just to see Sid get beat in the last race.

4th November

On a track rated 15 slow, last night, Sid finished 4th, beaten just over 3L, even though he did manage to go 3L quicker than his last race.    To see the result click here.

Chris told me that with the Racing Post Festival coming up at the Stow soon, Sid might not get a race for a while, so in order to help out a bit with the kennel bill, Chris will try and enter Sid for a few small open races here and there.

2nd November

Oh well, once again the dog I gave no chance of winning,  has won the race, coming from last to first, and the other mistake I made was by saying that Sids race was the only one not to be a trophy race, as that was not the case, it was just a printing error on the runners sheet.

On the first circuit I really thought Sid was going to win, he was flying as they approached the 2nd last bend, only to slam his brakes on in order to negotiate the tight bend, the trouble with Sid is that once he slows down he takes too long to pick up speed again, and unfortunately he was beaten by 2L.

Having said all that, Sid improved on his sectional time by over 3L.  To see the result click here.

Sid is out next on Saturday night, again in the last race, but this time it looks a lot harder race, but I will still cheer him on nevertheless, lol.  Sid has come in as a replacement for the original trap 3, But trap 6, Mystical Sloth, has won his last 3 S2 races at the Stow, his last win was in a time of 40.31, and will be hard to beat.

26th October

I don't believe it.

I am beginning to think it's time to retire Sid, as it's costing me money that I just haven't got anymore.

firstly, Sid is in a S2 race on Tuesday night, which is ok, but unfortunately it's the last race at 10.20pm, which as we all know by now is when I should be at work. as if that was not bad enough, poor old Sid, who always runs from trap 1 or 2, has been given trap 4, Cheers, and to cap it all off, out of the 13 races on Tuesday night, only one of them isn't a trophy race, can you guess which one it is, well done, yes it's Sids race.

5 BORN FOR GLORY (W)         Kelly Mullins        well. I will be surprised if this one wins. but it will be running on at the end

6 ARMIES MENTOR (W)           Kelly Mullins        has done a 14 62 and has got more early than Sid, should get a nice run around the outside

If Sid finishes in the last 4 he will receive a pathetic £27. Taking the pee or what.

After taking a quick look at the runners, the race could turn out to be a close finish. This is how I think it could go,

Traps 1, 3, & 6 should go around the first bend together, with traps 2 & 4 a couple of lengths behind them and 5 at the back. and it will probably stay like that for the first circuit, now if Sid then gets away from T2 and runs on strong enough, he will reach the last 2 bend with both traps 1 & 3 in his way and T6 should be getting a nice run on the outside.

I think Sid will need to be in front of traps 1 & 3 by the time he gets to the 2nd last bend, and to be honest I can't see that myself. but if there is only one railer in front of him at the 2nd last bend, then Sid could have a slight chance of putting in a challenge. We will have to wait and see.

24th October

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

Sid improved a little bit too much on his previous trial times at the Stow this morning, so bang goes any chance of a nice easy S3 introduction to the Stow.

I will now be keeping my fingers crossed for an S2, but knowing our luck, it will be straight into an S1.

Sid found over 5L on his last trial, although his sectional time was the same, He finished 2nd beaten 2 1/4L to Geordie Shay, who was previously graded at Brough Park and Newcastle. Sid clocked 40.58 on a track rated 15 slow, giving Sid a calculated time of 40.43, which is nearer the 40.20 that I was expecting from Sid, so lets just hope he come off sound.

I will keep a look out now for next Tuesdays card, hoping that Sid will be on it, but all in all that was a much better performance by Sid.

21st October

When we went to walk Sid today, Chris told me that Sid will require one more trial before he can run in a graded race at the Stow.

Sid will be having his final qualifying trail on Wednesday morning, and so long as he clocks about the same time as last time, 30.85, then that should be good enough for an S3 graded race, so fingers crossed.

19th October

Sid finished 2nd in his trial at the Stow on Wednesday, running from trap 4 he clocked 41.00 on a track rated 15 slow, and he is down as a reserve for an open race on Saturday night, but I would prefer an S3 graded race.

The trial time was not a very fast time so I am not sure if they will ask for Sid to have another trial before they will grade him.

14th October

Well here we are again, another Sunday and enough time has past, to get over Sids poor performance on Tuesday night, where he was beaten in the open race by over 12L.  To see the result click here.

A few people have told me not to take too much notice of that run, as a lot of dogs do require a good few runs around the Stow to get the hang of the track, also being in trap 4 did him no favors and the 3 inside runner are fast dogs and that it was a hard race for Sid, especially being his first race at the Stow

So, when I went to walk Sid today, I was happy to hear that he had come off ok, and to see him wagging his tail as he waited for me to take him for a walk.

Chris told me that Sid will be having a trial over 640m on Wednesday morning and that if he goes well enough then that might be enough to get him on the card, I hope so cos I am running out of money, lol.

I pray for an S3 and not an S1.

6th October

I have just been checking the trial times of some of the other runners who are in Sids race on Tuesday, and I noticed that trap 3, who was having a trial after being off lame, went nearly a second quicker, lol.

There is no way Sid is going to lead that one, it's sectional was 5.03, that's 3L quicker than Sid and it's trial time was 28.84 the going was +30. So Sid can not afford to get to far behind this one either.

4th October

Sid finished 2nd in the 3 dog trial, running from T2 Sid was beaten 5 1/4L, clocking a time of 29.72

1 ROCKCHASE JAMES           Paul Young(Rom)

2 ERINACEOUS RAPID            Ernest Gaskin(Rom)

3 COOLANGA FLYER               Mark Wallis

4 NEVER SAY LUCKY              Chris Cronin(Sitt)

5 INDY BOY (M)                           Alan Stevens(Unatt)

6 KINGS SPARK (W)                 Michael Hall(Unatt)

It's not easy trying to work out the form in this race, but after a quick look at the other runners previous results, it looks like the three inside runners have a bit more early than Sid and will probably make the first bend in front of Sid. Some of the runners have a bit of Romford form but the two tracks are nothing alike so I cant really go on that form.

Trap 1 was once graded at the Stow so knows the track well, Trap 2 has had plenty of opens around the Stow, as has trap 3 who is trained by a Walthamstow trainer. then there is Sid who has had one quick look at the track, ( thank god for that, lol ) and finally traps 5 and 6 who are middle and wide runners, and I am hoping Sid is capable of leading and beating these two.

Trap 2 sometimes misses the break but I was more concerned about the comments in its earlier races where they said it run middle, trap 3 also misses the up on occasions, so if they do on Tuesday and Sid gets out quick, he can make for the rails and tuck in behind the 1 dog, then I believe we would be in for a good race and maybe a win, I just don't wont to see anything go too far in front in the early stages, unless it's Sid of course, lol.

2nd October

When I walked Sid on Sunday, Chris told me that Sid had been given a couple of gallops and that he has come out of them ok.

He also told me that he has booked Sid in for a trail over 475m at the Stow before racing on Thursday night.

If all goes well, Chris is going to enter Sid for an open race over 640m at the stow for the following week.

I have just been on the greyhoundscene forum web site, looking in the chit chat pages, when I come across a bit on race Videos, apparently you can now download the whole meeting from Romford or Walthamstow, the day after the meeting, for just £5. here is the link if anyone is interested,                www.greyhounddownload.com          I think it's a bargain, not sure what the quality is like yet but I will let you know after I have tried it myself. 

23rd September

Got back from my holiday at 1am this morning, so I decided to go and see how Sid is, and give him a quick walk around the field before I go to work.

Well he was wagging his tail when he come from the kennel and looked very happy.

Chris said that Sid will finish his treatment on Wednesday and then he will give Sid a couple of gallops before giving him a trial at Walthamstow the following Wednesday the 3rd October, that's a whole month to the day from when I thought he was going to win that easy race and start September with a win.

12th September

Sid to race at Walthamstow

Chris Cronin is one of three trainers being offered the opportunity to supply Walthamstow stadium with stayers for the 640m trip,

This means that in 2 weeks time Sid could be having trials around the Stow, which is also easier for me to get to than Sittingbourne.

More good news is that both Sittingbourne and Walthamstow offer free entry to owners, but I believe the Stow has done away with the internet commentary that it once had.

Update

When I took Sid to his new trainer, Chris told me that he likes to have all new dogs that come to the kennel checked over by a vet, if that was alright with me, and of course I said yes fine by me. Well the vet said that Sids shoulder was fine but Sid was a bit sore on his elbow on the other side, lol, which should only require a couple of weeks max. Now this doesn't necessarily mean that Jim was lying, as Sid had had 10 days rest between the Monday I was told he was lame and when he went to be checked over by the vet.

And well done to Dave and his Bitch Fourteen Blue, on win number 2, I hope you had a few pound on her.

9th September

Sid has changed kennels

I have decided to race Sid at Sittingbourne for the remainder of his racing career. His new trainer is Chris Cronin, and his Kennels are within walking distance from my house.

I feel that the 642m trip at Sittingbourne will suit Sid down to the ground, although getting to the stadium will not be as easy as it was to get to Romford.

Sittingbourne race on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and they are all the nights that I don't work, hooray.

Sid will still need to have another 2 weeks rest with his shoulder and that will give him time to get used to his new environment.

The only down side will be, that there is no live commentary on the internet for Sittingbourne that I know of, and I am not sure if the owners get a free pass.

3rd September

I received a phone call, at about 10am this morning from Jim, he called to tell me that Sid has been taken out of the race because he has a slight shoulder injury, and will require a 3 week rest.

UPDATE

Well was that a surprise, BLACK MIST BOY winning the race Sid was pulled out of, Hmm.

31st August

Sid runs on Monday night in race 11, off at 9.17.  So I will get to work just about on time for a change.

As I look at the runners,  I know that traps 3 and 4 are very fast away, but I also know that Sid can catch them and beat them, T2 is also quick away but sometimes misses the up, I just hope it doesn't get in Sids way at the first bend.

Nearly all these runners, apart from trap 3, and Sid of course, run on Wednesday night, in the RGOA meeting, T3 last ran on the 20th August when it finished last, all 6 greyhounds are capable of clocking around 36.15.

1  NEVER SAY LUCKY     Jim Reynolds        N/R

2  XAAR DOM BOOTY     Paul Young

3  PAULEES PRINCESS     Ernest Gaskin

4  BLACK MIST BOY     Jim Reynolds

5  SO PERSISTANT     Maxine Locke

6  ORANGE SNOW (W)     Maxine Locke

I think this is one of best chances Sid has had for a long time, and I will be surprised if he's not the favourite for the race, but he can not afford to get held up again, anywhere in the race.

If any of the Romford bookies are reading this, 5/2F will be plenty short enough thank you, lol.

So come on Sid, lets start September with a win please.

25th August

Oh well, there goes my hair cut money. How the 6 dog can come from behind to win the race when it went backwards last week I just do not know.

Poor old Sid, he got out really well last night and when they got to the first bend, I thought he was going to get round it in 2nd position. T5 I believe was about a length in front, and Sid was on the inside, almost neck and neck with the 2 dog and the rest of them on the outside of that one, but then Sid decided to check up at the first bend and let them all go on in front of him, plonker.

At the winning line first time around, the 5 dog, Black Mist Boy, had a 6L lead over Sid in last place. But Sid kept on gamely to finish 2nd going down to T6 by 2 1/4L. with Black Mist Boy ending up 4L behind Sid. 

  To see the result click here.

If Sid could just of got around that first bend, instead of checking up, then there is no doubt in my mind that he would of won the race easily. And then Sid would of won £131 towards his kennel bill, I would of got £90 of the bookies and then on Monday I could of got my hair cut, which is already down to my knees and renewed my passport. you stupid dog, lol.  

God knows when I will be able to afford to get my hair cut now, pay day is not for another 2 weeks.

24th August  Update

There has been some changes to Romfords Saturdays night card, Fourteen Blue is not running now and more importantly, in Sids race Bigwood Snazzy is not running either.

The replacement is Black Mist Boy, now this dog normally runs in opens on a Friday but it hardly ever wins, it usually pings the lids and then goes backwards, but I heard a rumor last Sunday that the owners are thinking of moving it to Peterborough as it is closer to where they live.

Now I know it would be nice for them if their dog left Romford with a win, but I would be really peed of if Sid didn't beat it because Sid has beat it very easily every time they have meet, to be honest it usually just gets in Sids way on the bends when it starts to fade.

Now for the Racing post tip, he goes for 5 4 2 and trap 5 being his NAP of the night, now I got a feeling that this was his selections before Black Mist Boy replaced Bigwood Snazzy.

Now I believe Sid is in with a good chance of winning so long as he does not get held up and the 2 dog does not get too much of an early lead.

With Snazzy out of the race all six runners are in with a chance now, even trap 3 will benefit, and my selections now are a very close finish between traps 1,2,4 & 5 the winner will be the one lucky enough not to get held up in the race.

24th August

Sid is out again on Saturday night, he is running from trap 1 in the last race at 10.40.

Also running that night are FOURTEEN BLUE in race 2 at 7.45 running from trap 2 and MARYS MUPPET in race 5 at 8.32 running from trap 2. So good luck to those two again.

Now for a quick look at Sids race, and the first thing I noticed is that BIGWOOD SNAZZY is in trap 5 and the last time Sid raced against this one, Sid finished 2nd to it, getting beaten by over 7L, and that was when Sid was running really well. My guess is that Snazzy will win this race easily, but I will now check the form of all the runners in the race, so here goes.

T1 Sid    he is in poor form at the moment and should be in an S2

T2 Maydare Brooklyn    Unbelievable, this one is having worst luck than Sid, last in its last 3 races and getting knocked over last time out. won an open back in June clocking 36.15 with a sec 13.89 

T3 Catunda polly    only just over 2 years of age and with only 8 races to date and no wins, I think she has been given a lot to do in this race, so obviously not one of Mr. gaskins runners, lol

T4 Thatchers Boy    recent form, 3rd, 2nd, 2nd, 1st, running reasonably well at the moment but the times are not good enough to beat Snazzy in my opinion.

T5 Bigwood Snazzy    has been running in open races for the last ten races winning 3 of them, the last time it run in a graded race was when it beat Sid by 7 3/4L on the 6th June, it then went on to win an open clocking 35.89

T6 Fisio Flash    was quick away last time out and had every chance, but faded, even Sid caught it and he run terrible, its got no chance in this race at all, but that is only my opinion.

If the 2 dog beats Sid to the first bend. which we know it is capable of doing as it has done a 13.89 sectional, then I feel the order of the finish will be 5 2 4, Bigwood Snazzy looks a real good thing to me but I hate betting against my own dog.

I will update the site later tonight when I have seen the racing post selections.

22nd August

Well done to FOURTEEN BLUE,  and at 5/1 too,  very nice.

21st August

Sid did a better break last night, and at the first bend he was right behind trap 2, there was three in row in front and three in a row right behind them and Sid was on the inside and I expected him to get a nice run around the first two bend and not get too far behind, but Sid checked up at the first bend and dropped back to last, by the time he got to the winning line on the first lap he was 5L behind the leader and by the time he went down the back straight he was 10L behind the leader.

Sid did manage to run on a bit to finish 4th beaten 4 3/4L, but Sids time was terrible. The winners time was 36.45 on a track rated normal, which is not that great either.    To see the result click here.

Good luck to Dave and his pup Fourteen Blue, who has her very first race at Romford on Wednesday night. She is running from trap 2 in the first race at 7.30.  May your dream come true Dave, lol.

17th August

Sids next race is on Monday night, he is running from trap 1 in the last race at 10pm, so I will only be about 1/2 hour late for work this time, lol.

Actually I might not go to watch him this time, as his chances of winning look pretty slim, I have a feeling Sid will be in last place right up to the last bend and perhaps for the whole race.

T1    Sid                                    14.12        Best recent time    36.24

T2    Droopys Giuliano            13.94        Best recent time    36.13

T3    Paulees Princess             13.83        Best recent time    36.16

T4    Thatchers Boy                13.90        Best recent time    36.20

T5    Orange Snow                  13.89        Best recent time    36.24

T6    Fisio Flash                      14.02        Best recent time    36.17

Sometimes trap 2 misses the break, and that would improve Sids chances if it was to happen in this race. If  trap 2 does get away well then there could be a chance of trouble at the first bend and that also would give Sid a better chance of catching the leaders in the latter part of the race.

Sid will have to do a lot better than he did last time he ran, as this is a much harder race. 10 weeks ago I would of expected Sid to run a big race, but after last weeks performance, I feel he would struggle even to win an S2.

But you never know, Sid might come back to his best form and give them all a good beating, lol

16th August

Sid is not down to run on Saturday night, so once again it will be almost 2 weeks without a run, which just isn't good enough, and he will defiantly have to go somewhere else now, for what's left of his racing career. so watch this space

13th August

Sid will not be racing until Saturday at the earliest but I would like to wish the connections of FAKING A RUMBLE, all the best of luck in his very first race at Romford on Wednesday, running from T3 in race 6.

Also good luck to MARYS MUPPET in race 3 and LIMITED TIME in race 11, but not to BIGBOYDIDIT in race 12 who was taken out of Sids last race and replaced with Hi Duchess, who beat Sid by 1/2L. 

Only joking, good luck to BIGBOYDIDIT too.

9th August

What can I say ?.  Sid really should of won that race, as the opposition was nothing special.

Sid didn't break too bad, but his pace to the bend was terrible and that left him in last place at the first bend, and with a slow sectional of 14.35 and then getting stuck behind T3 as they rounded the last 2 bends, that cost him the race.

Trap 6 lead and I was surprised it didn't win after leading. The winner was T1 Hi Duchess, the bitch that replaced the original runner from T1, and as before she managed to beat Sid to the first bend.

Sid opened up in the betting as the favourite, but there was money for T4 and Sid drifted out to 7/2, which I thought was a good price, as I was expecting 5/2 at the best. So I put all my money on and in under 37 seconds all my money was gone, lol.  but at least I gave it to my favourite bookie, he can look at it as a sort of a loan until I get it back with interest on top, lol.

Sid was only beaten by 1/2L and he flew past the wiener after the line, but it was still a poor run as far as I am concerned.     To see the result click here.

8th August

Trap 1 has been replaced with Hi Duchess, she lead Sid to the first bend when they met in the 750m race on the 30th June, But only by 1/2L, I am hoping that Sid well get to the bend first this time.     Best recent time 36.24.

The Racing post tip Sid to win the race, so lets hope he's right.

6th August

What a surprise, Sid has his next race on Wednesday, in an S1, and of course, the last race of the night at 10.30pm.

I have had my hours changed at work and now do 10pm till 8am, so I will only be just over an hour late for work, but it will mean I will have to stay there till 9.15am, YUK, and I will have to put up with those horrible customers that come into the shop, Oh dear. If you knew what the area was like where I work, you would understand better what I mean, so let me enlighten you.  the estate over the road is full of druggies, the estate this side of the road is full of brain dead people who would usually be in prison but there is no room for them, and to the right of the store, just over the duel carriage way we have an massive gypsy site, I would say it was bigger than Germany, lol. then there is all the illegal people who full out the back of the lorries.

Anyway Back to Sid and a quick look at the race.

T1     Bigboydidit    I would of preferred Sid on the inside of this one    Best recent time 36.50

T2     Sid    We need Sid to ping the traps in order to get to the rails in front of T1    Best recent time 36.23

T3     Xaar Dom Booty    Just over 2, has early pace but can it hold on    Best recent time 36.23

T4     Rockchase Alice    Should improve on Fridays time, but can it find enough    Best recent time 36.91

T5     Commons Bale    this early pace one beat T1 last Wednesday    Best recent time 36.39

T6     Mercury Diamond    The only wide runner, should put in a good run    Best recent time 36.13

If Sid can get to the bend in front of trap 1 then he wins, no sweat. But if he doesn't then he might not get to the winning line before Trap 6, I know he can do it so he better not finish last.

5th August

Sid was made to look pretty average in his open race on Friday night and when I left the track I was actually thinking of retiring him, but when I got home and checked the results, I changed my mind, lol.

The winner of the race was trap 2, St Johns Flyer and he really did fly in that race, clocking 35.54 and winning by 5L.  Sid finished 5th but was only 2L behind the 2nd placed dog and actually clocked his fastest ever time for the trip of 36.14, although the going was confirmed as +20.   To see the result click here

I am a bit worried about how Sid is going to get regular runs now, with there being a shortage of S1 races and the opens being a little harder for him to win.

Oh yes, and the racing post was again right about Sid not being in the first three places, but also again his Nap in the race got beat.

3rd August

I forgot to mention that I think Romford are a bit short of S1 grade dogs at the moment. In July there was about 25 race meetings, which is about 312 races and they could only make up five S1 graded races out of that lot.

Also I forgot to mention that last time Sid raced, on the 21st July, I said I was a bit worried about trap 6 Orange Snow, and how well she would go first time over 575m. Well she had every chance to win, being up there in 2nd place behind the eventual winner trap 3, but then faded back into 3rd place.

On her next race over the 575m trip, which was on 28th July, she took up the running from the 3rd bend and went on to win by 1 1/2L at 7/1, ( nice ) beating Mine, ( not Sid ) who has been running over 750m and is, in my opinion not a bad dog.  It's a funny old game, lol.

I am still working on the grumble page, but it will not appear on this site until I have something new to grumble about. lol.

2nd August

I just had a quick look at the racing post selections for Sids race tomorrow and the tipster Naps trap 5 Amarillo Scholes, it should get a good run but I still think he is wrong.

He thinks Sid will be the 6/1 outsider of the field and believes Sid will not make the first three places.

Well all I can say is, that when Sid raced against Amarillo Scholes, 3 runs back, Sid did the worst break I have ever seen him do, and I mean very very very slow away, clocking a sectional time of 14.56, giving Amarillo Scholes a 12L lead as they approached the 2nd bend.  Yet Sid still tried his very best to catch the leaders and managed to finish 4th beaten 4 3/4L, and Sid had got alongside Amarillo Scholes when they got to the bend after the winning line.

Now if Sid can do a 14.16 sectional, which we know he can do, that would be 5L better just to the winning line first time around and we all know Sid does the best of his running in the last 250m of the race.

But I still think trap 4 is the one to worry about.

1st August

As Sid was not down to run on Wednesday, that would of meant he would not be out until Saturday at the earliest, and that would not of been for certain, so I text Jim on Tuesday and asked him to enter Sid in an open race, anywhere he wants, so long as it was 6 bends and not more than 650m.

With only one run in the whole of July and then a 2 week gap after that, is just not acceptable to me, for a dog who will be 5 years old in just 9 months time, retirement is getting ever closer.

Anyway, Sid is now running in a 575m open race on Friday at Romford, running from trap 1 in the 10th race at 9.52pm.

T1    Never Say Lucky

T2    St Johns Flyer

T3    Droopys Hotshot

T4    So Persistant

T5    Amarillo Scholes

T6    Hollyoak Timber

Traps 2,3,4 & 5 can all do sectional times under 14 seconds and trap 6 is not that much slower, so it is safe to say that Sid will be outpaced early on in the race. But it is pleasing to see the race consists of 2 railers, 2 middle and 2 wide runners, and hopefully a trouble free race.

If Sid can do one of his better sectional times of around 14.08. he should not find himself more that 3L behind the leader crossing the winning line first time around.

Sid might find these a little bit too good for him, but I will be a bit disappointed if he does not finish within 2L of the winner, and I am also hoping for Sid to finish in front of Amarillo Scholes this time.

The dog I like the look of in this race is T4, So Persistant, only just over 2 years old and who could improve on his latest run at Romford.

But I will be cheering on Sid to win another trophy for me to put with the others I have got.

GO ON SID,  HOME YOU GO MY COCKER,  LOL.

26th July

Another week goes by and once again the racing office have decided not to use Sid for any of their races. Unbelievable, when you think that Romford is one of the busiest tracks in the country, with 6 race meetings a week.

If Sid is not on the card on Monday, that will mean that Sid was fortunate enough to of been given just one race in the whole of July. Thank you very much to both Romford stadium and Jim Reynolds.

A friend of mine, who knows nothing about greyhound racing at all, but does read Sids web site every now and then, asked me why I don't move him to Mr. Gaskin, then you will get lots of runs, lol.  Who needs friends like that.

Late Update.  I forgot to update Sids web site after his race last Saturday, I must be getting old, NO, I am getting old.

Well this is what happened, Sid broke from trap 2 very well, but he has not got enough early pace, and unfortunately, by the time they reached the first bend, trap 1 had got level with him on his inside and all the others got level with him on his outside  and Sid ended up the meat in the sandwich as they say, and both Sid and Thatchers Boy were shuffled to the back of the field.  Traps 3 & 6  went on after the second bend, 6 had every chance but 3 went on to win easily, clocking 36.16 for trainer Mr. Gaskin.   To see the result click here

Thatchers Boy raced last night (Wednesday) and won at an SP 9/4Fav.

21st July

I am going to add a new page on Sids web site could the grumble page.

I have not even got to the track yet, but I am listening on the internet to the Romford races and already RONNIES TIGER trained by Mr.Gaskin has done exactly what I was just talking about on the 20th July.

Three trials over 400m,     3rd July 25.16, (20 slow 24.96)    10th July 25.36 (N)   17th July 25.24 (N)

It had its first race tonight in A5 grade, over 400m,  pings out and clocks 24,62

Look out for the Grumble Page as I am thinking of setting up a little league table for all the trainers. lol

20th July

Sid has a race on Saturday night and it looks like a race he could win if running as well as he did 6 weeks back.

The only trouble is, that I have never seen so many dogs being so inconsistent in the times that they record around Romford.  Take for example Thatchers Boy, on the 12th March he wins by over 10L and clocks 35.68 but then he goes 13 races without a win clocking times between 36.40 and 37.43.

The race after the 37.43 run, he wins clocking 35.81, over one and a half seconds faster, lol, his next 3 runs are all nearly a second slower in the 36.70's. So how could anybody say they think their dog will win with any confidence, I just don't know.

Another thing that annoys me is when you read the form for new dogs to the track, ( not all of them obviously ) they have 3 or 4 trials and do a goodish time first time around but then go slower in the other 2 or 3 trials, hm,  then comes their first race and they win easily and find nearly 1/2 second on their first trial time, and sometimes over half a second, but luckily for the trainers the racing office decide the going is 20 or 30 spots fast so nothing is said.  Now I am not saying that the racing office is making the going fast to save the trainer from a telling off and a fine, because if you look at the times of the other races on the same night it is obvious for anyone to see that the track is running fast. What I am saying is,  it just pisses me off, probably cos I never backed it, lol.

Now I am thinking, should I write to Mr. Lister and other good trainers to tell them not to give their dogs a trial, or a look at the track as they call it, before competition races, because it is quit obvious to me that they are going to go slower after their first trial around the track. lol.

Right back to Sid. Like I said if he gets a clear run I would expect him to win if fit enough, the dog that does concern me is trap 6 Orange Snow, who usually runs in A1 grade or opens and finishes well, its best time over 400m is 24.44, much too fast for Sid, even though Sid did do a 24.44 himself last year, but that was on a very fast track.

Orange Snow clocked 36.48 in a trial over 575m on Tuesday, but don't forget what I said earlier, how they always go slower next time around, lol.  But it will not surprise me too much if it gets nearer 36.15.

14th July

Nothing to report on Sid, as he has not raced since the 30th June, and that was in a 750m race, even though on the 20th May, I had specifically asked the trainer for him not to be put over that trip anymore.

So what do I see on the advanced runners card for the following Saturday 7th July ?, Sid in the last race over 750m.  NO WAY.

So I sent Mr. Reynolds a text saying I did not want Sid to run in that race, and Sid was taken out of the race but has not run since,

Jim was not at the kennels last Sunday So I asked Donna, His daughter to ask Jim to enter Sid for a 575m open on Friday, and taking the pee like I always do, I said to her, make sure you don't forget and tell him to give that Black Mist Boy a rest and let Sid have go. lol.

So on Thursday, when I saw that Sid was not running on Friday or Saturday, I phoned the kennel to ask if I could speak to Jim, as I wanted to know if my dog was ok and why it was not running, but he was not there and I was told to phone his mobile, so I phone the mobile phone of which was in the care of whom I believe was the kennel boy, unfortunately he had no idea at all where the trainer was, lol.  Bull shit, the world is full of it. I asked if Jim will be at the kennels on Sunday and I was told probably not as he is going to a wedding.

So as I can not get any answers from anyone at the kennel, it looks to me as if Jim did not tell the racing office that I did not want Sid to run in 750m races anymore and that the only way he could get Sid taken out the race was to tell them he was lame.

If I had the money to bring Sids kennel bill up to date I would be taking him somewhere else this weekend.

Now for some good news, at least good news for the owners of Amarillo Scholes, their dog has had 5 races in the last 4 weeks, winning 4 and coming 2nd in the other race, all over 575m. well done to his trainer Mr. Gaskin, and I mean it this time.

1st July

Well that was a waste of time, Sid was well beaten  by Paradiso on a very wet and slow track.

Sid got to the first bend in 3rd position behind traps 1 and 2 and just plodded around in 3rd place for the whole two circuits, eventually finishing 4th beaten over 7 lengths. Definitely no more 750m races for Sid.

As for the racing post Nap, it finished stone bonkers last and opened up 6/1 outsider of the field. Sid open up 5/2 Fav  and considering the state of the track, that was daft too.    To see the result click here

I will put the post tip down to a printing error, as it did seem a bit odd,  I have often backed his tips and he has had some good winners at good prices, or maybe he just wasn't feeling well that day and he asked his wife to do it for him that time, lol.

30th June

With heavy rain forecast over Romford between 7pm and 10pm, by the time it gets to Sids race at 10 40pm the track could be more like a swimming pool than a Greyhound track and who knows maybe trap 5 will win.

It wont be only romford to suffer as Wimbledon, where the Derby semi finals are being run tonight, will get it first. my suggestion would be to watch the first half a dozen races and if the results show traps 6,5,4 winning them, then Sids chance has gone.

29th June

I have just had a look at the racing post on the internet, just to check that Sid hasn't been taken out of the race, and I just can't stop laughing.

The racing post correspondent Mr. Anthony Sealey not only tips trap 5 but he also makes it his NAP of the night, the paper also say that trap 5 will be the 2/1 Fav.

Well I don't know what to make of that, maybe it had been in season when it was off during March and April, but in the post it says its last season was on the 12th November 2005.

Its last 3 runs over the trip were not bad, 2 2nd's and a 3rd in E3 company but since then it was off for 2 months, it has had 30 races over 750m and has won 3 of them, and they were all E4 grade.

I will have to buy the paper in the morning now, to find out what he knows that I don't.

Oh and by the way, he doesn't tip Sid to finish in the first 3, and they make him 9/2.   We will see. lol

28th June

For some reason Sid is down to run in a graded 8 bend race on Saturday, not sure why, because I had said to Sue I didn't want him to run over 8 bends anymore, he went backwards through the field last time over the trip and the time before that he went lame.

It's not the strongest of E3's but with 3 railers in the race, the racing office have given Sid trap 3. although trap 3 wins most of the races at Romford it's not a lot of help if all three railers get to the first bend at the same time.

Like I said there is not a lot in the race and I feel Sid could win it if he pings the lids, now I know Jim must think a bit of his other dog in the race, trap 2 Paradiso, because he has taken it open racing and its been on sky, which he didn't want to do for Sid, but to be honest, with out any trouble in the race, I think Sid is better than Paradiso, so in one respect I am looking forward to this race.

Lets have a look at the race, best recent times are the ones recorded during this year only.

T1.  Hi Duchess.  Trained by another Mullins who's dogs are running well at the moment, I believe this one to be the biggest danger to Sid if leading .   Best recent time, Sec 24.30 - Race 47.97

T2.  Paradiso.  Was running a lot better last year, has lead Sid in a 6 bend race in which Sid found trouble and still only finished 3/4L behind it.   Best recent time, Sec 24.99 - Race 48.39

T3   Sid.  Only one run over this trip this year, and against much better dogs than these, in which Sid finished 5th.  Best recent time, Sec 25.04 - Race 48.49

T4   Oracle Lady  Runs in S3's and S4's and I will be very surprised if this one leads Sid anywhere in the race at all.  Best recent time, Sec 25.33 - Race 49.09

T5   Princess Beth  Another one that shouldn't lead Sid up to the first bend, it also runs in S3's and S4's and has had 6 races this year over this trip winning none of them.  Best recent time, Sec 25.01 - Race 48.48.

T6  Girls Weekend  The only wide runner in the race, usually runs in S2's but stays on strong could be in with a chance, heavy rain forecast could be of help for this one .   Best time, Sec 25.08 - Race 48.38.

I know Sid can do a trap to line in 3,80 sec and a 400m time of 24.80, so I am hoping he can lead at the first bend or at least be in 2nd position tucked in behind Trap 1. he doesn't necessarily have to lead trap 2 in order to beat it but he must not be more than a length behind it to start.

25th June

I took Sid for his usual Sunday walk, in the rain, lol, and I am happy to report that he is ok after Saturday nights race.

I had a word with Jim about getting Sid in an open race at Sittingbourne, but he wasn't to keen on the idea and said he will keep him on the graded races for now.

I have just finished uploading Sids Hove and Romford Video wins, and a couple of unlucky seconds. I have put them on Putfile.com this time as the picture quality looks a little better than the ones I have used before.

So if you click on the link, Sids race videos, at the top right hand corner of this page, you will find the links to the videos.     All the best Graham.

23rd June

Wow,  was I surprised to see trap 6 win the race Sid was in last night, and sooooooo easily as well, congratulations Mr. Gaskin, a fantastic training achievement. Ok enough sarcasm, the thing was thrown in, it could not of lost if it had been blind folded. and well done to the owners of the other 5 runners in the race for turning up, even though you knew you was never ever going to have the winner, but at least Romford stadium are kind enough to give us £39 each towards the £250 a month kennel bill.

The only dog in the race that could of gave trap 6 a run for his money was Sid and he didn't come out the starting traps until the other 5 runner had got to the first bend, alright I am exaggerating a bit there.

Here is how the race went, the traps opened and all five broke well and had gone a good 2 1/2 strides before Sid stuck his nose out of the traps, ( well it was rainning, lol. ) As they rounded the first bend Sid was about 6L behind the 5th dog and at least 12L behind the leader trap 3, as expected traps 3 and 4 lead early but trap 6 had took up the lead by the time they got to the winning line first time around, and that's how it stayed for the rest of the race. The only one who did make any progress was Sid who after a slow 14.56 sectional, made up a good 8L to finish 4th beaten 3 1/2L, 1L, head, that's 4 3/4L in all.        To see the result click here

Oh well you can't win them all.

I am in the process of putting Sids Romford video wins on the internet, hopefully they will be all up and running in the next couple of days. I might put this last race on there as well just so you can see how slow Sid really was leaving the traps, I knew he would be last to start with but that was a joke.

21st June

Hello again, I was checking the results last night and noticed that Commons bale has returned to his best form, winning an S2 in 35.98 @ 5/1 and that was after winning an S2 in a time of 36.39 @ 5/1 just 4 days earlier, So that is now 3 S2 wins in his last 4 S2 races, over a period of 19 days, how do they do it, I wish Sid could have 4 S2 races on the trot.

Anyway, I thought to myself, whilst checking to see if Sid was running on Saturday, at least we wont have to race against that one, because he has got lots of early pace and Sid would get so far behind, Wrong, the bloody thing is out on Saturday too, I don't believe it, as victor would say. Sid has never got under 36 seconds and I don't believe he ever will.

Oh well lets have a look at the race.

T1.  Droopys Giuliano    7 attempts over this trip and has not won any of them. it last won in an A1 on the 9th May clocking 24.50    Best recent time, Sec 13.93 - Race 36.30

T2.  Sid.    He has his favourite trap 2 and he will need to ping the lids    Best recent time, Sec 13.99 - Race 36.15

T3   Stoneyslim Lady    5 S2 wins out Of 6 S2 races for this one with 3 S1 defeats in between,    Best recent time, Sec 13.83 - Race 36.33

T4   Commons Bale    Back to his best but will need to trap well to keep out of trouble.    Best recent time, Sec 13.82 - Race 35.98

T5   Thatchers Boy    Sid beat this one not long ago but it run a much better race 2 runs back    Best recent time, Sec 13.83- Race 35.81

T6   Amarillo Scholes    This one must be in with a massive chance, lots of early and the only wide runner in the race, won an open over 595m so is not likely to be fading of the last bend, more than capable of getting under 36 seconds.  Best time, Sec 13.81 - Race 36.26

As you can see, every dog on the outside of Sid can do a 13 80 something sectional and even the 1 dog can do a 13.93. the best Sid has ever done is 13.99 and that was on a fast track, so it does not take a genius to work out that Sid will be stone bonkers last crossing the winning line first time around and with so many dogs to get in Sids way, it will be very unlikely that Sid will be able to catch trap 6, but we must look on the bright side, so long as Sid doesn't go lame and going by the trap 3 dogs previous races Sid will be dropped back into an S2 grade next time out and be in with a good chance of winning. lol.         Good luck Sid.

If they manage to spread themselves out by the back straight then I am hoping that Sid can at least finish 2nd. But we will see.

PS. Romford have a new contract trainer, who is Ernest Gaskin and he has his first 5 graded runners at Romford on Saturday night, they are running in 4 of the last 5 races. Trap 6 in Sids race is one of them.

15th June

Poor old Sid, last all the way around, but he did manage to finish 5th, going 1 spot quicker than last Monday, and only getting beaten 3 1/4L by Junior Mechanic. It was a very close finish for the first 4 home.

I believe Sid could of finished a bit closer if he had got a better draw, but we will never know.    To see the result click here

I intended to back Viparsheda next time she ran but I mist it and she won at 9/4 fav. Oh poo.

13th June

Oh well, looking at the race, Sid really did need to be on the inside of some of these dogs, trap 4 was the worst draw he could of got. Whilst I try and keep a positive mind on the race, Sid will need a clear run around the track as he can not afford to get held up in this company.

Trap 1    Alexanders Pride    Run a big race behind Bigwood Snazzy in her heat and she stayed on very strongly.    Best recent time, Sec 14.04 - Race 36.01

Trap 2    In The Woods         Lead all the way in his heat only to be picked up by Junior Mechanic on the home straight, he also won the Coronation Cup Final back in January only to be disqualified for failing a urine test and the race was given to Back By Daylight who finished 2nd in the race.    Best recent time, Sec 13.79 - Race 36.07

Trap 3    Junior Mechanic    That was his 2nd win in 24 races and more like the old dog we used to know. John Mullins dog are flying at the moment, having lots of winners on Sky and in the Derby.    Best recent time, Sec 14.00 - Race 35.97

Trap 4    Sid                            After a slow start he got a very nice run around the track in his heat and although his time looks a lot slower than the others, after taking in calculations for the difference in the going between the races, Sid was only 3 lengths slower than Junior Mechanic.    Best recent time, Sec 13.99 - Race 36.15

Trap 5    Bigwood Snazzy      The fastest of the heat winners having lead all the way in his heat.    Best recent time, Sec 13.81 - Race 35.89   

Trap 6    Back By Daylight     should be quick away and had every chance in his heat.    Best recent time, Sec 13.80 - Race 35.80

Traps 2, 5 & 6 should lead up early, with the other 3 runners all staying on strongly whether or not they can catch the leaders, we will have to wait and see.  Good luck Sid.

12th June

Another win for Sid, that's 4 wins from his last 8 races now, and as I said before, he is jumping out of his skin at the moment and I have never seen him looking in better condition, and that's saying something because I have got a real nice photo of Sid looking good when he was at Hove, but like me, Sid just seems to be getting better and better with age, lol. so well done to Jim an the kennel staff.

I don't think anybody expected Sid to qualify from his race last night, even the comments in the race card said. ( keeping on steadily along the rails, he'll need trouble up front to land this heat ) well Sid was last from the traps and there was no trouble in the race that I could see and going around the last 2 bends, the leaders traps 5 & 6 had every chance to go on and win the race, but Sid flew round the inside and beat them both. I love it

Although Sids time was the slowest of the three heats it was still his best performance to date and I was in a very good mood at work for the rest of the night. Also the track got slower as the night went on.

Results        Heat 1        Heat  2        Heat 3

Unfortunately my race predictions were wrong and Sid wont be the only railer in the race, there will be 4 railers and 2 wide runners, I am hoping that Sid gets trap 2 in the final as he usually pings from that trap.

I have just seen the draw for the final and Sid has got trap 4, that's a bit of a bum,  I will update the site tomorrow with my opinion on the race.            It is so nice a sunny outside and I have to go to work now, yuk.

8th June

Ok, I have had a look at the heats and my selections are,

Heat 1    Traps    3  &  5            Heat 2    Traps    4  &  6            Heat 3    Traps    5  &  6

Now obviously I am hoping that Sid qualifies for the final but the three wide runners are fast dogs, Sid could find himself in with a chance if the outside trio get in each others way, then Sid could sneak in to a qualifying place.

If Sid does make the final and the rest of my selections are correct, then that would make Sid the only railer in the race, which would give him a lovely run around the inside, So fingers crossed.

Oh yes, and by the way, if leading T2 to the bend, Which I think he should, then Sid should get a lovely run around the inside in his heat as well, so long as Black Mist Boy doesn't get in his way again.

Good Luck Sid,

8th June

I have just checked the Romford web site and Sid has been accepted for the small competition on Monday. Jim Reynolds, has 3 in the comp, all of which are in the same race.

Sid is running in the last of the 3 heats at 8.28pm, which means I will only be 2 hours late for work. Luckily enough I will make the 2 hours up tonight with the 4 hours I am already making up for last Wednesday, lol.

Tomorrow I will  look through all the runners in the comp and give you my opinion ( for what it's worth ) on who I think will qualify for the final, I will be very happy indeed if Sid can get to the final.    To see Mondays card click here  But you will need Adobe Reader.

7th June

When Sid got to the 1st bend in 2nd position behind T4 last night, it looked like it was going to be another good race by Sid, and I would never of thought he would end up being beaten by nearly 8L.

So, this is how the race went. The traps opened and T4 flew out, but surprise, surprise, so did Sid, and at the first bend, Sid was about a length behind the leader, with T6 just over a length behind Sid.

As they went past the winning line for the first time T4 had a 2L lead over T6, who had at this point just got his nose in front of Sid. As they went down the back straight, T6 and Sid, who were still side by side, started to make ground up on the 4 dog.

As they went around the paddock bend T6 started to pass T4 on the outside and Sid went for the gap on the inside, unfortunately for Sid there wasn't enough room and he was forced to check up loosing over 2L. T6 kept going and started to pull further and further away, Sid did put in another challenge on the 4 dog up the home straight and managed to get up by 1/2L to take 2nd place.

So obviously T6, who had only raced the Saturday before, handled having two quick runs very well.  Once again the racing post didn't tip Sid to finish in the first three home and once again they were wrong, lol.

I would imagine that if Sid had not got held up the way he did, the winning distance would of been a lot less, so well done Sid on another good run, lets hope you can keep it up.   To see the race result click here. 

I am not sure if that run by Sid would of been considered good enough by the racing office for Sid to be accepted for the small competition on Monday, But fingers crossed.

Some more good news.  Dave Vincent of VincentVideo, has kindly given me Permission to put Sids Romford race wins on the web site, for which I am very grateful. So, just as soon as I get the time to convert the Video into digital on my pc, then I will upload them onto Google video uk, like the Hove races that are already on there.

4th June

Sids next race is on Wednesday 6th June, which is a sad date for me as it was 5 years ago on that date, during the world cup that my previous greyhound Joe died, aged 14. So I hope nothing horrible happens this time.

Old  Joe  ( Here To Stay )  gone but never forgotten.

I was happy to hear that there is nothing wrong with Sid and when I walked him on Sunday he was jumping out of his skin.

Sue told me that if he runs well in this race, that she will enter Sid for a small competition that starts on Monday at Romford, so that would be three heats Monday with the first two in each heat going forward to the final, where the winner will get £750 and a Trophy. Nice lol. 

But I have noticed some good dogs are having trials at Romford on Tuesday, so they are probably thinking the same thing.

But first we have to get through Wednesdays race.

T1.  Ardmayle Fox  Usually slow away but stays on very well, won 3 from last 4 races, was well beaten by Mine in an S1    Best recent time, Sec 14.12 - Race 36.58

T2.  Sid.  He has been running very well over this trip recently and run an absolute cracker last time out.   Best recent time, Sec 13.99 - Race 36.15

T3   Droopys Giuliano  Run a good 2nd to Dainty Prince last Friday and will probably lead Sid round the 1st bend, could be hard to catch  Best recent time, Sec 13.93 - Race 36.00

T4   Black mist boy  Another one who finished 2nd to Dainty Prince last time out and it should be up there with T3 at the start  Best recent time, Sec 13.98 - Race 36.07

T5   Thatchers Boy  Sid beat this one not long ago but it run a much better race last time out  Best recent time, Sec 13.88- Race 35.96

T6   Bigwood Snazzy  This one raced on Saturday night just gone, it went off 7/4 Fav and finished 2nd to Mine, it put in a lot of effort in that race and I wonder if it has had enough time to recover,  but it is the only wide runner in the race and is capable of doing a good enough to win  Best time, Sec 13.81 - Race 35.61.

This is a tough race for Sid and I will be hoping that Traps 3,4,5 & 6 all get in each others way at the first bend so that Sid will not be too far behind them coming off the 2nd bend.

2nd June

No racing for Sid this week and he's not on the card for Monday either, so I hope he is ok, I will find out tomorrow when I go to the kennels to walk him.

If anybody did  follow my advice, to get on the dog named Mine, who Sid beat last week, then well done, it won at 9/2, clocking 35.95. Well I had to have a winner eventually, lol.   Mine run a very good race and it makes Sids win last week look even better.

Viparsheda had her first race since the 8th March and she was very unlucky in the race only being beaten 2 1/2L after falling out of the traps and then being stopped a couple of times on the bends, but the time 37.10 was nothing great but I will be keeping my eye on her for the future.

26th May

Once again Sid clocks the fastest time of the night.

As I had expected, all five dogs in Sids race got to the first bend virtually together, and Sid was, after a slow exit from the traps about 2L behind them. At this point T1 was forced to check up which made it run wide and that gave Sid a lovely gap on the inside to which he took full advantage to overtaking both traps 1 & 3. As he come off the 2nd bend he was now in 4th position.

Crossing the winning line first time around, T6 was in the lead just over 1L in front of both 4 & 5 who were neck and neck with Sid a further 1L back.  As they went down the back straight I thought Sid was going to win the race easily, and as they went around the paddock bend T4 took the lead about 1 1/2L ahead of Sid who was passing both traps 5 & 6 on their inside, but the 4 dog was not stopping and Sid had to put in every bit of strength he had left in him, to just get up on the line to win by a head.    To see the race result click here. 

The 4 dog, named MINE run a good race and if in similar company next time out, I think it would be well worth getting your money on. but you know what my tips are like, lol.

24th May

Sids next race is on Saturday evening, he runs from trap 2 in the last race over 575m.

T1.  Maydare Brooklyn.  I Should imagine this one will lead Sid for some of the race But I will be hoping that Sid will pass it before the paddock bend   Best recent time, Sec 13.96 - Race 36.51

T2.  Sid.  He has been running very well over this trip recently and also showing better pace to the first bend which has helped Sid to get a much smoother run around the track   Best recent time, Sec 13.99 - Race 36.15

T3   Rummy Duke  Another one that will probably get around the first bend in front of Sid, but has  been known to miss the break occasionally.   Best recent time, Sec 13.90 - Race 36.50

T4   Mine  Another one that should get around the first bend in front of Sid  Best recent time, Sec 13.86 - Race 36.14 At the end of December

T5   Kallums Star   Oh no, not this one again, if it does 13.67 sectional again it will not get caught. on the last three occasions when it has run from trap 5 it has won all of them. yet another one that should lead Sid  Best recent time, Sec 13.67 - Race 35.75

T6  Lavenders Glory  This one has beaten Sid before but I don't think it will this time   Best time, Sec 13.96 - Race 36.25.

Well, there is a lot of early pace in this race, all 5 are capable of leading Sid to the first bend and to be honest I really do hope Sid is not up there with them at the first bend, as it looks to me like there is going to be a good bit of bumping and barging as they all try to go around it. having said that I believe that Sid will be staying on the strongest at the end of the race and that T5 is the biggest danger if it gets around the first bend ok and goes a long way clear.

So I hope Sid takes it easy this time as I don't want any broken bones.

16th May

The Maxie Rumble bitch I said would struggle to finish in the first four, actually ran a very good race and got up to win it on the line by 3/4L at 12/1 outsider of the field.

On a fast track, Sid got out the traps in 3rd position and after completing the first lap found himself in last position. Watching him go backwards through the field I thought something must of gone wrong with him, but after checking the results when I got home, I found that his sectional time of 25.04 was only 24 spots off what I would expect him to do. So hopefully he is ok.

It was a very exciting race to watch, if you were connected with any of the first four home.  T3 Bobbing dream pinged the lids and flew around the first lap, clocking  24.33, no way was Sid going to keep up with that, and she was being chased by T1 Hondo Betty & T6 Walk The Line, who were side by side with T5 Roxie, further back in 4th place.  Coming off the 2nd last bend the leader still had a 2L lead over T1 & T6 still side by side, with T5 staying on well a further 2L behind. Coming of the last bend T3 Bobbing Dream was beginning to weaken and T1 started to get closer on its inside and T5 although running very wide of the last bend, stayed on best of all to win by 3/4L.

Sid finished 5th beaten 7 3/4L with T2 a further 5 1/4L behind Sid.    To see the race result click here. 

Laura is hoping that her Maxie Rumble pup,  ( Muppet ) will turn out as good as the winner. I said don't worry Laura, I think she will be even better, lol.

16th May

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.    

After all this time of waiting for a race over 750m, Sid finally gets his chance. Romford had been finding it hard to get entries for its 750m opens on Friday nights, and the last one it did stage had nothing special in the race. But as we all know, Sid has never had too much luck when hoping for an easy race.

2 dogs I was hoping Sid would not have to face at the moment are Hondo Betty and walk the line, but unfortunately they are both in the race.

In the trap draw there was even more bad luck to come, as Sid gets trap 4.  Now I would not usually think that was too much of a problem having 2 wide runners on his outside, but unfortunately they are both Middle runners, trap 5 had a trial over 400m and was said to have railed, but hopefully it will not have enough early pace to cause any problems.

A quick look at the race.

T1.  Hondo Betty.  Back to her best after switching from a wide runner to a railer, she has won her last 2 races over 575m by 7L & 9L clocking 35.55 when she was dropped to an S3 graded race 2 runs back.  she is capable of doing a sectional time of 24.70, if she can lead.   Best recent time, Sec 25.32 - Race 49.18

T2.  Top Bombin.  Last won on the 2nd February, which was over this trip, and I will be very surprised if it wins this.   Best recent time, Sec 24.78 - Race 48.35

T3   Bobbing Dream  He won over this trip on the 14th April  Best recent time, Sec 24.59 - Race 48.40

T4   Sid  Running better than ever, but he will need to lead all the way.  Best recent time, Sec 24.60 - Race 48.10  this was when he was running well last October.

T5   Roxie  A Feb 05 bitch out of  Maxie Rumble, Has only had 11 races to date but has not won any of them, although she was given a trail around Romford on Tuesday, where the comments read Slow away, rails. I think she will struggle to finish in the first 4.  Best recent time, Sec 25.24 trial 400m 30 slow.

T6  Walk The Line  She has beat Sid every time they have meet, but has been off since the 27th March. Interestingly, her last race at Romford was over 575m on 9th March and her Sectional time and win time are the same as Sid clocked last Saturday.   Best time, Sec 24.29 - Race 47.86.

Although not an easy race for Sid, I am looking forward to seeing him take on these better dogs over this trip, because at the moment Sid is running better than ever. He will need to lead Bobbing dream and Hondo Betty to the first bend, that's not going to be easy but he has done it before. It's no good going around level with trap 1 because as she comes off the 2nd bend she runs very wide and will be pushing Sid right off the track, but if he can go around in front of trap 1 then with a bit of luck trap 1 can push walk the line of the track instead, lol.    But what ever happens lets hope they all come off safe and sound.

One of my favourits at Romford, Gorbals Saoirse, who has been running very well recently has unfortunately hurt her wrist and she will never race again, she was a year younger than Sid and it just goes to show, you never know what's around the corner, one minute you are on a high and the next you come down with an almighty bump. I have heard that she is going back home to her owner in Scotland and I should imagine they will breed with her.

12th May

I told you he would win, lol.

Every time I don't put any money on Sid he runs an absolute blinder of a race.

Traps 2 & 3 pinged the lids and were gone, Sid got out very well this time about 2L behind them but trap 4 was slow away and that was a big help for Sid as they ended up neck and neck going around the first bend. Coming off the second bend Sid was in 3rd position and I new then that he had a good chance to win the race. As they crossed the winning line first time around, T3 only had a 3L lead over Sid this time, compared with 6L last week. By the time they got to the paddock bend Sid had caught them up and was right behind them, and then something happened that I had never seen Sid do before, as they come off the last bend, Sid moved off the rails, and went past them on the outside, he then pulled away to win by 2 1/4L, in the fastest time of the night, and he was pulling further and further away all the way to the pick up.   Well done Sid you little ?.  I can hold my head up high, proud to say I am your owner as I walk you around the field tomorrow morning, lol.

I apologies to the racing office, as it turned out to be a very well graded race, with the other runners only having about 3L between them. Well. I can't always be right can I, lol.         To see the race result click here. 

I was listening to the races at Romford on the internet and when it got to 10pm I decided that I wanted to see Sid race at the track, I thought I would be mad to pay all this money out every month and then not bother to see him run. So I had to drag my daughter back out of bed, because I would never of heard the last of it, if I went without her. But it dose mean I will be walking to work on the last week before pay day. But I think it was worth it.

10th May

Sid was entered for the 750m open at Romford this Friday, and although the race did fill this time, he was not required for the race, but he was accepted as reserve. I can only assume that the racing office believe he is not good enough, or that Sid is too good as there is not much in the race, we have Paradiso, who finished 5th last Friday over this trip and Lady Aishling who was 8/11 fav and could only finish 3rd beaten by 4L. The better dogs are coming from Mullins, Gaskin & Stevens, the latter having Confident Foe in trap 5 and that's the one I think will win the race.

But Sid has not been altogether forgotten by the racing office and has been given the near on impossible chance of winning one of the the 2 S1's on Saturday night, there is some good news though, Sid has been put in the race right at the end of the meeting, so that means that a lot of the drunks who turn up on a Saturday night, would of already lost their money and gone home, lol. also it supposed to rain all over the weekend so maybe they wont even bother to turn up in the first place.

A very quick look at the race.

T1.  Sid.  Although he is running better than ever at the moment, I can not see him getting a look in anywhere in this race.  Best recent time, Sec 13.99 - Race 36.15

T2.  Benro Bravo.  This one beat Sid 2 races ago, but not by too far, as Sid was held up in the race by slower dogs in front as they were rounding the last 2 bends.   Best recent time, Sec 13.85 - Race 36.10

T3   Kallums Star  this one beat Sid by 3 1/2L last time out, if you remember it clocked a sectional time of 13.67, which is the same time as Slick Soviet clocked when winning the sprint open the night before. and went on to win race in a time of 35.75. So I can't see any reason why there should be a different result this time.   Best recent time, Sec 13.67 - Race 35.75

T4  Thatchers Boy  The third and final runner in the race for Paul Young, this one has been running in opens and last won on 12th March.   Best recent time, Sec 13.77 - Race 35.88

T5  Bigwood Snazzy  This Feb 05 has only had 15 races to date but they were all in open races. His last 3 races have all been over 575m at romford and he has been getting slower every time, so that's some good news for Sid, lol.   Best recent time, Sec 14.09 - Race 36.16

T6  Alrita Lilac  This Time last year this bitch was running out of her skin, winning 7 out of 10 races and finishing 2nd in the other 3. She last won over this trip on the 10th Feb clocking her best recent time.   Best recent time, Sec 14.10 - Race 35.99

As you can see there is no chance of Sid leading any of the Paul Young trained dogs to the first bend and possibly not even the other 2 either, depending on the going. as my car is running low on fuel and I have no money till next payday in 2 weeks time and the weather not being very good, I might have an early night and just listen to the race on the internet.   Good luck Sid, you need it. 

6th May

On a fast track at Romford last night Sid run a good enough race to finish 3rd beaten 3 1/2L, he clocked 36.09 which is his best time yet.

Trap 3 got away very quick with trap 5 about 1 & 1/2L behind it and Sid was slow out the boxes and then cut up at the first bend by trap 4.  At the winning line first time around T3 still had a 1 & 1/2 L lead over T5 and clocked a sectional time of 13.67, which is the same time as Slick Soviet clocked when winning the sprint open race at Romford on Friday night, Sid crossed the line in 4th place 6L behind the leader.  Going down the back straight for the final time Sid showed good pace to catch T4 at the paddock bend but was again forced to check up behind it.  T3 stayed on well to beat T5 by 2 1/2L in a time of 35.75, with Sid running on well to finish 3rd only beaten by 3 1/2L.

With a better break an a clear run I feel that Sid could of finished 2nd last night and would of probably got beat about 1 & 1/2L which would of been a very god run for Sid and would of given him a time of 35.87. so lets hope for better luck next time.         To see the race result click here. 

3rd May

I haven't got a clue what has happened to the 750m race that the trainer had promised he would arrange for Sid, it looks like Paradiso gets preference again. But, Sid is running on Saturday evening in another S1, and he will be up against another one of Jims runners Gorbals Saoirse who is running very well at the moment, she has won 5 of her last 6 races. I would expect her to be the favourite for this race, she is another one that should lead all the way and not get caught.

A move to the Stow for Sid is now off, as they have reduced the amount of prize money they pay. So I have been looking at Sittingbourne where a win in S1 pays £150 for the 642m trip. I know of a trainer that is just 5 minutes away by car, from where I live. the down side is that trying to get to sittingbourne by road can be a nightmare at times, and they suffer badly in the winter with the track freezing.

But for now lets see what happens on Saturday.

27th April

Sid looked like he had a good chance to win the race on Wednesday night, he was right behind the leaders traps 1 & 5 entering the last bend and then was forced to check up behind trap 1 causing him to drop back to 5th position and loosing a good couple of lengths, he then stayed on to finish 4th beaten 1 3/4L.

The Racing post gave him no chance in the race and printed odds of 5/1, but on the night all the inside traps were winning and he opened up 2/1 Fav.

I believe Sid might of won if not for that little incident or at least caused a photo finish, but that's dogs for you.

            To see the race result click here. 

23rd April

Sid next race is on Wednesday evening, in an RGOA members trophy race.  Unfortunately he is back up to S1 grade, so as we all know by now, it's the last race at 10.30pm and I don't know if I will be able to make it.

Just looking at the form of trap1 is enough for me to see that it's a much harder race than before.  Paul Youngs dog usually has a lot more early pace than Sid and has won in faster times than Sid, so in theory it should lead all the way and not get caught. but we will see how Sid feels on the night, lol.

A quick look at the race.

T1.  Benro Bravo.  has a lot of close 1st & 2nd's and a coments like " QAw,Rls,LdTo5,CmAg "  &  " EPace,Led1ToCkNrLn "  Best recent time, Sec 13.85 - Race 36.10

T2.  Sid.  Hoping for a clear run around again Best recent time, Sec 13.99 - Race 36.15

T3  Bobbing Dream  this one has won races over 400m, 575m & 750m and is running well at the moment, but it's not one I could back with any confidence. Sid has beat this one before by over 2L Best recent time, Sec 13.82 - Race 36.11

T4  Killough Dreamer  a middle runner that Sid has finished in front of before and I believe he will do again Best recent time, Sec 13.86 - Race 36.34

T5  Lavenders Glory  Running well at the moment, clocked its best time for this trip last time out on Saturday Best recent time, Sec 13.92 - Race 36.25

T6  Sarahs our star  only had 2 starts at Romford finishing a creditable 2nd in an open beaten by the odds on fav and then winning an S2 graded race. so a good start for her. Best recent time, Sec 14.24 - Race 36.42

This is a race were it looks like the racing office was not too pleased by how easily Sid won last time out. I say this because they have done their utmost to make sure Sid can not get an early lead this time and also to make sure he will find it almost impossible to make his way through the field without getting held up on the way round. All I can say is, I still believe Sid is more than capable of beating all of these, so long as he get a clear run around, so fingers crossed.

20th April

HAPPY  BIRTHDAY

TO  MY  LITTLE  CHAMP, SID

4  YEARS  OLD  TODAY

17th April

What a good race Sid run last night, clocking his best ever sectional time of 13.99 and then going on to win the race in a best ever 36.15 on normal going, winning by nearly 8 lengths, and at last he has won a BAGS race too.

Trap 1 missed the break then found trouble at the first bend and trap 3 was out and gone which left Sid with a lovely clear run around the first two bends, that's something he hasn't had for a long time. Sid then managed to catch the 3 dog at the 3rd bend, I thought for a second that he was going to get held up behind it, but this time Sid just barged it out of his way and then raced on to win by 7 3/4L and he was still at least the same distance in front at the pick up.    To see the race result click here. 

I honestly thought that Sid was going to have to give up racing and come home when he picked up that gracilis injury last November, but, he will be 4 years old on Friday and he is running better than ever, so it's fingers crossed he can keep it up for at least another year. I can not thank Jim, Sue and all the kennel staff enough for keeping on top of his injuries and getting him in the lovely condition he is in today, they all do a fantastic job.

Jim wasn't too keen on the idea of entering Sid for the 740m open on Sky at Hove next Tuesday but he said he will enter him for a 750m open this Friday at Romford which closes for entries today and if it doesn't fill, because it hasn't filled for the last few weeks, that he will look in the open race calendar, but to be honest I don't really want to run him anywhere else, I only suggested the sky meeting because I would like to see him on the television before he retires, I am not really bothered if he wins or not so long as he runs a good race. I have seen dogs with less ability than Sid on sky so why shouldn't he have his chance ?.

13th April

Update

Oh well, I done me money again, but there is some good news. I have just found out that Sid is running on Monday night, he has been downgraded to S2, so it's not the last race either, so I will be less than an hour late for work this time.    Sid runs from trap 2 in the 5th race at 7.42pm

A quick look at the race.

T1.  Laka Lass.  run well when winning last time out over 575  Best recent time, Sec 14.12 - Race 36.40

T2.  Sid.  Hoping for a clear run around  Best recent time, Sec 14.10 - Race 36.29

T3.  Paulees Princess.  only had the one race over 575m last Monday  Best recent time, Sec 14.27 - Race 36.81

T4   Gimmegimmegimme.  won an S3 last time out clocking a fast and  Best recent time of, Sec 13.81 - Race 36.00

T5.  Soca Samba.  Sid beat this one by over 7L in an S2 not long ago, although it did find trouble in the race  Best recent time, Sec 13.89 - Race 36.55

T6.  Mercury Diamond.  last won on Valentine's day when beating Holmes Shauna.  Best recent time, Sec 13.96 - Race 36.31

Should be a good race to watch with 3 wide runners and 1 middle runner, hopefully Sid will have a trouble free run this time, although he might have a bit of a problem trying to get past T1 on the bends, I will be hoping Sid is in the lead going down the back straight, and also I will be hoping Sid wins, lol.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

No racing for Sid this week but tonight sees the start of the Golden Sprint at Romford, and I have been trying my hardest to find a good value each way bet and I think I found it. Daisyfield Bella 25/1 with Ladbrokes. I saw her trial around Romford back in February and she clocked 24.20 and that's good enough for me to take 25/1 each way, I have also backed her to win heat 1 tonight, running from trap 3 at 7/2.

My other fancies for tonights heats are.

Heat 2  Postle Supreme,    must trap better than last time.

Heat 3  Westdale Blue,      who has run very well in his last 2 races.

Heat 4  Blonde Cindy,       the anti post favourite for the competition.

Heat 5  Cagey Luke,         this one loves Romford but beware T3 Blonde Buzz who run a very good trial when beating Mutton by 4L in a time of 24.28 and has got trap 3, the trap with the highest winning percentage.

Heat 6  Younever Cantell  who run a blinder when beating Westdale Blue last week.

Well that's it for now, I love it when Romford stage their big races like this one and the puppy cup, Champion stakes, Essex Vase, because you get to see some very good dogs in action.

Once again the entries for the Regency at Hove was pretty poor and the fancied runners didn't run as well as was expected of them, I believe even Sid could of won some of them races. Perhaps I will ask Jim to enter Sid for the supporting 740m open on Sky on Tuesday week, seeing as most trainers don't seem to want to make the journey to Brighton, and that's a shame because you wont find a much safer running track and its so easy to get to. While I am on the subject of the regency, I have no idea who will win the final but I have always like Blissful Classic.

And lastly before I sign off, last night I watched the racing at Coventry on the internet via Blue Square and the quality of the video was brilliant, it would be nice if Coral Romford and Hove could do the same.

7th April

Well, Sid didn't manage to lead up T2 Bobbing dream to the first bend and Bobbing dream did make Sid check up at the first bend, and that was it, race over.

Sid did run on very well as usual and would of finished a couple of lengths closer if it wasn't for T5, who is a middle runner, deciding that he wanted to hug the rails rounding the last 2 bends and getting in Sids way.

It was a good run by T3, Gems Star and now that's 4 wins from his last 5 races.  Well done

Thank god Sid is going back to 8 bends next time out, although it is a little bit further than he wants, it does give him a chance to go around the track without finding any trouble.    To see the race result click here. 

5th April

Sid's next race is on Saturday night and as always, it is the last race at 10.40pm.

It's by no means an easy race but it gives Sid a chance to show how good he really is over 575m before he gets stepped back up to 750m next time out hopefully. Sid has been given trap 1, not that it makes that much of a difference when your sectional times are as slow as Sid, But it just might this time.

A quick look at the race.

T1.  Sid   He will have to lead trap 2 to give himself the best possible chance in the race. Best time, Sec 14.10 - Race 36.29

T2.  Bobbing Dream   Sid has beaten this one over 575 & 750 but sometimes it tries harder than others, not one I would ever bet on again.   Best time, Sec 14.10 - Race 36.20

T3.  Gems Star   Running very well at the moment and has won 3 of his last 4 races, he beat Sid by over 4L in Sid's 3rd race at Romford back in August.  Best time, Sec 13.97 - Race 36.14

T4.  Blonde Jewel   This one sometimes gets away quick But I can't see it winning the race Best time, Sec 13.93 - Race 36.37

T5.  Droopys Hotshot   Must have a chance this one rarely runs in graded races. Best time, Sec 13.83 - Race 35.93  But hasn't been getting under 36.40 in his last 4 races, probably the reason why he has been dropped back to graded races but still a big threat.

T6.  Shes The deal    Been running in opens and reached the semi Final of the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket at Crayford.  Best time, Sec 14.10 - Race 36.36.

So it's time for Sid to prove he is better than he has been showing recently, if he can ping the lids from T1 and lead T2 around the first bend he will be left with a clear run on the rails chasing 3 middle runners and a wide, lovely, and if he beats T3 Gems Star then finishes 2nd and not too far behind T5 Droopys hotshot I will be very pleased indeed with him. I know he can do it But he must not get checked up at the first bend by that Bobbing dream, or else straightaway it's race over and no fun to watch. 

I think the result will be 5, 3, 6, 1, 2, 4   but if Traps 3 4 & 5 hamper each other around the first 2 bends the result could be anything.

2nd April

Hello again. Spring is here at last, the sun is shining the birds are singing and the buds are coming out on the trees and plants. I love this time of year, May is my favourite month and that's not too far away now.

I walked Sid yesterday and a chap I see up the kennels every Sunday told me that Sid was the unluckiest dog in the race on Wednesday night, he said that if it wasn't for the trouble he found in the race, Sid would of won for sure.

I had a word with Sue about stepping Sid back up to 8 bends and she said she will give him one more race over 575m and if he goes ok she will step him up after that.

Sid is not on the card for Monday or Wednesday so hopefully he will run either Thursday afternoon or Saturday Morning or evening.

29th March

Good morning, I am happy to say I am in a slightly better mood this morning, lol.  I couldn't make it to see Sids race last night but I did listen to it on the phone and once again he found trouble at the first bend.

After a good break Sid was bulked at the first bend and crowded at the second bend which left him in 5th position crossing the winning line the first time around, with no broken bones thank god.

He was the 6/1 outsider but run on very well to dead heat for 2nd place, and that was a very good run indeed by little Sid.

I will still be asking the trainer to step him up to 8 bends though because he is almost always going to find himself knocked about a bit at the first bend.  To see the race result click here. 

28th March

I have just woke up to find that Sid is running tonight, and I am not too impressed. Actually I am very peed off again.

They take Sid out off an easy race that he might of won and replace it with Paradiso who goes on to win it easily and then they take Paradiso out of the race tonight and replace it with Sid. Trap 3 and no bloody chance of winning, in fact he will probably get knocked over and break a leg, he is running against a dog that beat him easily by over 6 lengths just 2 runs ago. Its a joke, and I might consider moving him to the Stow, the extra 65m wont kill him, or just enter him for 750 open's, where at least he will get a chance of a clear run.

I hope nobody upsets me at work tonight, cos I will likely hit them. lol

I wont be watching Sid tonight I just pray he gets around ok.

25th March

I was beginning to worry if Sid was ok, as he has not had a run now for 2 weeks, but after visiting the kennels today, I was told that he is ok and we are just waiting for the racing office to put him on the card, Sue said hopefully he will race Wednesday or Thursday.

I must say that Sid is looking as good as ever so lets hope he gets a run soon.  It was a shame Sid had to be taken out of the race the other day as it was a good chance that he might of won the race, The dog that replaced Sid in the race did win it,

It was a lovely day today, with some nice sunshine so I decided to take a photo of Sid and my daughter Laura. Laura suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy and when she was a baby we were told that she will probably never walk. well they were wrong and she loves taking Sid for his walk on Sundays, that's if I let her, as I love walking him myself, lol.

18th March

The trainer has had Sid taken out of the race on Monday night, he said Sid was a bit sore after his last run but nothing too much to worry about. Sue said hopefully Sid will be on the card Friday or Saturday.

17th March

Monday night again for Sid and the last race too, not sure if I can get there this time, but I'm working on it, lol.

A quick look at the race.

T1.  Airtech Avit    Done his best time at the track the time before last at Romford when leading all the way in an S2 on the 3rd March, clocking a sectional time of 13.95 and a race time of  36.40  finished 2nd in the race Sid was in last Monday.

T2.  Sid    Hoping for a better performance this time  Best time 36.25 

T3.  Gems Star    Done his best time this year 36.44, when winning an S2 on the 10th March

T4   Honcho Away  This one is about as fast as Sid around the first 2 bends, Best time 36.45 on September 8th, but luckily he is a middle runner.

T5.  Avon Lad    Sid has run against this a few times. Best time 36.40. and he won an S2 last time out

T6  Mercury Diamond    I like this bitch, she is seldom out of the the first three home   Best time 36.31.  I should think she will be the favourite in this race.

13th March

WOW,  stone bonkers last and beaten by 13L.  Lets hope Sid's ok.  Well trap 1 did lead Sid to the first bend, but not by as far as I thought it would, as for trap 4 that was out and gone, and with trouble in the race behind it, trap 4 went on to win easily by over 10L in a fast time of 35.68. While Sid was trying to make his way through the leading pack, as he come off the 4th bend he trod on the back legs of trap 6 and then trap 3 could not help but walk all over the back legs of Sid, after that Sid was last for the rest of the race. and that was that.  To see the race result click here. 

11th March

Sid is racing tomorrow night ( Monday ) in another S1 Graded race, It's the last race again and yes I am going to be late for work yet again, lol, but this time I can not think of an excuse yet.

A quick look at the race.

T1.  Airtech Avit    Done his best time at the track last time out at Romford when leading all the way in an S2 on the 3rd March, clocking a sectional time of 13.95 and a race time of  36.40

T2.  Sid    Trap 2, that's better.   Best time 36.29

T3.  En It   Been running in open race marathons, Sid should lead this one on the first circuit but she will be finishing very well, the 575m might just be a bit short for her.  Best time 36.49

T4  Thatchers Boy   This is a good dog with a good chance of winning, fast away and with race times of 36.00 36.10 and 36.32 I will be hoping this one finds a bit of trouble in the race. Best time 36.00

T5.  Alrita Lilac    This is the one that won the final of the ( TONY BYERLEY MERCURY TROPHY FINAL ). which was the race I was hoping Sid was going to run in last December.  She has been both fast away and slow away, so it anybody's guess what she will do on the night, but at her best she can get under 36 seconds.  Best time 35.94

T6  Archers Sparkler    This Bitch is two months older than Sid but has had 40 races more and she is only 7 races away for reaching her 100th, and she is more than capable of doing a good time  Best time 35.87 on the 23rd Dec.

How should the race go ?. well trap 1 should be fast enough away to get a nice run on the the rails around the first two bends, as Sid and trap 3 are both slower at the beginning of the race, but I don't think T1 will be fast enough to win this race. as, in my opinion, trap 4 is faster and the only middle runner in the race, trap 3 is a middle runner too but will be nowhere near the 4 dog at the first bend and with both 5 and 6 also being fast dogs in the race but both wide runners I think the 4 dog will win.

I am hoping Sid has a clear run round and finishes sound and then hopefully when the trainer comes back of holiday we can step him back up to 8 bends.

7th March

After a good break from the traps, Sid found lots of trouble in his race on Monday night, he had to check up at the 1st and 5th bends and was bumped coming off the last and being in trap 3 was no good for him at all. I just hope is has come out of the race without any injuries. Sid finished 4th in a slow time and that's the first time that Sid has not finished in the first 3 since he moved to Romford last year.  To see the race result click here.

2nd March

Sid is on the card for Monday night, it's an S1 and he has been given trap 3, not nice.

It's the last race again at 10.30 so I will be late for work again and they will probably end up sacking me.

I will have to give them some old story about my cat was hit by a car and I had to get an emergency vet out because I could not just leave it in the road and all the kids were crying bla bla, I think that will do. It's not tempting fate because I haven't got a cat, lol, but I am not missing the race.

T1.  Countrywideflash    this one can be a little bit quicker than Sid to the first bend, so I hope he will be on the night because I don't like Sid being the meat in the sandwich. best time 36.56

T2.  Benro Bravo    Usually Quick away with sectionals under 14.00 but not always.  Best time 36.21 back in November.

T3.  Sid    Best time 36.25

T4  Kallums Star    Another early pace dog, and about a quick as trap 2, but at least it's a middle runner Best time 36.37 back in December.

T5.  Roancarrig View    Another one who is just as quick away as T4 & T2 and also a middle runner. Best time 36.37 on February 10th

T6  Mercury Diamond    This one is just as quick as well but is lucky enough to be the only wide runner in the race and can get a solo around the outside and should be Favourite.  Best time 35.87 Cal back in September or 36.31 recently.

I would like to see Sid just about a length behind them all at the first bend and then he would be in with a chance of winning.

1st March

Wow. Sid wins by nearly 8L. 

I could not believe how easy Sid won his race last night. Dropped a grade to S2 and expecting a good run and possible win. I always knew that Sid was capable of winning a race of this grade by a good 4L if keeping out of trouble, but to see him going down the back straight with an 8 lengths lead was like a dream.

Sid clocked a good time of 36.29 and achieved his biggest ever winning distance of 7 3/4L at an SP of 7/2, Nice.   To see the race result click here.

I am hoping now that his next race will be an open next Friday over 8 bends, as he was still 8L clear at the pick up last night, but I will have to wait till Sunday to see what Jim has to say.

26th February

Sid was down to race on Monday night but the trainer asked the racing office for him to be taken out, as they felt it was a bit too soon after his last run, because he has been off for a long time, so now his is racing on Wednesday night.

Running from trap 2 in the last race at 10.30 ( looks like I will be late for work again, lol ) and down graded to an S2, I am hoping for a good run from Sid an maybe a win.

T1.  Swiss Duchess  won an S2 in a time of 36.10 on the 19th Feb, a time like that again would give Sid a bit of a hard time, then finished last in an open last time out.

T2  Sid   I badly need a win from Sid to put towards his kennel bill this month, I could get a mortgage for what I pay for this dog, lol. But then I wouldn't get the enjoyment of watching him race would I.

T3  Wilcox Star  Beat T1 on the 10th Feb in a time of 36.62 she wins her fair share of races and is trained by Mr. payne, so lets hope he dose not turn out to be one for me on the night.

T4  Blonde Jewel  Run in an open race at Romford for trainer John Mullins on the 15th Dec and is now with Maxine Locke,  has won 2 of her last 5 races best time being a calculated 35.97 when fishing 2nd in an S1 on the 19th Feb, at 8/1, that was a good run and she has a bit of early pace too.

T5  Soca Samba  Sid beat this one with ease on the 21st Oct so lets hope he can do so again.

T6  Sign On Buster  Run well when winning an S2 at 11/4 Fav on the 3rd Feb, clocking a time of 36.35 but even more impressive was his win in an A2 race on normal going, back on the 25th Oct when he clocked 24.14 now that's good. maybe tooooooooo good, for little Sid, lol. But his last 4 races have not been that good so who knows.

There is a bit of early in this race and there could be a bit of trouble so lets  hope Sid stays out of it. To be honest Sid had a better chance of winning in the race that he was down to run in on Monday, but there you go.

Walk The Line   who beat Sid a couple of times at Romford over 750m and not by too far I must say. won  THE 2007 LADBROKES GOLDEN JACKET FINAL  at Crayford on Saturday 24th Feb and with it £12,500. Congratulations to her and her connections, and she is only a Dec 04.  WELL DONE,  oh yes and please don't bring her back to Romford, lol.

22nd February

Sid missed the break then run into the back of trap 1 at the first bend and that was race over for him, the leader had a 12 length lead by this time, but Sid did run on as usual to finish 3rd beaten 3L. To see the result click here.

21st February

I will continue to update the site even though nobody can read it until 1st March.

Sid runs tomorrow (Thursday) in the 4.27pm race at Romford, it's a BAGS race so will be live in the betting shops.

I think he has got a good chance of winning this race if he doesn't get help up in running again, T1 Phison Ron, run well on the 11th January when leading all the way, so Sid can not allow this one to get too far in front in the race.  The other 4 runners Sid has run against in his last 2 races.

So fingers crossed for a safe race and a win for Sid, the only niggling doubt I have is that when Sid raced at Hove, he ran so bad in the daylight BAGS races and never won one of them. So lets see what happens at Romford.

17th February

I logged onto the internet tonight to listen to the last race, in which there was 3 dogs running who had run against Sid last Monday, and what do I find, they have withdrawn trap 3 Commons Bale, that's the one that got in Sids way last Monday and cost him the race, and they replaced it with Sid, and nobody bothered to inform me.  So I don't actually know how her run, all I know is that Sid found a bit of trouble at one of the bends and then run on to finish 3rd beaten 2 3/4L.

As you can imagine I am not in too good a mood at the moment, as I had phoned the trainer at Romford stadium at about 9pm last night asking if Sid was all right as he is not on the card Saturday or Monday. I will have to wait for the video now, so I can see what happened in the race.

To see the race result click here. 

Usually I check on the day of the race to see if there has been any alterations, but today I had promised to help a friend repair their computer and I  was out for most of the day.  Hopefully I will find out how well or bad Sid run when I visit the kennel tomorrow. Although Sid couldn't of run that bad as he clocked his best ever time for the 575m trip of 36.12.

I keep getting warnings that I am about to exceed my bandwidth, when it reaches 100 Mb you will not be able to log on to Sids website until the 1st March, that's when it starts all over again at Zero. So Sids website might be inaccessible for the last week of February.

16th February

I was beginning to worry if Sid had came off with an injury after Monday nights race, as he wasn't on the card to run on Saturday or Monday, so I gave the trainer a quick phone call just to ease my mind, and Jim said he was fine but very unlucky not to of won.  I am not too worried about getting 1 race a week or every 10 days, I just like to know that he has come off sound. So hopefully Sid will race again on Wednesday.

I Noticed last Monday that the win & place prize money has gone down again. A win for S1 grade has been reduced from £137 down to £131 with all other runners still getting £39.  That's the second time in 2 years that prize money has gone down while everything else in the world just keeps going up. I know they will blame the BGRB again but will prize money ever go up ? and will pigs ever fly ?, lol and will Sid ever win another race ? I like to think he will and sooner rather than later.

12th February

How unlucky Sid was to of not won the race tonight. On a very slow sticky track, he was held up a lot by trap 3 as they rounded the last two bends, but as the 3 dog, who looked very tired, moved off wide entering the home straight Sid really tried hard to make up the 3L advantage that the leader had but he failed to catch T6 by a head at the winning line, but he was in front as usual after the line and stayed on well to the pick up, pulling away from the rest. It was a very good run by Sid so I hope he has not gone lame again.

I would not say that the track favored the wide runners too much tonight as only 3 trap 6 runners won. But I bet I don't see 6/1 again next time Sid runs. The winner Avon Lad was the 8/1 outsider of the field, but he absolutely pinged the lids and lead all the way, and there is definitely  something wrong with Hondo Betty as she stumbled out of the traps and never showed in the race, getting beaten by a Distance.  Click here to see the result

11th February

Paid Sids kennel bill again today and took him for his twice around the field walk, he is in good shape but just a bit over weight. I am looking forward to seeing him run again but we don't wont anymore rain, or it will just be all the wide runners winning again. Jim said we should just hope he runs well and comes off sound. So it's fingers crossed for tomorrow.

10th February

Sid must of finished ok after his trial on Tuesday because he is on the card to race on Monday night. It's not an S2 as I was hoping for, but an S1, although not the hardest S1 that Romford could stage there are still at least 2 dogs in the race that are running very well at the moment and Sid would have to do his best ever time for the trip of 36.25 to have a chance of winning, and remember that was when he was fit.

T1 Airtech Avit  In my mind he can not win the race but has a bit of early pace and if he misses the break like he has done before he could be trouble for Sid at the first bend

T2 Sid  I know he will try his best and will be staying on at the finish But I think 3rd or 4th is all he could achieve this time.

T3 Commons Bale  One of the dangers in the race, in it's last 6 S2 races he has finished 2nd 2nd 2nd 1st 1st 1st clocking 35.93 in its last race.

T4 Hondo Betty  Running poorly at the moment and was off the track for a few weeks.

T5 Lavenders Glory  Very good run last time out Finishing 2nd to Black mist boy beaten by only 3/4L at 10/1 and clocked 35.91, compared to Sids 36.71 trial it looks too much for Sid to improve on, in fact if Sid did do a time like that there would be a stewards inquiry. lol

T6 Sign On Buster  Run well when winning on the 3rd February clocking 36.57, and finished 2nd to Commons Bale beaten 1/4L the time before that.

So the race looks between traps 3 & 5

Trap 3 being trained by Peter payne who I Phoned on at least 3 occasions when Sid was still in Ireland but he was never in to take my call and I decided to place Sid at Hove.

Actually it is not easy to find a trainer these days. Claude Gardiner and Maria Collins kennels were both full when I wanted to bring Sid to Hove, but she did recommend Derek Knight to me.

Also the first time I tried to move Sid to a Romford trainer, that was when I was really pissed off that the grader at Hove had actually put Sid in the same race as Shelbourne Poopa who went on to win easily clocking 29.59, lol.  Poor Sid I bought almost all his videos when he was at hove and he was so far behind in that race that he was not even on the video, well not until the last bend anyway, back to what I was saying, Maxine Locke, Alison Ingram, & Margaret Lucas were all full at the time, that was before Jim Reynolds become a Romford trainer, so I decided to leave him at Hove, although I did have to apologize to Derek for threatening  to take Sid away as it was not his fault. Even when I did move Sid to Jims kennels last year, I still had to wait 3 or 4 weeks until he had room for him.  well that' all for now, lets hope Sid runs well and comes off safe and sound.

6th February

Sid had his 2nd trial today, running from trap 4 over 575m in a 2DT, Sid came from behind to take over the lead approaching the last bend and went on to win by 4 1/2L in a time of 36.71, needless to say I am very very pleased with that run. So it's fingers crossed that he has come off sound. That time should be good enough to grade him for an S2 race but they might want him to have another trial, so I will have to wait and see. I am sure I will find out on Sunday.   Click here to see trial result sheet.

Sids sectional time of  14.37 was joint 3rd slowest of the 10 trials run over 575m today, but he ran on well to achieve the 2nd fastest trial, although the 3rd fastest time of the day for the 575m trip.  very pleasing indeed.  So after a time like that if Sid did finish lame he would of likely done it after the line going on to the pick up, although he was still well clear at the pick up but I am just a born worrier. lol    Well done Sid.

1st February

It was 2 years ago today, that Sid had his very first race at Hove, of which he won at 12/1.  The time goes so quick and yet still he has not reach his 50th race yet.

I have just phoned the kennel to see if Sids leg had managed to take the strain of running the tight bends at Romford, as I could not wait until Sunday to find out. And the good news is that he has come out of the trail with no problems. When I checked the result sheet yesterday I noticed that Sid was about a kilogram over weight, which makes his run look even better in my eyes. I should think Sid will have another 400m trial next Tuesday. 

I have put a link here for anybody who might like to look at the trial result sheet, Sid was in trial 11. But I think you will need Adobe reader for the page to open.

30th January

Sid went ok in his trial today, I don't know how his leg is yet but I will find out on Sunday.

Running from trap 1, Sid was slow away and stumbled a bit at the first bend losing a couple of lengths but stayed on well to finish 2nd beaten by 3/4L his time was 25.37, which was about average for the day, on a track running -30 slow. I thought that was a very good run for Sid seeing as he has been off now for 3 months. Fingers crossed his leg is ok.

29th January

Sid must of gone alright in his gallop last week because I have just noticed on the Romford Stadium website that he is down for a 2 dog trial in the morning, over 400m. so its fingers crossed that the muscle injury he had dose not go again.

It's an early trial so it should be run by 11am, so I will go and watch him and I will update the website when I wake up in the evening before I go to work.

22nd January

Hello Again.  Firstly I would like to say a big well done to Molly and Tony.  On the 20th January Molly whelped a litter of 10 pups down under in Australia and I bet the weather is a bit nicer over there at the moment. I wish you both all the best of luck and lots of fun in the future. For anyone who would like to keep an eye on how the puppies get on, I have a link to Mollys site on my links page and for anyone too lazy to look for it I have put the link here as well, lol.  Mollys website .

Right, now for Sid, Some good news this week, Sid has been given the all clear and can now be galloped, although the real test will come when he has to run the bends on the track, so it's fingers crossed for the next few weeks.  Sid still looks in good shape and is as lively as ever.

My Daughter and I paid for the new puppy on Sunday and we were told that her pet name is Muppet. lol makes you wonder why? did we make a bad choice, maybe we should pick a different one, lol,  but to be honest Laura and I like her and that's all that matters.  Below is a photo of her.

I will put some more photos of Muppet on her own page, which we will call Muppets page, shortly.

Well that's all the news for now so until next time I will say goodbye and take care.

15th January

Another walk for Sid yesterday and another kennel bill to pay too.  Sue told me that she will be getting Sid checked over again soon by the physiotherapist, so fingers crossed.

I also saw Jim and he asked me if we, we being my Daughter Laura and I, were still interested in buying one of the puppies that he has bred. He told us they are now 12 weeks old and have just been ear marked. There are 11 in the litter and 2 of them, a brindle dog that Jim likes the look of and a big fawn dog, the biggest one in the litter actually, have already gone.

To be honest I can't really afford another one but my Daughter twisted my arm, so next Sunday we should be paying for a nice little brindle bitch. the pups are out of Maxie Rumble X Maries Flyer, both of which I have seen during their racing days.

Next week, when I update Sids web site, I will put some photos of the little lady on here too, that's the pup not my Daughter, lol. I might even give her a page of her own, that's if Sid does not mind.

And well done to Viparsheda who has won her last 2 races, one of which was in an open race over 835m at Walthamstow. That's 3 wins from 10 races, very nice.

8th January

Well here we go again, another year of being poor, lol.

I took Sid for his Sunday morning walk yesterday and I must say, for a dog who is on the rest list, he does look really well in himself. I can see hardly any difference between the two back legs now which is a good sign and I would guess that Sid could be having trials around Romford in about 6 weeks time, all going well. I will be hoping for some good news the next time Sid sees the physiotherapist. The last time she was down to see him she said that Sid was still quite sore, which I was not too happy to hear after a 2 months of resting but there you go, although I am pretty hopeful now that Sid should be back on the card sometime in march.

I would like to wish the owners of Holmes Shauna all the best of luck in the Tony Williams Coronation Cup, the heats of which starts tonight at Romford and I hope she reaches the final for them. The obvious favourite will be Eye Onthe Veto who won the Coral Essex Vase last month at Romford and has a 100 per cent strike rate at the track after winning his last 5 races there.

1st January

HAPPY  NEW YEAR.