Last updated 20th November 09
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Last updated 20th November 09 |
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Sign My Guest book --- Please.
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LATEST NEWS 2009
20th April
Happy 6th Birthday to Sid
Below are some photos of Sid and his friends out for a walk on his birthday today.
Control your dog please Maria. lol.
LATEST NEWS 2008
I am in the process of uploading Sids video wins to my space, as I am not happy with the time it is taking to download from you tube or the fact that they are sticking their adds on top of the race as I am watching it.
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12th September
I finally took some photo's
What is he doing with my ball ?
1st September
Sid has spent his first day and night with us at home. After exploring the house and garden, he soon settled in to his new surroundings.
Lucky ( the spotty dog ) on the other hand was not to impressed with the new addition to the household and is a very jealous dog indeed, as he hates it when I give Sid a fuss, and decides that he has to have a little growl here and there.
But Sukie, the Border Collie cross German Shepherd, who gets on well with anything, was a little bit put out when Sid decided that her favourite ball is now his favourite ball, lol.
I would like to thank everybody who followed Sids racing career over the years through this web site and thanks very much for all your e mails and messages left in the guest book.
Good luck too to Tony, down under, with his pups out of Hallucinate and thanks for giving me your new web address, Link below.
I have enjoyed 3 1/2 years of racing with Sid and will very much miss my nights out to watch him race.
I will be making one more page for this web site called favourite moments which will include some text, Video and photos of the past 5 years. I will also update on how Sid is getting on with the rest of his life, but obviously not so frequently.
Updates to Muppets page will continues as usual through the link on Sids home page or this page above.
Last but not least, a big thanks to little old Sid, for some great memories and fantastic races. The years went so quick.
30th August
Poor old Sid was last all the way round last night, getting beaten by 11 3/4 lengths, so I have decided to bring him home on Sunday.
29th August
Sorry for the late update but Basildon Council have decided to install a brand new boiler and central heating system in our house and that took them two days to rip the old one out and put the new one in. We have had no heating or hot water since last September, but there was one good thing about that, and that was that my gas bill for the last quarter was only £5, yes that's right FIVE POUNDS and with the £4.50 I had and the 50p I nicked out of my Daughters piggy bank, ( Don't worry Maria, you will get it back soon ) I actually managed to pay the bill on time, lol.
Well now about Sid.
Sid had a 2 dog trial at Romford on Tuesday Morning and after a slow sectional he clocked 36.68, which is about the same time as he used to do in his trials at Romford, but he usually goes quicker in races, lol.
Also, Sid was accepted for the the 750m open race at Romford tonight, Yippee.
Below is a list of the runner.
1 SWIFT MISCHIEF John Mullins (Yrmth) Two runs at Romford and slow away both times clocking a best time of 36.64 which is no better than Sid.
2 GET A GRIP David Mullins With sectional times like 24.29 in July, there is no surprise that this one is the selection in the racing post for this race, but during August he has been clocking 24.60's
3 SAMDONS HONCHO Martyn Wiley With a recent best sectional of 24.98, I would like to see Sid lead this one to the bend
4 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin (Unatt) On Sid best runs over this trip, 48.10, I would of expected him to go well, but the old boy is getting on a bit now, so we will just have to wait and see.
5 MOONWALKER GIRL (M) Jim Reynolds Running well at the moment with 2 wins from her last 4 runs over this trip and a nice 48.11 recently and the only middle runner in the race.
6 GENESIS SISTER (W) Mark Wallis (W'stw) Came in season 16 weeks ago and was flying around here before that, clocking times around the 47.70's so must be in with a big chance tonight and the only wide runner too.
Sid will have to trap well and lead the inside runners at the first bend in order to get a good run in this race, but I can't see him beating trap 6, but then again, if he cuts them all up at the first bend and 6 takes a tumble who knows.
23rd August
Sid was entered for an open at Harlow last Thursday, over 8 bends but didn't get accepted.
Chris said the reason he didn't get accepted is because it didn't fill, lol silly me.
So Sid was entered for a 750m race at Romford on Monday but was only accepted as a reserve.
So the plan is to enter him for the 750m on Friday, only problem is that it very rarely fills, but fingers crossed.
17th August
The last race to be run at Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night, 16th August 2008, was won by Mountjoy Diamond, who was also the dog that beat Sid in his last race at the Stow on the 7th August.
Sid has been checked over by the vet and was found to have a pain in the neck, or did Chris say that Sid was a pain in the neck, lol.
After a couple of weeks rest, Sid might have a trial at Romford over 575m, and if clocking anywhere near his best previous race times, Chris might consider entering him for a 750m open.
If he doesn't clock a reasonable time in a trial, then at the end of the month Sid will be coming home to live with us and spotty dog.
Above is a photo of Lucky and Ben
Lucky has three names in this house, my wife calls him Fat Dog and I call him Spotty Bum, but his real name is Lucky. The little whippet is Ben, who sadly died this year, aged 14 years. Lucky on the other hand is 5 years old.
Update
Problem solved, as Sid has been withdrawn from the race, he came off a little sore the other night, so that was probably his last race.
10th August
Sid will be racing on Tuesday night, in the last race, due off at 10 30pm, Runners listed below.
Not sure if I will be able to go, as I am supposed to be at work by 9pm, and it is getting harder and harder to make up excuses for being late, but then again I would only be 3 hours late, so I would only be £21 short at the end of the month and that's before tax and insurance, so it would probably only be £15 short, which means I probably will go, lol. I hate the job anyway.
1 STEVES SPICE Mick Puzey 14.67 40.35 It all depends on the break with this one, but has inconsistent sectionals of between 14.67 and 15.14, a very slow start would do Sid a big favour.
2 NEVER SAY LUCKY N/R Chris Cronin 14.84 40.52 Race 108 and should be his last, could find it hard to come across any gaps in the race for overtaking.
3 BLACK AXEL Kelly Mullins 14.65 40.47 Five runs over the trip to date, but no wins yet
4 ARANOCK SAND Paul Garland 14.63 40.01 Looks to be gifted the race going on its S1 win back in March, but has only managed to win an S3 since then in a time of 40.35
5 BLUES WISH (M) Mark Wallis 14.62 40.45 Won first time of asking in an open over this trip, clocking 40.28 and also won an S2 back in March clocking 40.11. has been finding trouble at the first bend recently and clocking around the 40.50 mark
6 DARLING NECTAR (M) Mark Wallis 14.80 40.52 Only the two runs over this trip to date and has clocked the same times as Sid
No trio this time, but if the 4 dog doesn't win this by at least 4 lengths, I will be very surprised. I will be having a forecast bet, trap 4 to beat 5, as I am sure that trap 5 will not find any trouble at the first bend this time. If Sid could finish 3rd, then I would be happy with that run from him.
9th August
Sid could only manage 5th place the other night, after running right into the back of trap 1 at the first bend. Trap 4 had pinged the lids and that was race over, as it went on to win in a time of 40.33 at an SP of Ev Fav.
Sid was beaten by 8 lengths and clocked 40.97
6th August
Sid will be racing on Thursday night, in the last race, due off at 10 30pm, Runners listed below.
This could be Sids last race, Have I said that before, lol.
1 STEVES SPICE M Puzey
2 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin
3 TOOSEY TINA Dickie Hawkes
4 MOUNTJOY DIAMOND Mark Wallis
5 BEE MY HONEY (M) Mark Wallis
6 EBONY OCEAN (W) Stacey Baggs
1st August
It looks like Sid might of had his last race at the Stow, as he is not on the card for Saturday or Tuesday, which means that the next meeting would be Thursday and that would be two weeks since his last race, unless he has been put on the card for tomorrow as a replacement, who knows.
28th July
Sid run well on Saturday to finish 3rd, but the winner, BLUE KANAKA, run even better when leading all the way to clock 40 26.
Sid clocked one of his better sectionals of 14.84 but could not match the early pace of the winner who clocked a sectional time of 14.56. Trap 4, DOUBLE PICKINS finished 2nd beaten 2 1/4L but was unlucky in running having to check up a couple of times during the race and possibly would of won the race with a clear run, so get your money on next time.
To see the race result click here
I have not seen such a big crowed at the Stow for a long time, you could hardly move on the cheap side, and I was told that on the main stand, you could not move at all, I took some photos with my phone and I will put then on here once I find out how to transfer them from my phone to my PC.
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A very busy Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium on a Saturday
night, three weeks before it closes it's doors for good.
The photo on the left is of the cheap side, the main stand was jam packed Lets hope that the SOS campaign is successful Well done Ricky, Nice one. |
Only 20 days left for the Stow now and Sid might be lucky to get another 3 races in before it closes down.
24th July
Sid is out again on Saturday night, running from trap 1 in the 8th race due off at 9.07pm, and it's a trophy race.
Below is a list of the runners with their best recent times.
1 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin 14.90 40.52 the old boys running well and should be making up ground coming off the last bend.
2 BLUE KANAKA Stacey Baggs 14.61 40.58 has won her last 2 races, last time out she beat traps 3, 5, and 6, she also beat Sid in his 100th race, so time for revenge, lol.
3 DOGTOR ON CALL Dickie Hawkes 14.64 40.43 another early paced dog, who is nearly always in the first two home, although this race is a little bit more tougher this time.
4 DOUBLE PICKINS Kelly Mullins 14.63 40.33 has beaten Sid before and I would of had it down to be the fav on its 40.33 time, but its last 2 runs at the Stow he has only clocked 41.11 and 40.60, so who knows.
5 LOOKWHOSTALKING (M) Paul Garland 14.58 40.46 usually leads and fades, and Sid has caught her on the last 3 times that they have met, but only just by a short head.
6 MYSTICAL SLOTH (W) Paul Garland 14.49 40.44 the only wide runner in the race, if missing trouble at the first bend, could be hard to peg back.
This race is all about who gets around the first bend in front, and one thing is for sure, it won't be Sid, lol.
All 5 dogs in the race are 4 to 5 lengths quicker on their sectional times than Sids best time of 14.90 and if trap 6 does its 14.49 sectional then it will probably lead and not get caught, but, all 5 dogs on Sids outside are pretty much equal on early pace and could all come together at the first bend, which could leave Sid a lot closer to the leaders as they cross the line for the first time and that would give him a much better chance to try and catch them as they run the final circuit.
I can not predict the winner of this race because I have a feeling there will be some trouble at the first bend and who ever manages to get out of it in front would be the one you would want your money on.
On a clean run race I would say it was between traps 4 and 6, but on a messy race, I will be shouting Sid on like there is no tomorrow, as I am sure he will be staying on the strongest.
So go on Sid, even though I am running out of space, try you best to get another trophy.
18th July
Sid was in another well graded race at the Stow last night, with only 2 lengths covering 1st and last place.
It was a dead heat between the first two past the post, with Sid getting up for 3rd place after being last entering the home straight.
The distances were 1 1/4L, sh-hd, neck, neck Well done to the grader. To see the result click here
As for my trio, T6 was in 1st place rounding the last bend, but then faded into last place, and T5 who I thought might win, once again found trouble at the first bend, but also at the 4th bend too, and T3 was one of the two dogs who dead heated for 1st place. If T5, BLUES WISH, could just get around the first bend without finding trouble, then she will without doubt win a race.
17th July
Sid is running tonight in the last race at 10.30pm.
Below is a list of the runners with their best recent times.
1 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin 14.90 40.52 Run very well last week, hoping for the same amount of effort again this week, Trap 1 is a bonus for Sid.
2 BLACK AXEL Kelly Mullins 14.65 40.47 Only had two runs over this trip, one was an open race, used as a trial in order to get graded in over this trip, the other was an S2 last time out, when it was a beaten 11/10 fav, in both races it finishing 2nd.
3 BLUE POCKETS Paul Rich 14.48 40.21 Has had four races over this trip, 3 opens and an S1, dropped to an S2 tonight and has clocked the fastest time out of the six runners, should go off Fav and could win.
4 TOOSEY TINA Dickie Hawkes 14.72 40.59 Finished behind Sid last week, after taking a bump at the first bend.
5 BLUES WISH Mark Wallis 14.62 40.45 Lost a lot of ground last week at the first bend when taking a bump from trap 1 and run very well to only get beaten 2 1/2 by Sid, if missing trouble tonight would be in with a good chance of winning.
6 LOOKWHOSTALKING (M) Paul Garland 14.65 40.46 There is not a lot between Sid and this one on times, but Sid just managed to knick 1st place of him last time out.
With 4 other railers and 1 middle runner, all with faster sectional times than Sid, this would be a very hard race for Sid to come from behind in, and expect to win, but he will be finishing fast at the end and will not be that far behind at the finish.
My trio for tonight is traps 5 - 3 - 6
11th July
An absolutely fantastic effort put in by Sid last night, in order for him to get up on the line and win by a short head at 3/1.
But before I tell you about the race, I would like to thank the lady who came up to me after the race to say hello and congratulations on Sids win, and if she is ever at the stow again when Sid is running, then please pop over to me before the race, so I could have a longer chat with you, as I am on a bit of a high after a win from Sid, and my brain goes into shutdown mode, lol. you told me that you had sent me an e mail yesterday, but I have not received it yet, would you mind sending it again if possible, so that I can reply to it, many thanks and hope to see you again, and I apologise for not having the chance to chat to you for longer.
Well now for the race, Sid had a bit of luck in his race for a change but he still had to work hard to win it.
As the traps opened in this 5 dog race, or should I say 4 bitches and Sid. Trap 1 got out a bit quicker this time and got to the bend in front of Sid, with traps 4, 5 and 6 on its outside, and this is where Sid had his bit of luck in the race, T1 moved off at the first bend, bumping into traps 4 and 5 which left T6 to take up the lead and Sid the chance to shoot through the gap on the rails and into 2nd position, at the winning line first time around Sid was about 2 lengths behind the leader who pulled further away around the next 2 bends, and as the leader rounded the last bend, he still had a 4 length lead over Sid, but as I started to shout, as loud as I could, ( go on Sid, you can catch him,---- go on Siiiiiiiid ) He finished really strongly to get up on the line to force a photo finish, and this time was pronounced the winner. Nice one.
I must admit, I felt a bit of a git afterwards to expect so much effort from Sid, I mean it's a bit like asking your granddad to run for the bus, lol.
I was a bit worried that Sid would be upgraded for that win, but he only just got up to win and the time was what he usually clocks so hopefully he will be kept in an S2 for next time out.
When I have got some money in my bank account, I will buy the video of this race and put it on the web site.
That's 2 wins and 2 2nd's from Sids last 5 races and out of 24 races this year Sid has only finished outside the first three on 7 occasions, and I think that's blinking good for an old boy like Sid.
10th July
At last, the end of another weeks work for me and time to update the web site.
Sid is due to race tonight in an S2 graded race, he is running from trap 3 in the last race at 10.30 pm.
There are only 5 dogs in this race, as trap 2 is vacant, a list of the runners and their best recent times are below.
1 IRATE KATE Lorraine Sams 14.83 40.42 Sid only just beat this one to the first bend last time out, after a good break, and he will need to do so again tonight.
2 VACANT
3 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin 14.90 40.52 Run very well last week after loosing a lot of ground on the leader around the 3rd and 4th bends, hopefully Sid will get a clear run all the way around tonight.
4 TOOSEY TINA Dickie Hawkes 14.72 40.59 Run well last time out when winning an S3 at 7/4 fav, but Sid had this one over 7 lengths behind him when they meet back in May.
5 BLUES WISH Mark Wallis 14.62 40.45 As the racing post comments in the paper, this one has clocked 40.20's before it had 2 months off in March and April. but has improved with ever run since returning to this trip, clocking 40.45 last time out, should be the fav and should probably win.
6 LOOKWHOSTALKING (M) Paul Garland 14.65 40.46 There is not a lot between Sid and this one on times, but Sid just managed to knick 2nd place of him last time out.
With 4 railers and 1 middle runner in this race I will be hoping that Sid is the only true railer in the race so that he gets a nice clear run all the way around, although he will have to go some in order to beat T5, and I will be more than happy with 2nd place again tonight.
4th July
Sid has run another very nice race tonight, trapping well he beat trap 1 to the bend and then cut across, forcing it to check up behind him, costing trap 1 a good couple of lengths.
At the winning line first time around, Sid was only 3 lengths behind the leader, T4, but as they rounded the 3rd bend, Sid was held up a bit by trap 5, who cut across to the rails. On the video replay, it looked as if Sid trod on the back legs of the 5 dog.
As Sid entered the back straight in 5th position, he must of been a good 10 lengths of the leader, but he stayed on really well to finish 2nd, beaten by 2 1/2 L.
I was pleased with the way Sid trapped and beat trap 1 to the bend, and also on the effort he put in to go past T3, Blue Kanaka, the one that only just beat Sid in his 100th race, and also past T6 Lookwhostalking, who had finished in front of Sid last week.
So well done to Sid and the team at the kennels, To see the result click here
Oh yes, and I couldn't believe the price of the 4 dog, ( 9/2 ) I was sure it was going to be the fav, and was expecting 2/1 at best. And the 1 dog let me down for my combination trio, drat.
3rd July UPDATE
After studying the race this morning, I came back home 5 hours later to find that Sid has been taken out of the race and put in a completely different race.
So Sid now runs from trap 2 in the last race at 10.30pm. Runners below
1 IRATE KATE Stacey Baggs 14.83 40.42 Wins a few marathons so must stay the trip will.
2 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin 14.90 40.52 WOW, trap 2, lol. Sure to be last for most of the trip.
3 BLUE KANAKA Stacey Baggs 14.61 40.61 Beat Sid in his 100th race, time for revenge, lol.
4 DOUBLE PICKINS Kelly Mullins 14.63 40.33 Was a beaten fav last time out, and should be fav for this race.
5 STEVES SPICE Mick Puzey 14.68 40.35 Put up a grade for his easy win in an S3 on Saturday.
6 LOOKWHOSTALKING (W) Paul Garland 14.65 40.46 Beat Sid by a head last time out when finishing 5th in front of Sid
With lots of early pace on Sids outside, there is a chance of some trouble at the first bend, trap 1 will probably lead Sid to the bend and go on to win the race from there. But if T1 misses the up, then I give the race to Sid. What ever happens, I don't think Sid will be too far behind at the end of this one.
My Combination Trio will be 2 - 1 - 4 So Good Luck Sid old boy.
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3rd July
Just a quick update to say that Sid is running tonight in the 8th race due off at 9.14pm.
Below is a list of the runners with their best recent times.
1 NEVER SAY LUCKY W/D Chris Cronin 14.90 40.52 WOW, trap 1 but Sid will have to be at his very best to beat these.
PLACID JILL is the replacement for SID 14.50 39.95 Only runs in opens and S1's, so should be in with a chance tonight.
2 RIO DIVO Chris Cronin 15.05 40.62 Similar style of running to Sid, but Sid has the inside for a change, lol.
3 REGAL KING John Coleman 14.49 40.40 Fantastic form over this trip, another one with a good chance if things go his way.
4 NOTANOTHERSECOND Mark Wallis 14.63 40.54 Well I spoke about this one last week, and it will be interesting to see if she stays the trip this time.
5 BLUES WISH Mark Wallis 14.71 40.11 If breaking well, should go very close, but a railer in T5, if it misses the up, it could find bother.
6 MYSTICAL SLOTH (W) Paul Garland 14.49 40.44 The only wide runner in the race, with good enough early pace, should be in the first three home.
This is a good race put together by the racing office, as anything could win this race if things go their way, just a little bit of bumping and barging and who knows. I would expect T3 and T6 to lead up, but T4 managed to catch them last week at the 3rd bend and take the lead, before fading on home straight. there's not much between traps 1 and 2 on there recent times, but T2 has been doing slow sectionals recently, not getting under 15.00, and as Sid has been breaking well recently, I am hoping he can reach the first bend in front of T2.
I am going to have to tip trap 6 to win this race, as he is surely going to get a nice clear run around the outside, if trap 4 catches up with traps 3 and 5 at the 3rd bend, then there could be some bumping between the three of them, which will leave T6 to go clear down the back straight., and this might help Sid to gain a few lengths on traps 3, 4 and 5.
So my trio will be Traps 6 - 1 - 3 Good My Trio remains the same for this race
29th June
Sid could only manage last place in his race last night, but was only beaten by just over 3 1/2 lengths, although he was last for the whole of the race.
I didn't even manage to pick the winner, I thought trap 5 would lead all the way, but trap 1, Notanothersecond, the one with the slowest time for the trip, lol, managed to improve on his 15.02 sectional and clocked 14.63 this time, he then took up the lead off the 3rd bend and then lead all the way until coming off the last bend, and then he weakened up the home straight to finish 4th. which my friend thought was odd because last time he was slow away and ran on well for 2nd place. so a disappointing run for T1 who managed to gain 5 lengths on his sectional time, but could only find 1 1/4 lengths for the whole trip, still maybe next time.
The only thing I did get right about the race, was that Sid would have to clock a 40.30 in order to win it.
Also the grader should be happy with the result as there was only just over 3 1/2 lengths between 1st and last
distances were 1 1/4 - 1 - 3/4 - 1/2 - Head. To see the result click here
I have just noticed that it was the first time that Sid had finished in 6th place while racing at the stow, so that's a first for Sid, lol.
27th June
Sid is running in the 4th race at 8.11pm on Saturday night, he has trap 2 again but the race is a bit harder this time as he has been upgraded to an S2.
But I am happy to say that even if he finishes last, Sid would of won enough run money to of covered his kennel bill, Yippee. I think the only person to have made any money from Sid, during his racing career, is the TAX MAN, as he takes his VAT every month even when the dog is off lame, he still takes his VAT and never offers a refund ever, greedy little man, Lol.
Below is a list of the runners with their best recent times. Although it could all change again, lol.
1 NOTANOTHERSECOND Mark Wallis 15.02 40.65 One to watch here as it should be capable of clocking a much better sectional if keeping out of trouble
2 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin 14.87 40.52 Trap one has, very slow away, on a lot of his race comments, and if he is slow away again in this race, then Sid could find himself on the rails as soon as he leaves the traps, which would be a first at Walthamstow, if my memory serves me right, although I believe Sid would have to clock a 40.30 or better in order to win this race.
3 REGAL KING John Coleman 14.49 40.51 This has a lot more early than Sid and could cut Sid off at the first bend, and is capable of clocking about the same time as Sid.
4 WISHYOUWEREHERE John Coleman 14.90 40.04 This ones last 16 races have all been with S1 or open race company of which it has won 3, it has been dropped a grade for this race and is usually a very strong finisher.
5 BELL IMPERIAL (M) Seamus Cahill 14.39 40.20 Two very close 2nd's in its last 2 races and lots of early so should go very well in this company.
6 LOOKWHOSTALKING (M) Paul Garland 14.65 40.46 Has been improving with every run and won an S3 last time out but has been given a lot to do in this race.
I think there is only two dogs in this race really, and that's traps 5 and 4, and maybe trap 1 if it can improve on the time it clocked first time over this trip in an open race last time out, which I believe it will do, as there is no way that Notanothersecond is the slowest dog in the race. My trio for the race will be 5 - 4 - 1
Below is a photo of the cup Sid won last week
That's a very nice cup to go with his other five trophies, well done Sid
22nd June
I have just returned from my weekend away, and as I am off to visit my Sister and mother on Tuesday for a couple of days, I thought I better quickly update the web site, so here goes.
Firstly it was all change in Sids race on Saturday, with trap 6 Charity being taken out of the race and traps 3, 4 & 5 all being moved out a trap, with the replacement dog, Steves Spice, a railer, being allocated trap 3. So the draw looked like this.
1 ANNANDALE DIXIE
2 NEVER SAY LUCKY
3 STEVES SPICE RES Done a good trial time, 14.53 40.36 but seems to have trouble doing it in the race.
4 BLING (M)
5 CUTIE PIE (W)
6 ORANMORE ROSE
Sid got out the traps very well last night, but as expected, the early paced trap 1 runner went past Sid around the first bend, but then went wide coming off the 2nd bend, allowing Sid to get on the inside in 2nd position. But as they approached the 3rd bend Sid had drawn level with trap 1 and as they went around the 3rd bend, Sid had taken up the lead with trap 6, running a good race, flying around the outside, but once Sid was in front, he was not going to get caught. There was no need for a photo finish this time as Sid went on to win the race by 4 1/2 lengths in a time of 40.52, and for that performance, I am afraid to say that Sid will have to go up a grade next time out.
Trap 6 run a good race to take 2nd place with the reserve in trap 3 running on for 3rd. To see the result click here
Sid was presented with a very nice trophy ( cup ) considering it was a graded race. So, many thanks to the sponsors of the race OCEAN TRAILERS LTD and also to Mr. Ian Wharton who sponsored my dog ( Sid ) in the race, actually the Wharton family sponsored all 6 dogs in the race.
All 14 races on the card, and the 84 greyhounds running on the night where kindly sponsored in aid of Cancer Research UK.
19th June
Sid is racing again at the Stow on Saturday evening and he has been given another chance to try and win a trophy race at the Stow before the track closes in August, unfortunately I am away on holiday so will miss the race, but my daughter is going to watch Sid for me just in case he wins.
Sid is running from trap 2 in the 4th race at 8.11pm, so good luck to Sid, I will be phoning my daughter on the night so that she can give me live commentary on the race.
Below is a list of the runners with their best recent times.
1 ANNANDALE DIXIE Stacey Baggs 14.55 40.74 Bags of early, three 2nds and a win from last four races.
2 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin 14.90 40.57 Run well last time out, hoping for the same again
3 BLING (M) Paul Garland 14.62 40.80 Run well when 3rd to Double Pickings, another one with a bit of early pace.
4 CUTIE PIE (W) Mick Puzey 14.83 40.43 Sid beat this one easily last time out, but if running to its best form would surely finish a lot closer.
5 ORANMORE ROSE (W) John Coleman 14.73 40.68 Not sure what to make of this one, has only had 5 races over this trip to date, but it's times are good enough for this grade, so one to watch I think.
6 CHARITY (W) N/R Mick Puzey 14.79 40.53 Another one without much form over this trip but it's best time would be good enough to go close in this race.
Another well graded race here for Sid to try and win, and if traps 4 & 6 clock times nearer their last 2 runs, then Sid would look to have a good chance of winning. It looks like trap one with its early pace is the one that we all have to try and catch, with a middle runner in 3 and three wide runners in traps 4, 5 & 6. there should be very little trouble in this race and even Sid should get a nice clear run around on the rails.
I think this is going to be another very nice race to watch and even though trap 1 looks like it will be out and gone I have a feeling that it will be past by more than one of the other runners before the race is over, but who will win the race is anybodies guess. But I am going to go for a 2 - 6 - 5 finish.
So good luck Sid and do your best.
16th June
13th June
Sid was beaten last night in a photo finish, by a very short head, and the one that beat him was the replacement dog in trap 1.
I only had a couple of pounds on me, so I had a forecast bet, trap 2 to beat trap 1, so I wasn't too surprised when it came up the other way around, as is my luck, lol. a lot of people said that they thought Sid had got up to win the race, but the camera never lies.
Even though Sid didn't win the race, he still had his photo taken with the winner and was presented with a very nice memorial trophy for reaching his 100th race, Picture below. The owners of the winner, Blue Kanaka, were also happy to of won a trophy as well.
I have put an order in for a photo and once I receive it, I will put it on this site. Also, as it was such a narrow defeat for Sid, I will get a copy of the race video and put that on here as well.
All in all, it was a wonderful night and congratulations to everyone involved, especially little Sid. To see the result click here
12th June
Sid is next out at the Stow on Thursday night, and can you believe it, he has finally reached his 100th race.
Chris phoned me on Tuesday, to tell me that the race will be a trophy race and named THE NEVER SAY LUCKY 100th RACE STAKES, or something like that anyway, and that it will all be paid for by Walthamstow Stadium, which is very very nice of them indeed, and I will be looking forward to the occasion very much, whether Sid wins or not, it will still be a great night out, as was last Saturday when it was great to see so many retired greyhounds being paraded around the Stadium, and to see all the young kids wanting to be lifted up in order to give them a fuss. Also, it was great to hear the track commentator again, as I hadn't heard him there for ages, it so much better when you got a good commentator,
Below are the runners for Thursdays race, its the 4th race due off at 8.23pm, and is a S3 graded race.
1 CHARLIES DART N/R Mick Puzey 14.77 41.43 Had every chance when being beaten by over 9 lengths by Sid on April 19th
BLUE KANAKA Stacey Baggs 14.79 40.61 This one replaced the withdrawn trap 1 and as you can see on the times it's a lot faster
2 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin 14.87 40.57 This is quite a drop in class compared with recent races, but Sid will still have to clock one of his better times if he is to beat traps 4. 5. & 6
3 BLARNEY PILOT John Coleman 14.73 41.19 Has had 3 S3 races and finished last in all of them
4 BLING (M) Paul Garland 14.62 40.80 Run well last time out and has bags of early but can it hold on
5 CUTIE PIE (W) Mick Puzey 14.83 40.43 Won an S3 last time out and also run well when beating Lazy Lob in an S4
6 PENNYS LINDSAY (W) Paul Garland 14.61 40.58 Another one with good early pace clocked a good time in an S4
This could turn out to be an exciting race with traps 4 & 6 taking an early lead, while Sid and trap 5 put in a strong finish to try and catch them before the line, and I am looking forward to it very much.
8th June
Oh dear, Sid was beaten by 13 lengths last night, when finishing 3rd to the odds on fav in T6 BELL TEMPEST, who managed to lead all the way and clock 39.78 To see the result click here
7th June
There are a few changes to Sids race at the Stow tonight, firstly, the race has been moved forward to race 4, due off at 8.11pm. Secondly, trap 1 ( PAXTON PRINCE ) has been taken out of the race and has been replace with Bunlougher Star, who is an early paced dog that has only had 2 runs over this trip, his best times being 14.54 40.61, in its last race it lead to the run in and then faded badly to finish 3rd beaten by 6 lengths. The racing post tip T6 NB to beat T1 if I remember rightly, and the Sporting life tip T1 to beat T5, but I am wondering if he knew about the change of runners.
Trap 6 has obviously got a good chance if clocking anywhere near its best time of 40.22 and has the added bonus of being the only wide runner in the race, I am sure Sid will try his best, we will just have to pray that when the early paced railers start to run out of puff, that they don't get in Sids way and hold him up. GOOD LUCK SID.
6th June
My first impressions of Harlow greyhound stadium, having never being to the track before, are, 1, The car park is not big enough, lol. 2, The track is not very wide. 3, There seemed to be a good number of bookmakers. 4, The stand itself was clean and tidy, I didn't go up stairs where I believe there is a bar and restaurant but I will next time.
You really do need a dog that pings the lids, in order to avoid any trouble at the first bend, and Harlow is one of the few tracks remaining where the naming of trap 4 as the coffin box still applies as 3 T4's out of the 11 races that night were knocked over at the first bend.
It cost £5 each to get in, which is good value if you are going to the dogs for a night out with friends and you only have yourself to pay for, but not if you are going just for the one race, to watch your own dog run, so I wont be taking anyone with me when I go, as £15 for me and the two kids to watch my own dog run in one race is taking the piss a bit.
Now for the race, Sid is trapping much better recently, but as we know, he doesn't have the early pace to keep up with them to the first bend. Trap 4 won the race well after leading all the way , with the racing post selections 6 1 2 finishing 2nd 3rd & 4th, with Sid in 5th place beaten 5 3/4L. The winner clocked 38.04 and Sids time of 38.50 was an improvement of 30 spots but then the going was 20 fast, so not a great time really but should be good enough for a S3 grade. Click here to see the result
Sid is out next on Saturday night in the last race 10.30 pm at Walthamstow, Which is an S2, all the races are trophy races and it would of been very nice to of won a trophy at the Stow before it is closed down, but unfortunately I feel that trap 1 has been given a great opportunity to lead all the way and not get caught. Below are the runners with best recent times.
1 PAXTON PRINCE N/R Graham Sharp 14.50 40.39 I am certain that this one has more than enough early to lead these to the bend and is going to be the one they all have to catch, if they can that is.
Bunlougher Star - - - - Is the replacment 14.54 40.61
2 HALLAM TOR Stacey Baggs 14.64 40.39 Sid come from behind to beat this one last time out and hopefully will do the same again.
3 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin 14.87 40.57 Go on SID, win another trophy for me, Pleeeeeeease, or else I will race you until you are 10, lol.
4 HUNTERS CHOICE Paul Garland 14.68 40.63 That's its best time so far, when Sid come from behind to beat it last time out.
5 LOOKWHOSTALKING (M) Paul Garland 14.98 41.11 There is no real Stow form on this one as it was distracted on the run in when clocking 41.11 and last time out was very badly bumped when clocking even slower, hand timed, but has clocked 38.24 when finishing 2nd in an open at Harlow.
6 BELL TEMPEST (W) Mark Wallis 14.75 40.22 That's its best time, but usually clocks nearer to 40.50 and stays on well, also has the advantage of being the only wide runner
So looking at the race realistically, trap 1 should lead all the way and win, trap 6 will get a clear run around the outside and stay on for 2nd and Sid will have to try and weave his way though the rest of the pack to get 3rd. but nothing in greyhound racing is a cert and the one dog could go lame and the 6 dog could fall over and Sid could grow wings and fly around, lol.
4th June
I have now had a quick look at the race at Harlow tonight and trap 6 looks like a good thing and should go off favourite, it's been winning races in times a second quicker than Sid managed in his trial, although you would expect a bit of improvement on that time now that he has had a look round the track, but it would be a miracle if he could find a whole second, lol. trap 1 has some good early pace and got under 36.00 around Romford the other day and trap 2 is an S1 Walthamstow dog. the Racing Post tip trap 6 to beat 1 & 2 and I have a feeling they are probably right. So long as Sid comes off sound and improves a little on his trial time I will be more than happy.
1 LIZZYS LEGEND Paul Young(Rom)
2 PLACID JILL Mick Puzey
3 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin
4 LONDON RHYS Dean Childs(Unatt)
5 DIESEL LILLOCO (M) Michael Fawsitt(Unatt)
6 NEWTOWN SUSIE (W) Kim Marlow
2nd June
Sid had a solo trial around Harlow last Wednesday, where he clocked a slow time, but I don't mind that too much because that should mean him being put in a low grade eventually, I hope anyway.
Sid then run on Saturday night at Walthamstow, running very well considering, to finish 2nd at an SP 8/1. Sid got away well and they all virtually reached the first bend together, where once again Sid was squeezed for room between trap 1 on his inside and the others on his outside and consequently dropped back to last position. As Sid came off the 4th bend, trap 3, the racing post NB, and odds on fav in the race, had a very good lead and was a good 8 lengths ahead of Sid, who was still in last position, Sid then stayed on strongly to work his way through the field to grab 2nd place. The winner won by 5L clocking 40.17 and hopefully will go up a grade for that win, to S1. Click here to see the result
Sid has been entered for an open race on Wednesday night, over 592m at Harlow, I have not had a chance to see what type of dogs he is up against yet, but even if he finishes last, the time he clocks will count towards his grading times, as he needs to complete 3 trials before being allowed to race there in graded company. Sid is running from trap 3 in the 9th race at 9.30pm.
I will update this site again, when I have had a good look at the runners.
Once again, CONGRATULATIONS to Neil ( Magicgreyhounds ) whos Bitch, Scintillas Ruby, won the BLUE SQUARE LADIES, live on SKY TV on Derby final night at Wimbledon, that's a thousand pounds and a trophy, NICE, Well done.
For some reason I am unable to log onto the magicgreyhounds web site at the moment, but hopefully it will be back on soon,
30th May
It was a bit of a surprise to see Sid down to run in the last race at Walthamstow tomorrow ( Saturday night, ) but as it is the last day of the month, it will bring the kennel bill down a bit. So maybe I shouldn't grumble, below are the runners.
1 HALLAM TOR Stacey Baggs 14.64 40.39 That's the best time it has done so far but sometimes misses the up and clocks nearer 40.50, Sid has finished in front of this one before, so lets hope he does again, lol.
2 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin 14.83 40.47 This is a very interesting race for Sid supporters, as Sid has got a good draw in 2 and this time, is on the inside of Ashwood Flyer, and if the T1 misses the up and Sid gets out as quick as he did last week, then we might just get another win out of Sid. Fingers crossed he will be 14/1 again and I can have a little bit on him each way in the bookies before I go and watch him run
3 ASHWOOD FLYER Paul Garland 14.73 40.59 Was the 2/1 2nd Fav when finishing 3rd last time out. 2 1/2L in front of Sid, who was 14/1, but as I have said before, if it had not been for the T1 dog holding Sid up, Sid would of finished 3 lengths closer, which means Sid would of beat the flyer by 1/2L, but don't tell anyone, lol.
4 KILKENNY BUZZARD Dickie Hawkes 14.80 40.50 Has had 3 runs over this trip at the Stow and is getting quicker with every run.
5 HUNTERS CHOICE Paul Garland 14.68 40.66 5 runs over this trip so far, and that's his best time that he recorded last time out.
6 BORN FOR GLORY (W) Kelly Mullins 14.90 40.57 The comments for this ones last race made me laugh, as it said Run On, which it usually does, but last time out it was in front of Sid going around the last 2 bends and Sid caught it, to snatch 4th place by a short head, and that was after Sid got held up on the bends by the slow 20/1 shot in trap 1, and the comments for Sid read Every Chance, lol, does he not mean Run On.
For once we have a race in which all 6 runners are in with a chance of winning, if the 1 dog pings out, then it will probable be race over, but I still think it's going to be a really exciting race to watch, much better than last weeks, and the week before that, and the week before that, and the week before that, lol. Go on Sid, do your best.
26th May
Oh well, as expected, trap 4 did win the race easily by 3 lengths, in a time of 40.31, with trap 5 just getting up to beat trap 2 by 1/2 length for 2nd place.
Sid run well to finish 4th, after getting slowed down on nearly every bend by the early paced, but then slow after that, T1 dog, who eventually finished last, beaten by over 10 lengths, Sid got beat by 6 lengths but could of got about 3 lengths closer with a clear run.
Click here to see the race result
I got to meeting early, in order to watch Mr. Neil Cossins ( magicgreyhounds ) pup run in the first race, and it was nice to see his pup come from behind to win the race, Neil has bought himself some nice dogs recently and its about time his luck changed for the better. So congratulations Neil.
That was Sids last race at the Stow and he will now be graded in at Harlow, fingers crossed, in order to reach his 100th race, and maybe a few more depending on how he goes, as he is still keen as mustard and loves his racing.
So far, Sid has had 96 races to date, winning 6 out of 38 races at Hove, 9 out of 35 races at Romford and 2 out of 23 races at Walthamstow.
23rd May
At last I have seen the runners in Sids race for Saturday night, and I must admit, I was a bit pissed off to see Born For Glory in the race, as it has only just run on Monday when it won an S3, so this month it has run on 3rd, 10th, 13, 19, and now the 24th, and I am sure they will be able to squeeze a couple more runs in before the end of the month, lol, yet Sid has only had two races which were on the 3rd, which was a poxy marathon and the 8th, I find it very hard to understand why they ask for trainers to supply them with 6 bends dogs and then they don't use them.
Anyway, now for a quick look at the runners, and their best recent times.
1 TOOSEY TINA Dickie Hawkes 14,72 41.06 This one last raced on Tuesday night when winning an S3 but in a slow time, and has got no chance at all in this race.
2 ASHWOOD FLYER Paul Garland 14.73 40.29 Well this is a strange one to find in an S2, its last 14 races have all been in open races and the 40.29 it clocked last time out is too good for Sid, although its Romford times over the 750m are no better than Sids.
3 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin (Unatt) 14.83 40.47 With over 2 weeks off, lying about in the kennel and not racing, I will be very surprised to see him win this.
4 CENTAUR IRIS (M) Mark Wallis 14.76 40.33 Was well beaten in an open at Romford the other night, albeit by some very good dogs, at the Stow its marathon times are only 1 second faster than Sid, so we don't have to worry too much about this one, do we, lol. at least its a middle runner that has been placed on Sids outside for a change.
5 BELL TEMPEST (W) Mark Wallis 14.87 40.22 This one runs on very well and if clocking the 40.22 would be in with a chance.
6 BORN FOR GLORY (W) Kelly Mullins 14.90 40.57 Recorded its best time for a while when winning an S3 last time out and has been put up a grade for this race.
Well I have made my mind up now, and this is absolutely, definitely, and without doubt Sids last race at the Stow, as I am not going to put up with Sid having gaps of over 2 weeks between racing and then getting put into graded races that he hasn't got a hope in hell of winning.
I believe the race is between traps 4 and 2 with T5 getting 3rd if it doesn't find too much trouble.
22nd May
Sid will be running on Saturday night, which is only 22 days since his last race, lol, and I only know that because a friend of mine who was at the stow tonight text me to let me know, as Walthamstow have not put the card up on their website yet, all I was told was, that it's a 640m race somewhere between 8 and 9pm.
Walthamstow Stadium has finally been sold to developers, who are going to build some nice houses and flats on the site, but even worse news than that is that Diesel is now £1.25p a litre that's over £6 per gallon, so I dug my old push bike out of the shed and gave it a good clean up and check over, to make sure everything was in good working order, pumped up the tyres, stood back to admire all my hard work, and then thought, I don't bloody think so, and put it back in the shed.
13th May
I am 3/4 of the way through my two weeks holiday that I have taken from work, I can't afford to go anywhere this time, but the weather is absolutely gorgeous, the temperature is in the 20's and I am loving every minute of it, the woods are full of bluebells and the birds are singing and nesting everywhere you look, the swallows are flying around the stable yard, eating all the horrible little flies and the cuckoos are cuckooing, lol, it has to be May, my favourite time of the year.
Not sure when Sid will get his next race, hopefully Friday, as he is not on Saturdays card.
I have had a little grumble on the grumble page, so feel free to read it, lol.
8th May
I have just got back from Walthamstow, where Sid run very well indeed to finish 2nd, if he could run like that every week without finding trouble in the race, I would leave him there for another year, lol.
My prediction of the result was way out, as I had said that the 6 dogs best time of 40.82 was not good enough to win this race, but in fact it was, or at least it would of dead heated with Sid if it had done that time. the actual winners time was 40.74 and the going was 20 slow giving the winner a calculated time of 40.54 which obviously is good enough in this company.
What happened to trap 5 I just don't know, and as for the 3 dog, which is the one I was worried about, going on that run the dog doesn't stay the trip all that well, it did go off the even money favourite and outpaced Sid down the back straight but once it got to the 2nd last bend, Sid went passed it very easily, although it did get bumped a bit at the 3rd bend, so we will have to keep an eye on that one for now.
Trap 6 got an absolute flyer from the traps and was gone, its sectional time was 4 1/2 lengths faster than Sid, but Sid run on well to go past the 2 and the 3 dogs around the last 2 bends and was only beaten by 1L
Click here to see the race result
7th May
I just been looking on the IGB web site, and HUNTERS CHOICE has had 2 races in Ireland at Youghal. He won his first race ( Novice ) by 2L in a time of 29.95, the comments read, baulked run up/finished well, although not a flying time it was still a good run to win first time out, and being a youngster can only improve, and like I said already the 29.37 for the 475m trip at the Stow, is better than Sid has ever done, but will it stay the 640m ?. who knows, but I believe it should be capable of getting somewhere near a time of 40.40 with a clear run, so lets hope he doesn't get one, lol.
6th May
Sid has his next race on Thursday night, he is running from trap 4 in the last race and has been upped a grade to S2.
I have been persuaded to let Sid reach his 100th race, so it looks like it will be June before he retires now.
Below is a list of the runners with their best recent times for this year.
1 RUMBLING JOE Chris Cronin (Unatt) 14.91 40.88 Had his first race over this trip for almost a year last time out, and lead all the way to win an S3 in a time of 40.88, but I can't see him leading this race.
2 HALLAM TOR Stacey Baggs 14.66 40.56 Won an S3 a couple of runs back and a sectional time of 14.66 might give him an early lead but he will probably find this race a bit harder
3 HUNTERS CHOICE Paul Garland 14.81 40.93 Only had 4 races to date, two over this trip, and is nearly 2 years old. got beat over 15 lengths last time out, when finishing behind the 2 and the 5 dogs in this race. but its time of 29 37 for 475m trip is enough for anyone to see that it should be doing a lot better.
4 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin (Unatt) 14.83 40.56 Not the best of draws for a railer but will be, as the race card comments always say, running on, and no doubt the racing post will print his usual comment of poor wins to runs ratio
5 TERRYS SANDY (M) Stacey Baggs 14.81 40.25 This won stays on stronger than Sid as its marathon time of 54.15 proves and is only 2 years old compared to poor old Sid who's 5, when I first looked at the runners I thought this one was thrown in but we will see, as I am sure that T3 Hunters Choice is going to improve considerably on its best time of 40.93
6 COMEONTHREEDOG (W) Mick Puzey 14.58 40.82 This one has had 7 runs over 640m, winning three S3's and finishing 5th in the other 4 races. bags of early pace, but its best time of 40.82 is not good enough for this race, although it could cause T5 a bit of bother at the first bend if T5 gets away quicker than usual.
Looking at the race, traps 6 & 2 should lead, with 3, 4, & 5 getting to the first bend side by side, which means Sid will be the meat in the sandwich again. but to be honest, I got a feeling the 3 dog will be well gone by the time Sid gets to the first bend and hopefully that will keep Sid out of trouble, then Sid and T5 will have to try and catch them, so long as T3 doesn't improve too much on its previous times, I think the outcome will be 5-3-2-4-6-1.
5th May
Sid run ok in the marathon the other day and finished 4th, clocking his best time for the trip to date of 54 50 on a track rated 20 fast, but I am still convinced that he will never win a marathon at the Stow as the 835m is much too far for him, hence his SP of 8/1.
I was also surprised when trap 6, Born For Glory, turned her head and started playing with the 1 dog for a few stride as they went down the back straight for the second time, before changing her mind and then getting on after the leader, trap 5, but as we all know by now, this game is full of surprises.
30th April
This will probably be Sids last race on Saturday night as he has not run for 2 weeks and the racing office have put him in another 8 bender.
Race 8 21.07 835m Flat (M2)
1 IRATE KATE Stacey Baggs
2 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin (Unatt)
3 JO JO RUMBLE Chris Mosdall (Sitt)
4 CROCODILE TEARS Kelly Mullins
5 LUCIESILVAS (M) Stacey Baggs
6 BORN FOR GLORY (W) Kelly Mullins
Chris mentioned to me about letting Sid reach a hundred races and then sponsoring a race in Sids name, this Saturday will be race 94, but it is costing to much to keep him racing when you think that he hasn't run for 2 weeks and he can't win a marathon, and Sid is in with the same two dogs that beat him by 5L in the last Marathon, and for letting him race on Saturday, Walthamstow will give me £28, yet it has cost me £70 plus VAT just to have him laying around in the kennel for 2 weeks, I would have to be mad to keep that up, lol.
Anyway lets see what happens in the race, if Sid can get within 2L of the winner I might change my mind.
27th April
I would just like to thank everyone who wished Sid a happy birthday for last Sunday, and I am glad that you have enjoyed following Sids career as much as I have.
Below is a link to my favourite race that Sid was in, Sid was Favourite to win the race but made a bit of a slow start, but I think the punters went home happy when he just got his nose in front on the line in the last race of the night, The Race
I was also happy the following week when I had a bet on the dog that finished 2nd in Sids race and it won at 9/2.
24th April
No racing for Sid this week, but perhaps he will be out on Monday, if we are lucky, lol
21st April
I now have time to update the site on how Sid run on Saturday night, well after a slow start, Sid managed to find himself in last place as they entered the first bend, and trap 5 had gone clear. As they approached the 4th bend where you would usually expect Sid to start making some kind of move down the back straight, Sid found himself stuck behind T1 with nowhere to go until a gap appeared on the rails, even then I thought he had left it far too late, but he stayed on strongly to get up on the line and win by half a length. good old Sid, he went off 2/1 Fav so hopefully made a few punters happy. Click here to see race result To watch the race click here
20th April
HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY SID
Sid looking at an old teddy in the field
Sid playing with the teddy on his birthday
16th April
Sid is due to race again on Saturday night, and he has been dropped a grade to S3. I am happy to say that Sid will be running from trap 2, which is one of my favourite traps for Sid, and also he will be running in the first race, due off at 7.30pm
It is the first time that Sid has had trap 2 at the Stow, and I believe it is the first time he has ever run in the first race in his life, The runners are listed below.
Best Recent times this year.
1 CHARLIES DART Mick Puzey 14.64 40.58 Hasn't run over 6 bends since last November but is more than capable of doing well in this grade
2 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin (Unatt) 14.83 40.47 Running well at the moment and should go well
3 DOGTOR ON CALL Dickie Hawkes 14.74 40.84 An early pace runner that is also running well at the moment, I am not sure if it will lead this time though.
4 CROCODILE TEARS Kelly Mullins 14.54 40.44 Good time recorded at the beginning of January and must have a big chance if recording that 14.54 sectional again
5 SLICK SOPHIA (W) Chris Mosdall (Sitt) 14.62 40.74 Won an S4 last time out, and 2 years ago clocked 39.73 which would win this race easily, but I don't think she will be winning this time.
6 AIRTECH CHOICE (W) Chris Cronin (Unatt) 14.79 40.93 This dog is having his 163rd race of its career, and has won 3 of its last 12 races at the Stow, which is 2 more than Sid, but he will need to improve on that 40.93 in order to win this race, I got a feeling he will be last from start to finish. but what an achievement, a 163 races, well done.
This is a nicely graded race, and anything has got a chance of winning if things go their way T4 CROCODILE TEARS must be in with a chance on its best time of 40.44, but it has not been doing as well as that recently, which brings the rest of the runners in with a shout too. T1 has not been over the trip for a while and I am hoping he misses the break and that Sid pings out of T2 like he used to at Romford, and then hopefully he will still have his rails advantage over traps 3 and 4 going around the first bend. If Sid can come off the 2nd bend in 3rd position or better, then he could be in with a big chance so long as nothing clocks faster than 40.50
I will definitely be going to watch this race, whether Sid wins or not, it looks like it is going to be a very nice race to watch.
14th April
I didn't go to watch Sid at the Stow on Saturday, and I didn't watch the telly either as Pushing Daisies was not a film, so I recorded it to watch at a later date, and insterad I went to watch a friends dog race at Romford, but on Sunday, when I walked Sid, I was told that he run very well to finish 3rd after taking a bump at the first bend. Click here to see race result
Sid managed to improve by 32 spots on his previous marathon race and with the going being 25 slow, that makes an estimated improvement of 57 spots, but he still got beat by 4 3/4L, Still the main thing is that he came off safe and sound. Only 17 days to retirement.
10th April
Below are the runners for Sids next race, it's on Saturday night, in race 11 at 9,49pm.
I'm not going to go into any detail on the race, as it's another marathon over 835m and we all know that's 200m further than Sid stays, also T5 Luciesilvas and T1 Lazy Lob both beat Sid easily over that trip back on the 9th February.
1 LAZY LOB John Coleman
2 DOGTOR ON CALL Dickie Hawkes
3 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin (Unatt)
4 MARISKA (M) Chris Mosdall (Sitt)
5 LUCIESILVAS (M) Stacey Baggs
6 BORN FOR GLORY (W) Kelly Mullins
I will not be going to watch the race, instead I will be snuggled up in bed with my hot water bottle, watching a film called pushing daisies on ITV 1, and then after the film I will check the result while I am checking my lottery numbers.
4th April
Sid finished in 3rd place as predicted, but if T5 hadn't got badly bumped at the first bend Sid would of only managed 4th.
Sid was in last place approaching the first bend but then there was a bit of bumping and barging between traps 4,5 and 6, with T5 coming off the worst, this left traps 2 and 3 to go on, with Sid getting a nice run through on the inside. Even though Sid got a clear run all the way around the track, his time of 40 90 was not great, he usually does that sort of time when getting stuck behind slower dogs. Click here to see race result
So I have decided that this will be Sids last month before retirement, and on the 1st May he will coming home with me.
Oh yes, and I found out the other day that the finding of 50 spots is not really a rule, it is a sort off guide, and that it is completely up to the racing office to decide whether it should be reported to NGRC for an enquiry or not. Some tracks are stricter than others.
3rd April
Sid has been given a real good chance to win another race at the Stow tonight, where he will be running from trap 1.
In the race with him is Treacle Satin, who beat Sid by 3 3/4L last week and Lastinfirstout, who beat Sid by 2 1/2L the week before that, and the dog with the best recent time is True Frankie, it clocked 40.10 four runs back, and is the other Baggs runner in the race.
There is a lot of early pace in this race and Sid will probably find himself 6 to 8L off the leaders when they reach the winning line first time around. of course I was taking the piss when I said that Sid had a good chance of winning, because he has no chance of winning at all, unless there is a lot of trouble in the race, but he does have trap 1 and he will try his best as always.
Best Recent times this year.
1 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin (Unatt) 14.83 40.47 Running well at the moment, but now officially 5 years old, Sid has been given a very hard task here.
2 TRUE FRANKIE Stacey Baggs 14.51 40.10 Since clocking 40.10 it has finished last in its last three races, but was in with better company than tonight, in January it clocked 40.26 and for that it was up graded to an S1 which it won in 40.28, if returning to form it should win this race.
3 LASTINFIRSTOUT Stacey Baggs 14.45 40.27 One defeat in S1 and another in an inter track since it beat Sid in an S2, and the racing office have decided to drop it back down to an S2 and again put it in the same race as Sid
4 BUBBLE BOY (W) Chris Mosdall (Sitt) 14.55 40.75 Nice sectional but will struggle in this race, might be able to do Sid some favors by getting in the way of T5
5 TREACLE SATIN (W) Mark Wallis 14.69 40.28 After beating Sid last week, in a time of 40.28, this pup has been given the opportunity to try and do it again, only this time the race is a little bit harder for him
6 CENTER LAD (W) Chris Cronin (Unatt) 14.73 40.43 Similar times to Sid and nearly the same age and has about the same chance of winning as Sid, umm
As you can see, Sid has the slowest sectional time in the race, so should find himself at the back to start with, and with traps 2,3,4 &5 all going up to the first bent together, I can see trouble ahead for those 4 runners, which should see T2 getting around the first bend in front.
I can't see anything being close enough to Sid to get in his way, and although Sid can't really win the race, I am expecting a good time out of him, possibly his best time yet.
If I had to predict the result, it would be 2 5 1
28th March
Sid run well last night to finish 3rd, I was not surprised to see T5 win, or that it improved by 78 spots on its open race time of 2 weeks ago, it's just unfortunate that Sid tries to run he guts out to win a race, when you know jolly well he will never do a 40.20 in his life, winners time was 40.28. Click here to see race result
I can not blame the racing office this time, as I fill that they done the best they could, I mean even though you know the pup can do a better time than the 41.06 that it done in the open race, they would look silly putting it in an S1. going on that time, then again you could say that if the trainer thought it was good enough to be entered for an open race in the first place, then it should of been good enough to of been put in an S1, lol. you just can't win.
I am not sure how this using open races as trials to get your dog graded works. in an open race your dog can find as much time as you like without getting you into trouble, but in graded races if you finds over 50 spots you are usually in trouble. So if the pup had actually had a trial and clocked 41.06 and then was put in an S2 and then clocked 40.28 then your in trouble, but I should think that you can get away with it if you use an open race as a trial, I will try and find out and let you know later.
If anyone already knows the answer, then please let me know via my guest book above.
25th / 27th March
Sids next race is on Thursday night, he is running from trap 1 in the last race at 10.30pm.
Below is a list of the runners in the race.
Best Recent times this year.
1 NEVER SAY LUCKY Chris Cronin (Unatt) 14.83 40.47 Running well at the moment, hoping he leads T2 to the bend.
2 ARMISTICE Mick Puzey 14.88 40.59 3 wins from its last 5 starts, if leading at the start it will be hard to peg back.
3 DOUBLE PICKINS (M) Kelly Mullins 14.66 40.63 4 wins from its last 8 races, and that's over 475 Hurdles and 640m flat so in with a chance tonight.
4 MARISKA (M) Steven Willey (Sitt) 14.60 40.60 This one was also in Sids last race and finished in 4th place a neck behind Born For Glory
5 TREACLE SATIN (W) Mark Wallis 14.95 41.06 first time over this trip was in an open on the 13th March, when it finished last, obviously the race was used in order to get it graded for the 640m trip, so you can forget the time it clocked in that race. the interesting thing in that open race was that it finished only 2 1/4L behind Baran red, which beat Sid by 9 1/4L in its race before that. So this is one to keep your eye on, as it's still only a pup being an August 06
6 BORN FOR GLORY (W) Kelly Mullins 14.92 40.53 Usually slow away, and found a little trouble last time out, when finishing 3rd, 2 1/2L behind Sid.
This is an interesting race, as it looks like all the runners have an equal chance of winning if things go their way. I have a feeling that it will come down to who gets around the 1st bend in front. My brain for some reason keeps telling me to get on T4, but to be honest I just can not predict the winner of this race. So I will be cheering little Sid on, in his nice red jacket, and with a clear run he might just win, fingers crossed.
Thursday Night is good for me. as I don't work that night and with Sid running in the last race, it means there is a lot less traffic on the M25. So I will be going to watch Sid run again, Yippee. I will be standing in the cheap side again, as I like to watch Sid coming out of the boxes.
21st March
Another good run by Sid, that's 3 good runs on the trot now, so lets hope he gets a weeks rest before his next race.
There was no getting caught for the 2 dog tonight, as the money baggs runner recorded a time of 40,57 on a track rated 30 slow making the time 40.27, its best time ever for the trip, and probably an upgrade to S1 next time out.
Sid finished 2nd beaten just 2.5L and clocking a calculated time of 40.47, and that's his best time since the 3rd November last year, brilliant, and what really pleased me was that Sid managed to lead and beat T5 Born For Glory, who I know found a little bit of trouble in the race but had finished in front of Sid three times previously.
It was also very nice to see Sid in the RED jacket again. To see the race result click here .
Oh yes, this time I got to the track on time, Yippee, but there's no stopping those workman, and while I was at the track they decided to cone off the road I use to get back onto the M11 or A406. So it was off down the A104 to a place could Loughton, where ever that is, I didn't know this at the time but it's very near the M25, anyway when I stopped at some traffic lights I asked a man in the car beside me how I get to Romford or Basildon, and he said follow me and then took me to the A12 from where I new my way home.
Next time I will have to take my Sat Nav, although that hardly ever knows where it going either, I bought it cheap on E Bay and it's worse than my wife at navigating. At least when I shout at her I get some sort of response. I do miss the (do it yourself then) remark, lol and then I don't hear another word out of her for the rest of the journey, unlike the bloody Sat Nav, that never shuts up telling me I have gone the wrong way, do a u turn.
20th March
I just got a phone call from Chris, telling me that Sid is running tonight in the last race, he has been brought in as a replacement for the non runner in trap 1.
Chris said that if Sid runs as well as he did on Monday, and thing go his way, then he could be in with a chance.
Best Recent times this year.
T1 Never Say Lucky 14.83 40.56 Will need to run as good as he did on Monday to be up there with these at the finish.
T2 Lastinfirstout 14.45 40.48 Early pace but usually gets caught
T3 Mariska 14.60 40.60 A young one with nice breeding and going the right way
T4 Touchwood Hope 14.65 40.60 usually quick away but can also run on, has been beat by a couple in this race but not by far
T5 Born For Glory 14.92 40.53 Beat Sid easily on the 18th Feb, but in a slower time than Sid clocked on Monday.
T6 Fear Martina 14.46 40.88 Was off for 4 months, has had 4 races this year but was a very good dog last year.
I was told that the race consists of 2 railers, 2 middle & 2 wide runners, so hopefully we can look forward to a race without too much crowding and bumping and barging, and I have my fingers crossed that Sid runs as well as he did in his last two races.
This is a hard race to try and predict the winner of, obviously I would love Sid to win but he doesn't make it easy for himself by always having to come from behind, but I will keep my fingers crossed.
If I had to pick one, it would have to be T5, but then again if T6 runs anything like it did last year, I think it would win easily.
so I'm hoping for a nice safe race and everyone coming off sound, and a good run from T1 by Sid.
18th March
Yipeeeee, Sid wins at last, and in a nice time tooooooooooooo
To see the race result click here .
Well my summing up of how the race would go yesterday was completely wrong, Thank goodness, lol.
T1, the 6/4 fav, did lead to the 5th bend, but then faded badly and trap 6, who I thought run a good race in the heavy conditions last week, finished last, and T3, Chris's other dog in the race, who couldn't cope at all in the sticky going last week, run an absolute blinder and would of won the race if it was not for Sid getting a clear run round the track for a change, and clocking a more respectable 40.56 It will probably mean an upgrade to S2 for Sid but it was nice seeing the old boy win again.
17th March
Hello again. Sid has his next race this afternoon, he is running in race 9, due off at 4.57pm, and it's live in the betting shops.
With three railers in the race Sid will be running from trap 4. with two wide runners on his outside, and Sid is the Racing Post selection to win the race, but I don't think it will be as straight forward as that.
The two dogs that got in the way last time on the 3rd and 4th bends are in the race again running from T3 & T6, and to make it even harder T1 is bound to take a very long lead right from the start and although it dies coming off the last bend, a recent time of 40.68 on the 23rd February is far too fast for Sid at the moment, even with a clear run.
If Sid is going to have any chance of catching T1, and winning this race, he will need to be in 2nd position by the time he reaches the 3rd bend, and I just can not see that happening.
Best Recent times this year.
T1 LADY CLARISSA 14.48 40.62 Should lead all the way
T2 SPECIAL MIST 14.72 40.99 should go up to the first bend with T3
T3 DOLORES AGAIN 14.80 41.63 went up well last time but then faded terribly
T4 NEVER SAY LUCKY 14.87 40.93 I would like to see him ping out of the boxes and cut across to the rails in front of T2 & 3, That would leave just T1 & 6 in front of him, but I can't see that happening to be honest. Sid is going to find too many dogs getting in his way and will do well to finish 3rd.
T5 SLIGOS WIN 14.93 41.16 can't see this one winning and I hope it really does run wide
T6 ARMIES MENTOR 14.67 41.06 Run well last time behind Sid, with a similar break, could finish 2nd today
It would be nice if Sid could clock the 40.43 that he did back in November.
So my conclusion is T1 to beat T6 with Sid hopefully coming 3rd
13th March
Well, that's another weeks work out the way, and now I have the time to update the site on how Sid got on in his latest race on Monday, and I must say that I feel he was very unlucky not to have won the race.
It was a very wet and windy day at the stow, and the track was very heavy going, the racing office made the going one and a half seconds slow for the 640m trip.
So how did the race go ?. The traps opened and trap 6 was the first to show, Sid broke well but could not mach the early pace of traps 1, 2, &4, and as they reached the first bend Sid was in 5th position just ahead of the 5/4Fav, T5 on his outside.
Coming off the second bend, T6 is still in the lead but being challenged by T2 on its inside and T4 on its outside, with Sid still in 5th position but not too far behind.
As they reach the 3rd bend Sid is in 4th position right behind the leaders T2 on the rails and T6 alongside it, with T4 getting a nice run around the outside, at this point Sid has to slow down, as he gets stuck behind traps 2 & 6 as they go around the 3rd bend, causing T1 to check up behind Sid and letting T4 draw well clear as they come of the 4th bend.
As Sid enters the back straight, T4 has got a nice 6 length lead over Sid, who is just holding on to 4th position, and when they reach the 2nd last bend Sid has moved up into 2nd position but is still some 3 or 4L off the leader.
Coming off the last bend, Sid was Just 1L away from T4 and although it looked like He might just have a chance, you could see he was beginning to struggle in the heavy ground and had already given all he had in him, to go down by only 1/2L.
If Sid hadn't got held up going around the 3rd and 4th bends, then the 4 dog would never of got a 6L lead over Sid and Sid would of gone on to win the race, But that's dog racing for you. Having said that, Trap 4 run a good race and held on gamely all the way to the pick up, T6 run a good race too and finished 3rd. To see the race result click here .
10th March
Another race for Sid today at Walthamstow, it's a BAGS race, and I don't mean a Miss Money Baggs Race, lol, as she hasn't got one in it.
The race will be live in the betting shops, and off at 5.17, hopefully Basildon council will not cone the road off outside my local bookie.
Sid has been given trap 3, Yippeeeeeee, and the Racing post say, and I quote, ( Poor strike rate, but he must enter the fray here ), although T5 is their selection and NAP for the meeting.
Best Recent times this year.
T1 SPECIAL MIST 14.72 40.99 I think this one could lead T2 to the bend on recent form
T2 DOLORES AGAIN 15.01 41.63 If clocking the 14.68 Sectional it done just before Xmas, then it may beat T1 to the bend,
T3 NEVER SAY LUCKY 14.87 40.93 A much better draw for Sid, which should see his Sectional time improve by a good 2L on his latest, that would give him a 14.84 hopefully Sid will tuck in behind traps 1 & 2 around the first 4 bends, before making his challenge down the back straight.
T4 MOUNT HILL GIRL 14.80 40.88 This one lead Sid in his last race before fading and being passed by Sid. I expect Sid, with his better draw to lead this time.
T5 CUTIE PIE 14.91 40.77 This one runs a lot like Sid with similar sectionals and running on, if clocking the 40.77 it done in its trial back on Valentines day, then it might well win the race.
T6 ARMIES MENTOR 14.67 41.06 worse form than Sid of late, with a 6th, 6th, 5th, 5th, 2nd, but did win an S3 back in Oct last year when clocking 40 41 So watch out if this one leads up, which I believe it just might do.
T5 is a good selection by the racing post and should go well, I was told by a friend, who was at the Stow when Sid raced last week, that Sid didn't show any of his old sparkle that he used to show at Romford. he said that Sid mist the break and then just plodded around. Well lets hope the old boy runs more like his old self today.
This is a nicely graded race, with 2 railers, middle and wide. Any big improvements by either the 5 and 6 dogs would see them win easily, but gong on recent form could be a very very close finish and I am looking forward to this one very much,
Go on Sid, Ping out
I will have a small bet on him today, and a forecast traps 5 & 6 to beat Sid, and then that's all my money gone until pay day March 2010, lol.
6th March
What a day, I worked Monday night, so I slept right through my birthday on Tuesday.
I decided to go and watch Sids race, and to start work 2 hours late, which means I have to stay 2 hours longer in the morning.
Anyway we left home with plenty of time, so there was no need to rush about, and we got to the Crooked Billet roundabout a good 10 minutes before Sids race, as we past the car park on the left, the one that cost a pound, and got to the traffic lights that we have to go through before we can turn right into the road for the owners free car park, a workman decided to cone the road off at the traffic lights, and made everybody turn left and told us to follow the diversion signs.
I couldn't reverse back to the other car park because there was cars and busses behind me going all the way back to the roundabout, and after just 2 minutes driving in the wrong direction, I was completely lost.
After about 6 minutes of driving like an idiot, I drove over a cattle grid and straight away I knew where I was, because years ago, back in the 70's, I used to drive over those same cattle grids to get to Harringay Stadium, and I knew I was very close to the A406 North Circular Road.
So it was straight down the slip road and back to the Crooked Billet roundabout, we still have 2 minutes before the race, so the plan is, we dump the car in the £1 car park, My daughter Maria pays, cos it's me birthday, lol and we run across the road straight into the cheap side and we should just about make Sids race.
As we get to our turn off on the roundabout for Chingford Road, what had the workman decided to do ?, move the cones up to the roundabout and bloke the whole road off.
After a bit swearing in the car, it was back onto the A406 to drive all the way home, quickly get changed and then off to work.
So how did Sid run, well he finished 4th, 2 of the dogs that I felt he should of been able to beat finished 2nd & 3rd beating Sid by 1 1/2L & 3/4L, but the winner, being, surprise surprise, trap 3 Baran Red, who won by 7L in a very very much improved time of 40.33 only a whole second on its previous race, and that's the second time that Miss baggs has done that in a race Sid was in, last time it was Greenfield Fawn that improved a little bit, if I remember rightly, so maybe now that she is having so many easy winners, maybe I should call her miss money baggs instead. Anyway I will be surprised if she gets away with this one, as it won far far to easily. To see the race result click here .
Chris phoned me after the race and told me that Sid completely missed the break, which Chris said did Sid a favor, as he went from trap 6 straight to the rails and that's were he stayed for the whole race, ON THE RAILS, lol.
So hopefully Sid will get a trap draw nearer the rails next time out and won't be in with anything that is going to find over half a second on its previous form, well we can hope anyway. Bye for now.
3rd March
I phoned Walthamstow racing office today and spoke with Mr Page the racing manager, and I must say he was very polite to me on the phone, I thought he would get upset and ask me if I am trying to tell him his job, but he was nothing like that at all, he was very sympathetic and said he will make a not of it and try to put Sid a bit closer in next time although it is to late to change tomorrow nights card, of which I do understand.
He also told me that Sids race is not a trophy race, but some kind of stakes race, what ever that is, lol
Now for a look at the race and to see what chance I think Sid might have.
1 SPECIAL MIST John Coleman 14.72 40.99 will not lead up traps 2 & 3, but should get a lead on Sid and then probably get in Sids way in the latter part of the race.
2 ELLRON Kelly Mullins 14.62 40.97 This dog was running in and winning opens and S1's last year, clocking a best time of 40.18, but it's last 2 runs were very poor.
3 BARAN RED (M) Stacey Baggs 15.07 41.29 I always get a bit worried when I see a dog go up in trip that can do 4.98 sectional over 475m but then only does a pathetic 15.07 sect for 640m, as you know it can do a lot better than that, it did find trouble last time out and will improve a hell of a lot on that time, one to keep your eye on.
4 SIRENA (M) StevenWilley(Unatt) 14.74 41.01 this dog has only had 4 races and was beaten by The Wizard, which is the dog that got in Sids way on the 2nd last bend last week, before he could pass it to go on an take 2nd place last time out, so Sirena should really have no chance in this race.
5 MOUNT HILL GIRL (M) Graham Sharp 14.80 40.84 This dog has been doing similar sec times as Sid, which can only be bad news for Sid, as he is not going to be able to get to the rails if he goes up alongside the 5 dog.
6 NEVER SAY LUCKY (M) Chris Cronin(Unatt) 14.87 40.78 Trap 6 is not a good draw if your dog always want to get on the rails, because he will loose a good 2 or 3L right at the start of the race as he tries to get from the outside to the inside.
Conclusion. I am expecting T3 to ping out and lead by the first bend, being followed by traps 2, 1, & 4, and I will be hoping that T5 misses the break and that Sid gets out well and can cut across to the rails in order to round the 1st bend in 5th position, not too far behind.
Now if that happens, then I am pretty sure that Sid will pass traps 1, 2, & the 4 dog before the winning line, going on their recent form. and I would hope that if Sid went round the 1st bend ahead of T5 that he could hold off any late challenge from that dog, then it would be all on how well T3 stays the trip and on how big an improvement it makes on it's last run. In a clean run race, I expect the result to be 3, 6, 2
2nd March
Some good news for once, because Sid managed to have 4 races in February, he actually got enough run money to cover 2/3 of his kennel bill.
More good news is that Sid is out again on Tuesday 4th March, which is my birthday, and Chris said he thinks it might be a trophy race as well, I said oh great, what trap is he in, 1 ?, No 6 he replied.
I haven't seen the runners yet, but lets hope they are all slower than Sid this time, as it would be nice to finish his racing career with a trophy.
I am supposed to be working on Tuesday night, but already I can feel that I am a little unwell and that by Tuesday afternoon I don't think it is going to be possible for me to work, if I am going to feel as rough as I am predicting.
I will update the site on Monday when I have seen the advanced card.
And would you believe it, even more good news, but you will have to visit Muppets Page to find out what it is.
29th February
Link to Sids Stow race last night
The correct result for the race is still not available yet, even the Racing post printed the wrong times and distances today. I am waiting for Walthamstow stadium to put the results sheet up on their web site, but they are soooooo slooooow, lol.
28th February
UPDATE
It was bound to happen eventually
This evening I decided to watch Sids race from the cheap side of the stadium, where the 640m starting traps are situated.
I stood at the first bend so I could look straight down the track towards the starting traps. I wanted to see why the racing office felt that Sid deserved to be allocated a middle seed and why, when the race is made up with no wide runners, that Sid is always put on the outside of the middle runners, like tonight when he got trap 6 again.
Now my opinion is and always has been that Sid is a railer, but he does find the bends at the stow a bit tight.
Anyway the reason I wanted to watch Sid coming down the track was to see if he really does run middle, and tonight the answer was obvious for everyone to see, NO.
As the traps opened, Sid got away well and after a few strides, started to head for the rails, cutting across T5 and causing it to fall over. After making contact with the 5 dog for the early part of the race, this left Sid in 5th position as they got to the first bend, with only the fallen dog behind him.
For the rest of the race Sid, in his nice black and white stripped jacket stayed glued to the rails not even coming off them to try a go past the railers that were getting in his way as the went around the last 2 bends.
Sid run on really well to finish 2nd beaten by what I thought was about 2 or 3 lengths, and I was pleased with his run considering what happened early on in the race. I am sure that with a better trap draw, he could of won the race.
If you click on the link below you can see the result, but I wouldn't make too much of it, as it's a total cock up just like the race was, lol. I will put the correct race result up as soon as it is available, also I will try and upload the video of this race soon.
To see the race result click here .
Anyway, well done Sid, that was more like your old self.
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Hello again, sorry for the late update but since my hours at work have changed, it leaves me very little time to get on my computer these days.
Sid races tonight, in about 4 1/2 hours time to be precise, and I've had a quick look at the runners and apart from Sid being in trap 6, It looks like not being a badly graded race for a change, and with a clear run Sid might even get close to winning.
1 WITCHES PETAL
2 LADY CLARISSA
3 THE WIZARD
4 CLYFAR CATE
5 CLONBRIN SARA
6 NEVER SAY LUCKY
I have not got the time to study the form of all the runners in deep today, but after a very quick look I think the 2 dog will lead early and I am just hoping that Sid makes the first bend in front of traps 3,4,& 5 to leave him in the best possible position in order to try and catch the 2 dog by the time they reach the winning line. so I am hoping for a 6 & 2 finish.
18th February
UPDATE
Result -- 1st T5 @ 7/4 2nd T6 @ 6/4Fav 3rd T4 @ 5/1 Trio paid £15 to a £1 stake.
Winners time 40.59
To see the race result click here .
Well, I got the whole race spot on, even the winners time, traps 5 & 6 even found trouble at the first bend but still run on to win very easily indeed, with no trouble the time would of been at least 40.45
I was wrong about Coral having a recording of the commentary after the race had finished, but I am sure it was there last week, lol.
Still Ladbrokes.com have got it, if anyone wants to hear it. Click on the Ladbrokes link, then click on commentaries on the left, a small window will open, so you have to click on Greyhounds at the top and then click on Walthamstow 5 33pm commentary. Sid was in T4. the commentary is only there for today.
Sid got beat by 4 1/2L but in a clean run race he would of got beat a good 6L or 7L.
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Sid races today in a BAGS race which will be shown live in the betting shops this afternoon at 5 33pm. or you can listen to the race on the net from any of the big bookmakers web sites. I believe CORAL have a link to the commentary even after the race has finished, for that day only.
I don't usually like Sid being in BAGS races, but at the stow it will probably be a good thing for Sid, as the bookmakers don't like races that have ODDS ON Fav in the race, or races where the winner wins by half the track.
Having said that, the betting on these race are usually 3/1 the field and the runner are all unpredictable and don't win many races.
The race is an S3 but there is a dog in trap 5 BORN FOR GLORY who beat Sid very easily when they meet in an S2 back in October, and I should imagine that it will be the fav for this race, also in the race T6 DUBAI DIVINE has almost won 3 S3's on the trot and has not been upgraded, as is usually the case.
Running from T2 is STEEPLE RD BLOND who ran from T3 in the last race Sid was in, and got in Sids way a bit as Sid tried to overtake that runner on it's inside, Sid was in T6 that time but today goes from T4
List of runners
T1 DOGTOR ON CALL 14.77 40.84 this has no hope at all on form, beaten over 11L by the 6 dog and should finish last today, time for a down grade I think.
T2 STEEPLE RD BLOND 14.88 40.69 might find trouble if T1 & T3 beat it to the first bend
T3 ANNANDALE DIXIE 14.62 40.90 should lead but dies at the end
T4 NEVER SAY LUCKY 14.87 40.91 should go well going on last weeks performance but must not get held up
T5 BORN FOR GLORY 14.92 40.80 I expect this one to be too good and should win
T6 DUBAI DIVINE 14.86 40.79 as usual this one will be finishing very fast off the last bend
I would say that the 5 dogs run last time out, when finishing 2nd was a good sign that it is coming back to it's best form and that would mean a time in the region of 40.40 to 40.60 and that would be too good for the other 5 runners in the race.
I am expecting a 5, 6, 4 finish, although I will be praying for a win for Sid, lol.
15th February
Hello again, sorry for the delay in updating the site, but I popped up north to Northumberland to visit my sister, who has just had a big operation.
So how did Sids race go. Well it's the first time I have ever seen the 6 dog hugging the rails as it tries to get past the 3 dog, who is a railer, but what can you do, we must thank god that we don't have 8 dog racing at the Stow.
I thought Sid run well for most of the race but obviously doesn't stay more than 700m, and he was never going to catch the 5 dog.
I have been checking the advanced cards to see when Sid will be running again, but it will not be until next week, unless he is brought in at the last minute as a replacement, but all the other dogs that were in Sids race last Saturday have had or are having another run this week, except for the 3 dog who Sid managed to beat, perhaps it went lame.
I was wrong about the F/C being T5 & T3, but T5 did win race at 7/1 from a very fast finishing favourite in T1.
To see the race result click here .
I will be walking the dog on Sunday as usual and if there is any news then I will update the site then.
I cant wait for Muppet to start racing, lets hope she will be good enough to grade in at Romford, who are the best track in the country for prize money at the moment.
But one thing is for sure I will never run a dog at Walthamstow ever again after Sid retires, in 6 of the 10 races that Sid has had at the Stow, he has been beaten by distances between 7L and 12 1/2L, the nearest he has got to a win is when he finished 3rd beaten by 2L in an S2.
8th February
OK, I've had a look at the runners, and my opinion is that Sid can't win. He hasn't got one thing in his favor, no inside draw, no chance of making a first bend lead and he doesn't stay that distance, 750m at Romford was his limit, but over 835m's, Sid would need to lead and then hope the others found some trouble behind, and I can not see that happening on Saturday night.
Here are the runners, with their best recent times for all distances.
T1 LAZY LOB John Coleman 475m 5.22 29.85 -------- 640m 15.10 40.92 -------- 835m 54.46
T2 EXPERT PLAN Graham Sharp 475m 5.12 29.82 -------- 640m 14.78 40.80 -------- 835m N/A
T3 STEEPLE RD BLOND Stacey Baggs 475m 5.02 29.54 -------- 640m 14.87 40.69 -------- 835m N/A
T4 I MEAN THAT Dickie Hawkes 475m 5.21 29.94 -------- 640m 14.98 40.82 -------- 835m 54.26
T5 LUCIESILVAS (M) Stacey Baggs 475m 5.19 29.94 -------- 640m 14.90 40.53 -------- 835m 53.99
T6 NEVER SAY LUCKY (M) Chris Cronin(Unatt) 475m 5.26 29.62 -------- 640m 14.90 40.78 -------- 835m N/A
As you can see, Sid has the slowest sectional time over 475m, a good 3L slower than the 3 dog, although Sids time of 29.62 for the 475m trip only leaves him a length behind the 3 dog, but unfortunately he did that time when he first went to the Stow and his more recent trial time for the 475m trip was 29.91 and that leaves him near enough last.
When looking at the sectional times for the 640m trip, there is not a lot in it, but there is a nice long run up to the first bend, which you don't have over 835m, the 835m traps are very close to the first bend and don't always open, lol.
So how do I think the race is going to turn out, well the grader obviously likes Stacey Baggs as her 3 dog is bound to lead and her her 5 dog, who has run in opens over this trip is bound to be staying on best of all at the end, with the other four runners just getting in each others way.
So it's a trap 5 & 3 rev forecast with perhaps a couple of lame dogs at the firs bend.
5th February
Right where do we start, Sid finished 3rd beaten 3 3/4L, and he did one of his better sectional times than of late.
So who won the race. Would you believe it, trap 4, the one we know very little about. It had a trial over 640m and clocked 41.24 and then in the race it leads all the way and clocks 40.43, say no more.
Even after taking into consideration the going allowances for both the trial, -15 and the race +20. lol, it was still a big improvement of 46 spots, as is now the norm in Sids races. To see the race result click here .
UPDATE. I have just looked at the card for Saturday, and they have got Sid down to run in the 6th race off at 8.39pm. It's a marathon race over 835m, and Sid is in trap 6. I know Sid was well clear at the pick up the other night, but he is not really a marathon dog, it just looked good because the other dogs in the race were dying after the line. But we will see.
I will update the site again after I have had a chance to look at the other runners in the race.
1st February
Sid returns to racing on Saturday, as Thursday night was open racing only at the Stow.
He is running in the 2nd race at 7.43pm, from T5. Usually I would be a bit disappointed with that draw, but to be honest the racing office have given Sid a very easy come back race, at his best, I would expect Sid to win a race like this by 10 lengths, but Sids trial time shows that he is no where near as good a dog as he was a year ago.
The only dog in the race that we don't know too much about is T4, Greenfield Fawn. It is now 3 years old and has only had 7 races to date, its first two races were a year ago, then it was off for 10 months until it returned in December, and has had another 5 races, all over 475m, so this is its first time over the 640m trip.
Trying to be a little bit more positive on Sid, I will say that he has always run well and won races in the month of February and that as long as his injury has fully cleared up, he must be in with a chance in this company.
Also, it's a long time since Sid has run in such an early race, so instead of being put in the racing kennel at 6pm and then being left there until the last race at 10.30pm, that's 4 1/2 hours, he should be out stretching his legs at 7.30 getting ready for his race at 7.43, so that's just 1 1/2 hours.
I will be surprised if Sid is not the favourite for the race even though his form has been pretty poor since moving to the Stow.
27th January
At last we have 2 lots of good news, firstly, Sid had a 475m trial last Thursday before racing, at the Stow, and if we are lucky, Sid could be on the card in a low grade over 640m this Thursday coming, which is the last day of January and would certainly help a little towards his kennel bill.
Sid finished last in a 3 dog trial and the time was not good, but he is getting old now. comparing his times with his previous 475m trial, this time he was half a length slower on his sectional time and 3 lengths slower on his previous trial time, but Chris did tell me that at the pick up he was only 2L behind an S1 graded dog.
But to be honest I don't think Sid will ever win another race, especially when he is put in trap 5 with a middle to wide runner on his inside in trap 3, as was the case in his trial.
For the second piece of good news you will have to look at Muppets page.
26th January
Well hello again. When I went to walk Sid last Sunday, I discovered that Chris had gone away for a weeks holiday, so I am not too sure what is happening with him at the moment, although the kennel girl did tell me that she thinks Sid was galloped a few days ago, which is good news.
Sid is not on the card for Tuesday but fingers crossed that he gets a race sometime this week. Hopefully I will find out more tomorrow.
19th January
I am still bored, lol, and after reading the latest NGRC inquiries, Theobromine has jumped from No 2 to No 1.
So what did I find out about these drugs, Well after a quick Google, I found the following.
No. 1 Theobromine.
Theobromine is an alkaloid
belonging to the methylxanthines. The structure of theobromine is similar to
that of caffeine.
Theobromine is mainly
found in cocoa beans (about 25 g/kg), and consequently in chocolate. Theobromine
levels are highest in dark chocolates (about 10 g/kg). Milk chocolates contains
about 2 to 5 g theobromine per kg. (1-5 g/kg). Theobromine is also present in
tea and cola nuts.
Theobromine has a
similar effect than caffeine, but about 10 times weaker. Theobromine has
diuretic, stimulant and relaxing effects. Theobromine can lower the blood
pressure because it can to dilate blood vessels.
Theobromine has stimulant properties, similar to caffeine. Unlike caffeine
theobromine does not affect the central nervous system.
Theobromine can also relax bronchi muscles in the lungs. Theobromine can be used
as cough medicine. Studies indicate that theobromine acts on the vagus nerve,
which runs from the lungs to the brain,
Although
theobromine does not cause harmful effects with humans, it
is highly toxic to some domestic animals, including dogs and horses.
With the animals, theobromine can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures.
Theobromine has a bitter flavour, which gives dark chocolate its typical bitter
taste
No. 2 Methylprednisolone. This belongs to the group of medicines known as Corticosteroids.
Methylprednisolone can be used to treat inflammatory and allergic disorders,and is available in tablet and injection form
No. 3 Theophylline also known as dimethylxanthine, is a methylxanthine drug used in therapy for respiratory diseases such as COPD or asthma. Due to its numerous side-effects, these drugs are now rarely administered for clinical use. As a member of the xanthine family, it bears structural and pharmacological similarity to caffeine. It is naturally found in tea, although in trace quantities (~1 mg/L), significantly less than therapeutic doses.
The main actions of theophylline involve:
I will update the site again after walking both Sid & Muppet tomorrow.
12th January
I am getting bored now that Sid is not racing again, so I have been visiting the NGRC web site, and taking a look at the recent enquiries.
It is surprising what a difference a particular track can make when it comes to time finding, or to put it nicely, in respect of the improved performance of the greyhound.
For example, if your dog improves by 49 spots at, lets say Walthamstow or Romford, nothing is said, but if you are a trainer at Doncaster, then you better be very careful indeed, as one greyhound improved by just 34 spots and the trainer was reprimanded and fined the sum of £500
And if you think that's bad, another one at the same track improved by just 2 spots. I quote,( Opening at 7/2 and starting at 4/6f, the greyhound had won a 483m race recording a calculated time of 30.93 seconds as compared with its best recent time of 30.95 seconds recorded in a race on 24 March 2007. However, it was an improved performance on its previous five races in which it had recorded a best time of 31.32 seconds in a race on 20 April 2007,)
Then there was the positive urine samples, I haven't got a clue what most of the drugs are, but here are the top 3.
No. 1-- Methylprednisolone
No. 2-- Theobromine
No. 3-- is a draw between Tepoxalin, Timolol, & Morphine, lol. I think I have heard of the last one;
Nitrous oxide is what I need a lot of at the moment, it also has a few other names, such as, dinitrogen oxide, or dinitrogen monoxide, but is most commonly known as laughing gas.
Later on I will try and find out what all those drugs are for.
Well tomorrow is Sunday and I will be off to walk Sid and Muppet again, so lets hope there is some good news to come on those two.
5th January
The latest news on Sid is that the little gits gone lame, lol, and will need to be off for a few weeks, apparently he had a trapped nerve in his back and his elbow is playing him up again, what it is to get old. So there's another vet bill for me.
That would explain why he run such a dismal race last time out to finish 5th, only managing to beat one dog home, and that had gone lame at the start of the race. To see the race result click here .
Before I go, I would like to thank Mario for signing my guest book the other day and I will try and answer his question as best I can, without upsetting anybody feelings, lol.
Why did I move Sid to Walthamstow, Actually I moved Sid to Chris so that Sid could race at Sittingbourne, but at the very same time Chris signed an agreement with Walthamstow to supply them with 6 bend dogs, so that was just bad luck again.
But the main reason I moved Sid was because I am finding it very difficult Financially and Sids Kennel bill was due, that's £250, and Sid was down to run in a very easy race that I felt he could not lose, so the £140 for the win would of just been right to help with the bill. I walked Sid on the Sunday and he was as fit as a fiddle jumping out of his skin and I was really looking forward to the race, if I remember rightly it was the next night. But in the morning I got a phone call from Jim telling me that Sid had gone lame and has been withdrawn from the race.
Now Jim also had another dog in the race that had not won a race for a long time, and runners in this race were that bad that even his other dog could win this if it tried, and as it was too late notice for the racing office to put in a reserve, his other dog did win the race. usually the dog would lead and fade and get beat but this time the opposition was so poor that even after missing the break, it come from behind to win it at 5/1 outsider of the 5 runners, lol.
Jim is a very good trainer, he feeds his dogs well and has good staff and a lovely wife, But Sid was getting too many injuries in the kennel, even when I was told that Sid was resting because of sore shoulder, he got another injury and a serious one too, so unfortunately I don't trust him anymore. ( there are not many people that I do trust )
After working as a kennel boy and seeing what can go on in this game, I get very suspicious at anything that looks just a little bit fishy, as you can probably tell when reading my comments on Sids upcoming races, the amount of time finding in some races is unbelievable.
As for his other races, I am not sure what you mean but all I have uploaded is 10 races at Romford and 7 races from Hove, all the links at Putfile.com should work but sometimes are a bit slow to open when a lot of people are using the net at peak time. but below is a link to sids Hove races that I first put on youtube if that is of any help, if not send me an e mail and I will try and sort it out. www.gbunting.fsnet.co.uk/race_video's.htm