☀️ THE RPGTV SHOW IN 2020 ☀️

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The world's great race should have been kicking off on Good Friday..


Might we have to wait another year for our Derby?



NORMALLY (a word now spoken wistfully) we’d all be eagerly anticipating the first round of the Star Sports, Arc and LPS Derby, which was due to start at Nottingham on Good Friday (April 10).

The draw had been scheduled for Friday just gone (having closed to entries last Tuesday). Furious argument would be under-way about anything that failed to make the 192 field cut (optimism was high for a big entry, especially from Ireland) and equally about decisions from the seeding committee - whose public face is Peter O’Dowd, the highly respected senior Romford official.

Another likely debating point would be the price of Derby favourite Ice On Fire. Star Sports have suspended their ante-post book, but bet365 still have him at 8-1. Then it’s 12s Lenson Bocko (Graham Holland’s Irish Derby champ), 20 Newinn Taylor (Bocko’s unbeaten star pup kennelmate), 25-1 Deanridge Sirius, 28 Ballymac Anton, 33 Bockos Doomie, Antigua Breeze, 40-1 bar

At some point ‘the value’, according to some, would swing to opposing Ice On Fire, although Sandra Gilmartin, the reigning Racing Post/SIS Manager of the Year (Paddy Power, Coventry), after presenting his connections with the RPGTV Juvenile trophy at Sheffield at the end of February, notably said all the punters in her shop recognised him as something special and ‘the one’.

Suddenly coronavirus intervened. Full stop. Derby postponed, no racing, nothing.

Some people are furloughed, though kennelstaff are still working, greyhounds have to be exercised and fed. Fair play to Peter Harnden, eloquently making the case for his fellow trainers that much more funding help is needed other than the measure of support from some tracks and the Greyhound Board.

At least greyhounds are lazier than even me and love to curl up and sleep - nature’s way for them to conserve energy until they need to run. We’re definitely all doing more of that than normal although it’s good to see those of us who are actually using the time positively. You imagine, after the coronavirus tide eventually turns, a fondness will emerge for a period when families and society thought more about others. Stronger together was never more apt, even if all are kept at responsible distance.

Each year’s Derby underpins the fabric needed for a successful sport. It overshadows everything. Yet my feeling, right now, is that Priceless Blake’s reign as champion might run for two years.

For once, that’s me being rarely pessimistic. Which is not what Jimmy Fenwick will want to hear as he sits pondering his ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity with Ice On Fire possibly getting missed.

Make no mistake, this sport needs its Derby and Nottingham definitely do want to make it happen. There is massive enthusiasm there to prove what they learned last year can make this year’s one the roaring success that the event, they and we all deserve. Their new traps alone, which grip the opening lid firmer and fairer, are just one plus.

It’s obviously possible Nottingham could stage the Derby maybe in October, after the Irish one. The Cork Laurels is currently then, with Limerick’s Leger in November. But the Irish calendar will eventually get reviewed, as well as the UK’s. Shelbourne will be equally keen to get going while Nottingham, for instance, would have to reflect on November’s Eclipse and October’s British Breeders Stakes.

There’s going to be casualties, tragically human but also economic. Some businesses, some racecourses may not make it.

Looking ahead to next year, there seems likely to be a renewed bid to host the world’s greatest race from what can prove a resurgent Towcester. Now to be promoted by Henlow’s Kevin Boothby, if you have seen the videos on the Greyhound Star site of the track work and subsequent trials, it looks like lessons have been both absorbed and acted upon. Of course it’s early days, but it feels exciting and the sport needs that.

The next Derby might yet prove to be at Towcester, but there’s a long way to go to that and Nottingham will have something to say about it.

If nothing else, wouldn’t it be great to have a proper choice? What else in greyhound racing is more important than cherishing and developing our Derby dream?

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The scene after Burgess Doc's Springbok triumph



BURGESS DOC is the RPGTV/GWA Greyhound of the Month for March after polling almost 60 per cent of the vote among RPGTV viewers.

Winner of the Cearnsport Springbok final at Central Park for Monmore trainer Lee Field, Burgess Doc saw off a strong challenge from the month’s other big-race winners to claim the prize.

He polled more votes than Coral Golden Sprint winner Goldies Hoddle (Patrick Janssens), RPGTV Steel City Cup hero Headford Ranger (Kevin Hutton) and Ladbrokes Puppy Derby champion Newinn Jacko (Ernie Gaskin).

“It’s fantastic news at a difficult time,” said trainer Field, “although I’m surprised really he won it as, for me, Kevin’s dog (Headford Ranger) was a 1-4 shot for me. Over the course of the month his dog should be the winner, running unbeaten through the Steel City Cup.

“Our dog has won four from five since being with us, but three of those wins came in February, although he did win the final at Central Park and has got something of a fan club on social media - and I have to thank my daughter Ellie for that.

“She told her 57 million followers to vote for Doc!” joked Field, who trains the June 2017 son of Droopys Jet and Badminton Maid for owners Andrea Dale, Kevin Marston, Alex Candlish, Jim and Lyn Butland.

“All jokes aside, you can’t take anything away from the dog and what he’s achieved. If it wasn’t for a stumble out of the traps in the heats of the Springbok he’d still be unbeaten - and through the event we had a slight issue to contend with too.

“That’s been sorted now. He’s just been operated on and, all things considered, shows just how well he ran at Central Park. He had the tendon fixed up four weeks ago so he’s well on the mend now and in good spirits.

“Even when we’re back racing, the Calendar could be up in the air for a few weeks. Obviously we hope the Grand National can now be staged later in the year - if it’s scheduled at the right time we might make it.

“I’m sure the dogs will be refreshed when we get back. We’re galloping dogs daily here to keep them fit and ready to start again when allowed to. I’d certainly be looking to hit the ground running when that time comes.”


Clive Lawrence, RPGTV executive producer, said: “It was good to see Burgess Doc win the GWA/RPGTV Greyhound of the Month award for March. Hailing from a very enthusiastic kennel who were quick off the mark with voting for their superstar, he won the Cearnsport Springbok in impressive style and looks like a hurdler worth following when racing resumes.

“RPGTV are similar to the rest of the industry in waiting for racing to resume before live transmissions can begin again. In the meantime we will be refreshing our features playouts shortly and are always on the lookout for other content that would interest our loyal viewers.”

Jonathan Hobbs, GWA chairman, added: “Well done to Burgess Doc and his owners, but special praise for Lee - it was a great training performance in the circumstances.”

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You never know what will happen given a bit of luck


Unpredictability rules but it fuels 'dreamers' too.....

BY JIM CREMIN
BLOG April 11 2020:



WE have kept Racing Post’s greyhoundbet news service going during this enforced hiatus with a mixture of Flashbacks - I was delighted to be able to again use Steve Nash's pictures of one of my more personal recent favourites, the stunningly handsome brindle Ballymac Vic (unlucky third in the 2013 Wimbledon Derby) - as well as various other stories at an otherwise quiet time.

Looking at online readership stats, one that achieved a high reach was news of the passing of Star Cash Simon, 20-1 winner of the 2012 Coral Essex Vase at Romford and the dog that put his owner trainer Kevin Boon on the map.

Such shocks often strike a chord by proving ‘the dream’ is possible. Looking back at that night, Kevin, once joint-manager of football club Kings Lynn Town, had been typically upbeat in the trainer quotes that I had put together for that Wednesday's paper. The final was live on Sky Sports.

He explained then: “We have seven greyhounds, looked after by myself and my wife Oonah - she takes over when I have to get on with my construction business. It's great fun and I'd like to say thank you to Yarmouth for allowing me the chance to train there, and people like Pam and Ray Cross who are always helpful if I ring up with a query.

“Simon came from Pat Buckley in Ireland and all credit to the dog. He enjoys plenty of work, which if you have the right type of dog is what I love to see. It's all about fitness. He can be noisy, at least until he's gulped down his breakfast or lunch - he demands to be fed first! This is a bit far for him, perhaps 515m at Hove might be interesting, but he has real pace and has run so well to qualify at a big price. You never know what may happen if he gets a bit of luck.”

On a fast track, he got the run of the race and Kevin afterward told of his 150-1 ante-post bet and, just before the final, his three daughters opened accounts to get on at 40-1!

Kevin’s passion is typical of the dedication and determination that greyhound trainers need.

Peter Harnden, who represents the profession as Trainers’ Director on the Greyhound Board, always makes himself available for handlers - and especially now.

He tells me: “This is a tough time for trainers . . . nothing is going to come back immediately - particularly as Boris is likely to be far more cautious than he was before. When you have endured something yourself, it really brings it home and he will now appreciate the risks all the more. I can’t see anything happening until the end of May, perhaps June.”

Peter adds: “For some trainers it is really tough. It depends on their personal circumstances, liabilities and support they are getting from any track attachment. Some tracks can’t afford to do much, in fact you wonder about the long term implications for a few of those.

“Those trainers who entered into pure run money deals with owners are particularly struggling. That was always risky, in case a dog or dogs faced an enforced lay-off, but the entire kennels? I can only hope those owners are stepping in to help.”

He explains that the “Greyhound Board is working hard to get the message across to the government and also highlighting the plight of those trainers that need economic help. By contrast I’ve had the time to watch Australian racing. Given the rewards there, it makes you wistful for a ‘different system’ and different attitude, but that is unlikely to ever happen.

“What we’re all doing now is letting our dogs relax and certainly not work too hard. The last thing you want is for them to get hyped up and excited. This is a time to ‘let them down’ and it’s a strange period where, for once, you too can also take a step back. That is so rare in this business, it’s like a long holiday somewhere remote but equally, it won’t be long before everyone itches to get back to it . . . absolutely everything is unpredictable.”

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Mike Palmer (centre) on the Walthamstow track with Brough Scott (left)
and the late John McCririck at the Racing Post Arc Final, March 1988



Mike Palmer, 75, dies peacefully on Wednesday....



BY RACING POST STAFF
9:30PM 30 APR 2020..



MIKE PALMER, Greyhound Editor of the Racing Post when it was launched in April 1986, died on Wednesday [April 29] following a lengthy illness. He was 75.

Palmer enjoyed a lengthy career in greyhound journalism having initially trained a greyhound or two himself on the independent scene and later also enjoyed an appointment as a steward at Rye House.

Having completed a printing apprenticeship with a role in production for the Greyhound Owner, he joined the editorial team of that publication in 1968.

Six years later he took up broadcasting duties with Radio London with a regular summary of the night’s greyhound racing action, which incorporated London and the provinces.

His biggest achievement on Radio London was selecting 15 consecutive winning naps, though the legendary Myrtown, rated one of the fastest middle-distance greyhounds never to win the Greyhound Derby, let down an extension of the remarkable sequence.

By 1980, he was reporting on other sports, notably football, for Radio London and he was particularly pleased to interview then QPR manager Tommy Docherty.

He subsequently became the Wembley greyhound correspondent for The Sporting Life and was a regular contributor to the popular ‘Around The Tracks’ column working alongside greyhound editor Archie Newhouse, Bob Betts, Reg Potter, Albert Bright, Charlie Maskey, John Curle and John ‘Admiral’ Benbow.

His spell at the Racing Post, during which he was a regular contributor in the early days of SIS, began pre-launch in late 1985 and he remained at the then Raynes Park base for some nine years, subsequently taking on other roles including with the Greyhound Monthly and as secretary of the Greyhound Owners, Breeders and Trainers Association (Gobata) in 2010.

His daughter Kelly Molloy said: “Dad had been unwell for some time. I moved him to a care home near us in Whitstable in December 2018 and he has been happy there, keeping the nurses on their toes ever since . . .

“He has had a few significant medical setbacks over the past ten years then took an unexpected downturn on Tuesday but he was very peaceful and not in pain.

“From a family perspective, Dad was a huge character who is simply irreplaceable. His love of life and ridiculous sense of humour will always be missed.”

Palmer also enjoyed success as an owner, particularly with the Patsy Byrne-trained duo of Ardcollum Flash and Ardcollum Hilda in the early 1990s.

News of Palmer's death saw many tributes with Alan Byrne, the Racing Post’s Chief Executive and Editor-in-Chief, leading them: “Everyone at the Racing Post was very sad to learn of Mike’s passing. He was a friend, mentor and colleague to so many of our team for a long time. He was a real enthusiast and his passion for greyhound racing was second to none.

“Mike was one of the pioneering team who used their knowledge and expertise to establish the business back in 1986. Without the commitment and dedication of people like Mike, the Racing Post would not exist. We all owe him a big debt of gratitude.”

Jim Cremin, who worked alongside him in the early Racing Post days, adds: “Mike was the Wembley correspondent for The Sporting Life when, in 1985, he was appointed as Greyhound Editor by the Racing Post’s founding editor Graham Rock. I was Wembley’s racing manager and he bravely offered me the role as his deputy.

“Mike was likeable - people remember him fondly - and I fancied the change. He was a natural, quick-witted writer and particularly good with the media.

“He helped raise the profile of the paper via radio and TV. It was great fun with a motivated team. I am grateful to him for the opportunity he gave me and he will be much missed.”

Jonathan Hobbs, another member of the Racing Post greyhound desk under Palmer, tweeted: “Very sad to hear this morning that Mike Palmer has died. He was the 'face' of the sport for many, many years - launching 'Paws For Thought' on SIS and making regular appearances on TV. He was a good man and very good to me.”

Greyhound Star editor Floyd Amphlett said: “He was excellent on radio and then TV, he had a friendly laid-back view of life and dog racing.”

Roy Brindley, who worked with him on Greyhound Monthly, said: “Always had the utmost respect for Mike who made regular contributions to Greyhound Monthly and, alongside Pat Kelly (they worked so well together), picked up the reins on the magazine c2002.

“It was most certainly not for money but his love of the sport. A great guy, sad loss.”

Francis Kelly, production editor at the Racing Post at launch, said: “In 1985 I persuaded Mike to leave the Life for the Post. I always respected that he fought his corner.”

Broadcaster and journalist Simon Milham said: “Mike was a lovely man. I worked with him at Sporting Edge a few years back and we kept in touch (sporadically). His greyhound knowledge was superb, but I shall just remember him for being a lovely, amiable, kind man. My sincere condolences to all his friends and family.“

Palmer is survived by daughter Kelly and son Joe – another son Gary pre-deceased him – plus two granddaughters, Gracie and Toni and brother, Tony.



We are grateful for the contribution of Patrick Kelly who helped with this obituary.

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RACING POST GREYHOUND TV

ON 'YOUTUBE'


www.youtube.com/c/RPGTV2

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THE RETURN OF THE RACING POST

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Paul Witten of SIS: is pleased to be back

...SIS also resume June 1 with Towcester on Sunday nights...

BY RACING POST STAFF TUESDAY 26 MAY 2020



SIS is to announce a racing schedule comprising 42 fixtures a week commencing next Monday (June 1) with the headline being the return of Towcester for a Sunday evening meeting meaning nine tracks are involved.

Fixtures will be held behind closed doors, and initially be limited to ten races per fixture to comply with GBGB guidance on social distancing and ensure the safety of all participants. The expectation is that this will rise over the weeks to get back to normal levels.

Initially, the fixtures will be spaced two in the morning, two in the afternoon and two in the evening and this will also form the cornerstone of the schedule when retail betting returns in the middle of June. Race times will be from 11am until 9.30pm.

Paul Witten, product director at SIS, said: “Our UK tracks have been undergoing trials for the last week and will continue through this week to ensure that all racing greyhounds will have completed at least two trials before racing resumes on June 1.

“We’re very pleased to see a return to racing and would like to pay thanks to our tracks who have been very supportive of these new measures.

“We continue to liaise very closely also with the Irish Greyhound Board and are confident that we will be able to extend our service in due course to include Irish fixtures sometime in June.”

Central Park, Hove and Monmore will be the busiest tracks with six meetings apiece, Hove picking up an additional Sunday afternoon meeting. Crayford and Romford have both lost one meeting from the usual weekly allocation due to no double-headers being scheduled.

Ian Smyth, director of racing for Ladbrokes Coral, said: “We are all relieved and thankful that we are in a position to be racing again.

“Tracks have worked tirelessly with our track maintenance teams remaining at work throughout the period of lockdown and operational teams implementing processes to keep staff, trainers and kennel hands safe and compliant with both government and GBGB guidance and policies as we recommence.

“Our trainers and owners have been brilliant through this period of uncertainty and despite our reduced income streams for June we want to recognise this by maintaining trainer payments and prize money at pre-lockdown levels.

“With betting shops reopening imminently we hope the income reductions are only short-term though will reassess where we are at the end of June.”

Of Hove's popular Sunday meeting returning, Smyth said: “We have listened to the consistent feedback from trainers and owners at Hove and worked to find a way of reintroducing a Sunday meeting which I am sure will be well received.

“Short-term we lose the Saturday evenings at Crayford and Romford as it is not possible to complete a double meeting with the extended times between races in phases two and three of the GBGB operational policy.

“We hope to have these both back in place early in July subject to a smooth introduction to our new ways of working in June.”

Arc, the rival to SIS in the media rights market, revealed its own 40-meeting weekly schedule last weekend.

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Jonathan Hobbs on greyhound racing: Open questions as racing nears return....


Monday 1st June sees greyhound racing join horse racing in returning to the sporting fray.

Meetings will be staged behind closed doors with strict social distance and hygiene measures in place, but racing ensures the wheels of the industry can turn again, protecting livelihoods, and allowing the sport’s canine athletes to do what they enjoy doing most.

Arc last week announced its schedule of meetings for phase one of the resumption and SIS are expected to release theirs imminently. Tracks across the UK have been busy trialling back their strengths with a two-trial minimum per runner.

The first week saw mainly sprint trials, with this second week now seeing four-bend trials. Tracks will be publishing advanced cards towards the end of the week and the new schedule is unlikely to be that much different to the previous one.

That said, the early-morning fixtures for the SIS roster are unlikely to be scheduled until betting shops reopen, although the status quo remains when it comes to the LadbrokesCoral tracks who were first out of the traps when it came to trials.

RPGTV is still planning for a June 1 return with Nottingham and Yarmouth set to kick off proceedings on the channel should it be given the go-ahead by its partners, although changes to the rest of the week are certain with no Poole and Peterborough (see below).

July 1 has been suggested as the date for open racing to return, although Towcester could beat others to the punch. They had trials last week and have expressed the intention to stage gala open-race cards - with Saturdays mentioned.

Clearly these would be hosted to attract weekend crowds to the picturesque Northamptonshire venue, but the current restrictions preclude that. Therefore, to generate revenue, those pictures need to be sold - and time will tell who snaps them up.

Romford’s Friday night fixtures have led the way for RPGTV, but Nottingham on Monday, Sheffield on Tuesday, Newcastle and Monmore on Thursday, Crayford on Saturday and Central Park on Sunday have satisfied open-race fans for a few years now.

Might an open-race card from Towcester on Wednesday be the last piece of the jigsaw? This would be before crowds are allowed back in, after which market forces and prize-money levels will determine how the landscape lies heading into 2021.

Then there’s the Derby - although that’s a whole other story. We need graded races back, then open races and competitions scheduled - but only after the dates for the 2020 Star Sports, Arc and LPS Greyhound Derby are confirmed