NEWS FROM CENTRAL PARK...

[BVADMIN]

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
ALL THE INFORMATION
FOR {12} 'ARC' COVERED TRACKS.


greyhounds.today/

[SALFORD GIRL]

[SALFORD GIRL]

MY '3' AGAINST THE FIELD....


ANTIGUA STORM.
BROOKSIDE RITCHIE.
QUEEN DOLLY.

[SALFORD GIRL]

Rob Killingbeck, who has been Acting Racing Manager at Central Park , has been permanently appointed to the role, following the departure of Dan Homewood.

Dave Baldwin, Head of Racing (Greyhounds) for ARC said, ‘ I am delighted that Rob has taken up the mantle as Racing Manager. He has been in the greyhound industry for many years and deserves this opportunity. With the support of the Racing Office and Peter Miller, I’m sure he will make a success of what is a demanding role.’

Rob Killingbeck said ‘After being in the racing industry for many years I am delighted to have accepted the position of Racing Manager at Central Park. It is a challenge that I am looking forward to and I am fortunate to have an experienced racing office team. I am looking forward to Central Park flourishing under ARC’s ownership’.

[SALFORD GIRL]

[BVADMIN]

A lot can happen at a dog track in a year but in less than six months, Central Park have changed their promoter, general manager and racing manager – writes Floyd Amphlett of the Greyhound Star....

The sale of the stadium to Arena Racing Company at the end of May, following what can only accurately be described as a period of stagnancy, has presented her with as much of a challenge as any new general manager might fancy.

But then some people thrive on it. Ask Hayley Huntley.

She said: “I’m loving it. No two days are the same, this is what I have always wanted to do. My family have been involved in greyhound racing since I was four. I started doing work experience in kennels with Tony Taylor at 14.

“I worked in the Wimbledon racing office with Gary Matthews, before becoming a sampling steward, then stipe for GBGB. So at the age of 40, I think I have experienced enough of the industry to know how to handle this job.”

With former promoter Roger Cearns – understandably – having been unable to progress long term plans beyond his departure, Hayley has had to set a whole line of plates spinning.

She said: “The ARC Kent Derby was my first Category One event and it was a great experience. We had a fabulous final won by a complete outsider in Galaxy Freedom and the connections, owner Jozef Kis and Stuart Maplesden, were wonderful winners who had a great night.”

“We are also bringing back the Dog and Bitch of the Month awards to acknowledge the performances of our local runners.”



Rob Killingbeck has taken over the grader’s chair following the departure of Dan Homewood.

He has been at the track for the last 12 years having learned his trade in the Hall Green and Swindon and is enjoying the promotion from his role as deputy.

He said: “I am loving the responsibility and the timing has worked well. Our kennel strength has gone up significantly in the last three months.

“ARC offered to pay the bond scheme for two months and it really motivated the trainers to take advantage.

“Combined with the increases in prize money and trainer benefits, we must have had between 50 and 60 new dogs on the strength, all from existing trainers increasing their numbers.

“As any racing manager will tell you, nothing makes life easier than having enough available dogs. It means they should all get the right number of runs.”

Other changes will see the return of the old 450 metre distance with the old traps currently being refurbished.

Rob said: “I don’t know when they will be ready but the work was going on this week so it should be very soon.

“From a racing office perspective, the 450s are an extra complication. Some of the trainers are really proactive, others aren’t, but we definitely have some sprinters who need further and some 480 dogs who can’t see out the trip so they definitely have value.”

Next on the agenda is the Arena Racing Company Champion Hurdle which takes place over three Sundays – December 5, 12, and 19.

Worth £6,500 to the winner, it is for 36 runners but with no current graded strength, Rob is expecting a challenge to fill it.

He said: “We currently don’t have a hurdle strength though obviously Barry O’Sullivan will always have a decent team. We may end up running it as a 24 runner event which shouldn’t be a problem as I gather Ricky Holloway has 15 potential entries.”

As of Monday (November 1), novice hurdlers will be able to win races and still be eligible for the Arena Racing Company Springbok which gets under way on March 27.

[BVADMIN]

[BVADMIN]

[BVADMIN]

[BVADMIN]