Arc 2nd Round Summary

Thought it was about time I updated this here blog. Seems to have been an age since I last wrote on here! The 2nd round of The Arc certainly provided everything, with a new track record seeming to be the norm at the moment.


Sids Dream, the Allsopp trained Dec '09 showed some blinding early pace to get round in front, and basically it was all over from there. I was driving the hare for the race and, believe me, the speed was unreal. As soon as he crossed the line I called 28.10 on the run to be honest.


However, arguably what could be more profitable to put in the notebook is the performances of Jazz Apollo. He's not had a clean run yet, and still battles on to place well in races. Though its a shame he's drawn trap 3 (again, my bad), if he gets a clear sight of the bunny he will put in some run. I've said that he'd go under 28.00 on a clear run, with the way he's running at the moment. Also, the track running that bit fast is also a factor!


Looking forward then, there's quite alot going on at Swindon. We've obviously got the Semi Finals of the Arc to look forward to this coming Friday (along with supporting opens), and The Arc final the following Thursday live on Sky Sports. The Sky meetings are always a brilliant night, with a great atmosphere, and this years should be more of the same.


The other big thing coming up is the BAGS Easter Bunny race series. The competition works in such a way that heats and finals are run at Swindon (with the heats of the comp starting on 12th March), with the races over 480m, 285m and 685m. There will be 2 heats for both the 285m and 685m distance (confirmation pending from RM) and 3 heats over 480m. The first 3 (or first two in 480) then go through to the final to be run on that week's Friday I believe, with the winner and the 2nd place then going on to represent Swindon on the big finals day on Good Friday. 


Good Friday will be a big day for Swindon, with representatives travelling from all 16 other BAGS tracks to compete in the finals. Of each distance, there will be 3 finals, with Swindon having 2 representatives qualifying through to the finals day. Prize money for the competition is also pretty high. I don't know for definite at the time of writing what the prize money is for the local heats and final, but I believe that finals day is something like £750 winner, £75 others. A great prize to aim for.


If you want your greyhound to be considered for the competition, they have to first off be OR maidens. For the 285m and 685m trips, you must then also have a qualifying trial and one Fri/Sat night race over the designated trip. 


For the next blog, I may do a video/audio version rather than text, just to try out new things. It'll be good to hear feedback!


All the best.


Chris